Located near the Old Fort in Delhi, National Zoological Park is one of the most popular tourist places in Delhi. The National Zoological Park which was formerly called Delhi Zoo was later renamed to make it an ideal model of a zoo in the country.
National Zoological Park has created an abode that resembles a natural habitat of several wilds as well as domestic animals. The zoo houses around 1300 animals from around 130 species of Indian as well as international animals and birds. The zoo serves as a home for these animals and is also a breeding ground for those animals. This natural citadel situated in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Delhi serves as a break for the citizens.
The various fascinating animals that can be found in the zoo are - Spider monkey, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Zebras, Indian Rhinoceros, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Giraffes, Gir Lion and migratory birds like Peafowl and a few water birds. These animals attract large numbers of visitors to the zoo from various places across the globe. Other than these animals, the zoo also houses a few reptiles for whom an underground house is constructed.
One of the finest breeding programs that happened here is of Antlered Deer which began in 1962 and in the later decades, the population of the deer grew substantially and the deer were distributed to various zoos in Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Junagarh, Mysore, and Kanpur.
How To Reach
By Metro: Khan Market is the nearest metro station to the National Zoological Park. Take the metro from IGI International Airport metro station to New Delhi-Airport Express and then take another metro to Central Secretariat and then take another metro to Khan Market.
By Road: You can take DTC buses that run from Airport to National Zoological Park. Also, you can take private cabs which will be a little heavy on your pocket.
Best Time To Visit
Though the zoo remains open all-around the year, it is advisable to visit the National Zoological Park in the summer season and winter season as more and more birds migrate to the zoo. To witness the migrating Little Brown Dove, Ring Dove, and Little Cormorant birds, one should visit the zoo in the summer season. To see birds like Common Swallow, various Wagtail birds, and Tailor Bird, one should visit the zoo during the winter season.
Other Essential Information
Location: Mathura Road, New Delhi - 03
NOTE: The zoo remains closed on FRIDAYS
Price: For Indians - Adults: Rs 40
Children (0-5 yrs): Free
Children (5-12 yrs): Rs. 20
Senior Citizen (60 yrs and above): Rs 20
For Foreigners - Adults: Rs 200
Children (0-5 yrs): Free
Children (5-12 yrs): Rs. 100
Special price for students on Educational tours:
Student (1st -5 Std.): Free
Student (6th -8th Std.): Rs. 10
Student (9th And Above): Rs. 20
Accompanying Staff: Rs. 20
Tatkal Tickets: Rs. 200
Charges for Battery Operated Vehicles
Adults: Rs. 70
Child (Between 5 -12 years): Rs. 30
Child (Below 5 Years): Free
Small 8 to 10Seater (Per Trip): Rs. 400 (No School Concession)
14Seater (Per Trip): Rs. 800 (For School Rs.100/- per Trolley discount)
20 Seater (Per Trip): Rs.1100 (For School Rs.100 per Trolley discount)
Guide map: Rs 10
For people who want to click pictures, below are the charges:
Still Camera: Rs. 50 per day
Amateur: Rs. 200 per day
Documentary: Rs. 2000 per day
Feature Film: Rs. 20,000 per day
Places to Visit Near National Zoological Park:
1. Purana Qila or Quila: Purana Qila (formerly called as Shergarh & Sher Fort) is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and India which has been inhabited for nearly 2500 years. The fort is regarded as the site of Indraprastha which was the capital of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata period. The fort is around 6 km from the National Zoological Zoo and can be easily accessible by road.
Due to its historical importance and mammoth size and beauty, the fort is very popular among the tourists. There are various gates and mosques inside the Purana Qila like the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, Sher Mandal, Humayun Gate, Talaqi Darwaza, and many other gates.
2. Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun’s Tomb is the tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun and is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Humayun’s tomb comprises of many other tombs of several other Mughal Emperors and other family members of the Mughal family. Also, the place is very popular for its popular and one of a kind Charbagh, the Persian Style gardens.The tomb is styled in the Mughal style architecture, similar to many monuments like the Taj Mahal, Bibi-ka-Maqbara, etc.
3. Rajpath: Rajpath is one of the most important roads of India which houses many ministries of the Indian Government. The road runs from the Rashtrapati Bhavan and ends at the India gate. Rajpath is the place where the annual Republic Day parade takes place. During the Britishers Rule, Rajpath was named as the “King’s Way” when the capital of India was moved from Kolkata to Delhi.
On one end of Rajpath lies the world-famous India Gate which stands as a memorial of the unknown soldier for the martyrs of World War I. Many national as well as international tourists visit India Gate in large numbers.
History of National Zoological Park:
The main motive of establishing a zoo in the national capital was to provide a healthy and inexpensive breakaway to the habitants and the tourists. The National Board for Wildlife (formerly Indian Board of Wildlife) was constituted in 1951 made a special appeal to establish a zoo in Delhi. To this, a special committee was formed under the secretaryship of E.F. Bowring Walsh, who at that time was the secretary of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.
With funds from the Central Government and the project getting executed from the State Government, the plan for building a zoo was now on its path. A report on the layout plan was presented to the Government of India in March 1956 and by December 1956, the government gave the nod to start the work on the plan. The construction of the zoo was completed by 1959 with roads, waterways, ponds, fences and animal houses been constructed alongside some lawns and plantation did.
With the news of the development of a zoo in Delhi spreading across the country, many zoos from different cities of India gifted many animals to the zoo authorities. The zoo was formally inaugurated on 1st November 1959 and was initially called as Delhi Zoo. In 1982, the name of the zoo was later changed to National Zoological Park from Delhi Zoo.
Restaurants Near National Zoological Park:
The National Zoological Park also has a canteen for its visitors. Other than its canteen, there are various other food outlets and restaurants near the National Zoological Park. They are as follows:
1. Masala House
Masala House is located at a distance of around 1 km from the National Zoological Park. The name of the restaurant resembles its specialty and its blend of popular masalas. The restaurant is famous for its aromatic dishes, food served in pots and some awesome handpicked masalas. The specialty of Masala House is that it serves various Indian Traditional dishes grandly.
The restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food options. Masala Houses try to combine art in their various cuisines and attempt to make your experience a comfortable and pleasant one.
2. Basil & Thyme
Basil & Thyme is at a distance of around 2 km from the National Zoological Park. The restaurant serves some mouth-watering European and American style dishes. This place is very popular among the vegan community as it serves some finger-licking vegan items. Basil & Thyme is known for its various kinds of soups in the locality and many tourists visit the restaurant to try out new soups and other items.
3. Threesixty Degrees
Located in the popular ‘The Oberoi Hotel’, Threesixty Degrees is situated around 3 km from the National Zoological Park. It serves various cuisines from the kitchens of India, various Europe countries, and Asian Countries. It is famous for the special ‘Sushi’ dish originating from Japan. The restaurant is wheelchair friendly and provides ample parking space and free Wifi to its visitors.
Some other restaurants near the National Zoological Park are SAZ - American Brasserie, Cafe Lota, Number 8 and Nathu’s Sweets.
Tips for Visiting National Zoological Park:
1. Do not try to play loud music or any instrument as this may disturb the animals.
2. It is not allowed to pluck flowers in the zoo.
3. Do not carry outside food inside the zoo as the authorities do not allow outside food. There is a canteen inside the zoo where you can have food and light snacks.
4. Do not feed any animal or bird as this may pose any risk to your life and also deteriorate the health of the animals and birds.
Animals in National Zoological Park
Mammals: The zoo has mammals like the Palm Civet, Porcupine, Mongoose, and Bats. One mammal that is special amongst the mammals is the Five Striped Squirrel.
Migratory: National Zoological Park also experiences many migratory birds from different locations across the country. Migratory birds like Pintail Duck, Shoveller, Common Teal, White or Rosy pelican are common to the various ponds of the zoo. In the summer season, the zoo welcomes the Spot-bill or Grey Duck to its various ponds. In the winter season, the ponds of the zoo are visited by Comb Duck.
Seasonal Birds: There are many birds that flock seasonally, meaning they fly in particular seasons. Birds like Little Brown Dove, Ring Dove, Little Cormorant and Darter (snakebird) flock in the summer seasons. Whereas, during the rainy season, the zoo is filled with White Ibis, Indian Pond Heron or the Paddy Bird and Night Heron. In the winter season, birds like Common Swallow, various Wagtail birds, and Tailor Bird often flock in the zoo.
Reptiles: There is a special enclosure for Reptiles in the National Zoological Park. The house has reptiles like the Cobra, Rat snake, Common krait and Monitor lizard
Tourism Board Alliances
National Zoological Park FAQs
What is the old name of the National Zoological Park of New Delhi?
Is the camera allowed in Delhi Zoo?
What can you bring into the National Zoo?
If you plan to carry food inside the zoo, then you have to rethink because food is not allowed inside the zoo. There are canteens and various small food outlets in the zoo where you can have your snacks and beverages.
