National Zoological Park Delhi (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari, Images, Reviews, Location & Contact Phone)

Delhi’s National Zoological Park is one of the favourite hangout areas for families, particularly the ones with small kids. Located in the heart of the city, Delhi Zoo is spread in an area of 176-acres and is situated near the Old Fort.

The National Zoological Park houses about 1350 animals and birds of over 130 species, sourced from across the globe. From the Royal Bengal Tiger to the Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Asiatic Lion, Brow Antlered Deer, and Red Jungle Fowl, the Delhi Zoo houses them all.

The idea of having a Zoo in the national capital first struck in 1952, when the Indian Board of Wildlife thought that there should be a place like this in Delhi. The idea was to create a place which will be of recreation value to the people as well as can impart some level of knowledge too.

The thought was appreciated and accordingly, a committee, that included names like Smt Indira Gandhi, was constituted. The committee approved the site between Purana Qila and Humayun’s Tomb to construct the zoo, when it first met on 9th September 1953.

The then Central Government had to build the park and then hand it over to the Delhi Government as the wildlife was to be managed by the Forest Department of the state government. N D Bachkheti, an Indian Forest Service Officer was chosen on 1st October 1955 to do the task.

Major Weinmann, Director of the Ceylon Zoological Garden, Colombo, was entrusted with the task of helping in making the plan of the zoological park. Although he gave a report along with a plan, he wasn’t available for regular consultations.

Image Gallery National Zoological Park, Delhi

Further, the government sought services of Carl Hagenbeck, owner of the famous Animal Park at Hamburg, West Germany. He introduced the idea of open moat enclosures in Delhi Zoo. He came up with the concept of moat enclosures and prepared a preliminary plan of the zoo by March 1956. In the plan, he made provisions of roads, waterways, paths, sewage systems and animal enclosures, all that is desired to make the zoo an attractive place. The plan was reviewed and approved with amendments by the government on 31st December, 1956.

It took about three years for the zoo to get constructed. The construction was over by the end of 1959, where the zoo with roads, moats, waterways, animal houses, ponds, lawns and plantation had come into being.

After the completion of construction of the zoo was announced, a lot of state governments and individuals started gifting animals to be kept there. The collection included Tigers, Leopards, Monkeys, Bears, Antelope, Dear and many bird species.

The National Zoological Park was finally inaugurated by Punjab Rao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Minister of the Government of India on 1st November, 1959. It was then named as Delhi Zoo. However, with the idea of making it a model zoo for the entire country, it was given the status of National Zoological Park in 1982.

Ever since, the environment of the zoo has been maintained in such a way that it gives the animals and birds living there a feeling of their natural home.

Entry Fees & Timings

The entry fee of Delhi zoo is as follows:
Indians: Rs.80 (Adults), Rs. 40 (Children from 5-12 years), Rs. 40 (Senior Citizens), Foreigners from countries except SAARC: Rs. 400 (Adults), Rs. 200 (Children from 5-12 years), Foreigners from SAARC countries: Rs. 200 (Adults), Rs. 100 (Children from 5-12 years). Entry is free for Children below 5 years of age.

The zoo is open on all days, except Fridays and national holidays. The timings are 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for slot 1 and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM for slot 2.

Instructions for visiting the National Zoological Park

• One is not allowed to take food items, except milk and porridge for babies, inside the zoo campus. If you want to eat something, you can visit the cafes built within the premises. This has been done to ensure the safety of the animals.
• Teasing animals or an attempt to hurt them is a punishable offence. So, it should be avoided by all means.
• The zoo authorities provide for filming of various levels within the zoo premises. But one needs to seek permission for that.
• The best time to visit the zoo is during winters, when you can afford to walk on a sunny day. It is a fairly long area to cover, so having enough energy is important.

How to reach

DTC Bus: There are a whole lot of buses that ply towards Delhi Zoo. They include 894A, 445, 374, 402, 403, 405,419,423, 425,429, 438 and 966.

Metro: Nearest metro station to Delhi Zoo is Pragati Maidan Metro Station on the Blue line. It is at a distance of 2.2 km from the Zoo.

Autos/Taxis/Cabs: Delhi has an amazingly connected network of autos, taxis and cabs. Use the popular apps to order them for your ride or just wave them on the road and they will stop by, for you.

Location Map for National Zoological Park Delhi