Every year, millions of tourists and locals visit zoos to see and admire wild animals enjoying a leisurely stroll in an artificially created ‘natural habitat’. The trend to create natural habitats and give more space to the animals is on the rise. Originally meant to educate and entertain the public, zoos in India are now strictly regulated and inspected by the Government. India is peppered with some of the largest zoos in the world. Sprawled across hundreds of acres of land, these places help in rehabilitating and displaying animals safely and securely. The biggest zoo in India is the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai. With many vulnerable animals on the verge of extinction, the need of the hour is to have excellent conservation strategies.
A zoo is a perfect place for those who loves exploring nature and having close quarters with wildlife without visiting giant National Parks or Sanctuaries. Here, we have curated a list of zoological parks in India, that will take you on a mind-blowing exploration ride! Take your kids along with you, who are sure to feel curious to know more about animals they have so far seen only in their picture books. It is going to be an entertaining and educational experience for them.
India is rich in wildlife and natural resources. These are some of India's best zoos that allow you to observe wildlife and admire natural beauty all around. If you are a die-hard animal lover, witness the greatness of nature in these zoos and enjoy an ultimate fun experience. Go straight to the list of the biggest zoos in India.
1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)
Arignar Anna Zoological Park was the first and the largest zoo in India. Gigantic in size, it is located approximately 15 km away from Chennai International Airport. You will be amazed to see a diverse range of wildlife species housed in the zoo. Approximately 1500 types of animals, winged creatures alongside flightless feathered creatures and creepy insects, reside here.
Nandankanan Zoo is the second-largest zoo in India. This zoo is also referred to as the “Garden of Heaven”. It is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is also famous for White Tiger Safari. Bird Lovers can join Nandankanan Bird Walk and spot some of the rarest species of birds.
This zoo is named after the late PM of India, Indira Gandhi. Nestled in the lap of Kambalakonda Forest Reserve, this park is spread across 625 acres of land. More than 80 species of wildlife indigenous to this area reside in the park.
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Another zoological garden, recognised as the best zoo in India is situated within Hengrabari Reserved Forest, the State Zoo of Assam, which also attracts a lot of visitors. This fenced-in area is home to more than 113 types of animals from different parts of the world.
Located 16 km away from Hyderabad, the Nehru Zoological Park is among the top 10 biggest zoos in India and a famous tourist attraction. In 1963, the zoo was opened to the public. Spread across 380 acres of land, the zoo is home to 1500 species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. Here, the animals are kept in open enclosures, resembling natural habitats.
Originally, this zoo was set up in approximately 10 acres area, but later more area was added to it, and ape enclosures were built. This zoo is home to around 168 types of animals found near the famous Mysore Palace. It was founded by a German exterior decorator and horticulturist, G.H. Krumbiegel, in the royal residence of the lord of Mysore Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar.
One of the oldest zoos in India, Allen Forest Zoo or the Kanpur Zoo, was opened to the public in 1974. It is beautifully set up in a man-made forest and is spread across 76.56 hectares of land. The park's undulating landscape gives it a look of a high forest.
Home to numerous birds, animals, reptiles and mammal species, residing in a natural-looking environment is one of the biggest attractions in Delhi. This National Zoological Park is India’s largest zoo, exhibiting a spectacular series of more than 126 types of animals, a lovely green island, and a citadel that goes back to the sixteenth century. The speciality and incredible attraction at the zoo is the White Tiger.
Also referred to as the Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Park, this largest zoo in India is home to more than 300 distinct species of plants. It is also known for housing more than 400 types of creatures, birds, trees, and fish.
This zoo is special because of the distinctive sections created as per the different species of animals residing in them. The zoo in India was first an animal halfway house, a separate snake park, and a zoo. This zoo is notable for housing the most poisonous creatures.