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Largest Zoos In India

Last Updated At: 16-Sep-2024

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    Top 17 Largest Zoos in India You Must Visit in 2024

    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.

    Top 17 Largest Zoos In India 

    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.

    • Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo), Chenna
    • Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
    • Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
    • Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati
    • Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
    • Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden)
    • Allen Forest Zoo, Kanpur
    • National Zoological Park, New Delhi
    • Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, Patna
    • Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
    • Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur
    • Sakkarbaug Zoological Park
    • Gopalpur Zoo
    • Gulab Bagh and Zoo
    • Chattbir Zoo
    • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
    • Nainital Zoo 

    1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)

    Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)
    Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo), Chennai

    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.

    2. Nandankanan Zoological Park

    Nandankanan Zoological Park
    Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar

    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.

    3. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

    Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
    Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam

    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.

    Also Read: 10 Largest Lakes In India That Will Up Your Instagram Game

    4. Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden

    Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden
    Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati

    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.

    • Location: Guwahati, Assam
    • Started in 1958
    • Area: 1.74 km2 432.4 sections of land

    5. Nehru Zoological Park

    Nehru Zoological Park
    Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad

    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.

    6. Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden)

    Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden)
    Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden)

    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.

    7. Allen Forest Zoo

    Allen Forest Zoo
    Allen Forest Zoo, Kanpur

    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.

    • Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
    • Started in 1971
    • Area: 0.77 km2 or 190.2 sections of land

    8. National Zoological Park

    National Zoological Park
    National Zoological Park, New Delhi

    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.

    • Location: New Delhi, Delhi
    • Started in 1959
    • Area: 0.71 km2 or 175.4 sections of land

    9. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan

    Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan
    Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, Patna

    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.

    • Location: Patna, Bihar
    • Started in 1973
    • Area: 0.62 km. or 153.2 sections of land

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    10. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

    Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
    Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune

    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.

    11. Sajjangarh Biological Park

    Sajjangarh Biological Park
    Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur

    This zoo in India is located in the foothills of the famous Sajjangarh Palace or the Monsoon Palace. Sprawled across 36 acres of area, it is home to a unique variety of species. The park also encloses a zoo hospital where sick animals are treated.

    12. Sakkarbaug Zoological Park

    Sakkarbaug Zoological Park

    Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, also known as Junagadh Zoo, is counted among the top 10 zoos in India, with extremely diverse wildlife species. Famous for their purebred and perilous Asiatic Lions, this park is a true treat for wildlife seekers and photographers. Come here and let the amazing species unfold their vibrant colours right before your eyes!

    • Location. Junagadh
    • Started in. 1863
    • Area. 210 acres

    13. Gopalpur Zoo

    Gopalpur Zoo

    Gopalpur Zoo is regarded as the best zoo in India, known for its enchanting flora and fauna. Beautifully blanketed by the Dhauladar Range of the Himalayas, this zoological park is among the popular places in Himachal Pradesh, guaranteeing fun time!

    • Location. Himachal Pradesh
    • Started in. 1992
    • Area. 0.125 Square Kilometeres

    14. Gulab Bagh and Zoo

    Gulab Bagh and Zoo

    Gulab Bagh, also recognised as the Udaipur Zoo, is one of the largest zoos in India, hosing a dramatic variety of wildlife. Ranked among the best-kept animal habitats, Gulab Bagh is a place worth visiting and getting a closer interaction with the beautiful wildlife of India.

    • Location. Udaipur, Rajasthan
    • Started in. 1850
    • Area. Details not specified

    15. Chattbir Zoo

    Chattbir Zoo

    Chattbir Zoo, also known as M.C. Zoological Park is one of the best zoos in India, open for wildlife seekers to come and witness the epic species right before their eyes! Over the years, Chattbir Zoo has evolved as a crucial spot for biodiversity conservation, research and public engagement. Here, you can enjoy walking across the Aviary, wildlife photography, safari, and heart-pounding animal spotting!

    • Location. Zirakpur, Punjab
    • Started in. 1977
    • Area. 2.04 square kilometres

    16. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

    Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

    Recognised as India’s biggest zoo, this park houses a marvellous range of wildlife species. Being a famous spot for captive breeding projects, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-visit tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Based on planning, content, administration, and engaging zoo activities, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is ranked as the best zoo in India!

    • Location. Darjeeling, West Bengal
    • Started in. 1958
    • Area. 0.274 square kilometres

    17. Nainital Zoo

    Nainital Zoo

    Beautifully located on Sher ka Danda Hill, Nainital Zoo is another best zoo in India, which was officially named as Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in 2022. This zoo exhibits a variety of wildlife species including Japanese Macaque, Rose-ringed Parakeet, White Peafowl, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, and many more.

    • Location. Nainital, Uttarakhand
    • Started in. 1984
    • Area. 0.04693 square kilometres

    Conclusion

    Enjoy a close encounter with wildlife at some of the best zoos in India and enjoy watching animals, birds, reptiles, and vegetation of diverse species. Plan a visit to any of these zoos and get a glimpse of the wildlife treasures of our country. Adotrip provides end-to-end travel assistance, exciting flight deals, amazing tour packages, and hassle-free hotel bookings so that you can have an unforgettable vacation!

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Zoological Park in India

    Q 1. How many zoos are there in India?
    A 1. There are more than 164 Zoological parks in India.

    Q 2. Which is the first Zoological Park in India?
    A 2. Arignar Anna is the first zoological park in India. It was established in 1855 and is affiliated with the Central Zoo Authority of India.

    Q 3. Which zoo houses the scariest Anaconda in India?
    A 3. The Mysuru Zoo houses the scariest Anaconda in enclosures.

    Q 4. Which is the Number 1 Zoo in India?
    A 4. The Nehru Zoological Park is the Number 1 Zoo in India.

    Q5. Which is the largest zoo in India?
    A5. 
    Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai holds this title, covering over 1,300 acres. Known as the largest zoo in India, it provides a home to numerous species and serves as a crucial center for wildlife conservation.

    Q6. Which is biggest zoo in India?
    A6. 
    The biggest zoo in India is the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai.

    Q7. Which is largest zoo in India?
    A7. 
    Here is a list of the top 17 largest zoos in India:

    • Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo), Chennai
    • Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
    • Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
    • Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati
    • Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
    • Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden)
    • Allen Forest Zoo, Kanpur
    • National Zoological Park, New Delhi
    • Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, Patna
    • Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
    • Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur
    • Sakkarbaug Zoological Park
    • Gopalpur Zoo
    • Gulab Bagh and Zoo
    • Chattbir Zoo
    • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
    • Nainital Zoo 

    If you are a true nature lover, then you should explore these top 11 largest zoos in India if you can’t experience the incredibility of wildlife safari

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    --- Published By  Adotrip

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