Nainital Zoo, officially known as Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the must-visit attractions for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in the region. Established in 1984, the zoo is spread over 4.6 hectares at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, making it the highest zoo in India. The zoo is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region, making it a paradise for animal lovers.
The Nainital Zoo is located around 1.5 kilometers from the famous Mall Road in Nainital. Situated amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Sher Ka Danda hill, the zoo offers breathtaking views of the Nainital town and the surrounding mountains. The zoo is easily accessible by road and can be reached by hiring a taxi or taking a short walk from the Mall Road.
The Nainital Zoo is open to visitors from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, except on Mondays and national holidays.
The entry fee for adults is INR 50, while for children (between 5-12 years), it is INR 20. Foreign nationals need to pay INR 100 for entry into the zoo.
The zoo is home to a variety of flora and fauna that are native to the region. Some of the animals you can spot at the zoo include Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Wolves, Snow Leopard, Sambhar Deer, and various species of birds and reptiles. The zoo also has a wide variety of plant species that are indigenous to the region.
Visitors to the Nainital Zoo can enjoy various activities such as guided tours, animal feeding sessions, and educational programs on wildlife conservation. The zoo also organizes special events and workshops for visitors to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
The Nainital Zoo offers jeep safari rides for visitors to explore the zoo and its surroundings. The charges for the jeep safari vary depending on the duration of the ride and the number of people participating.
For males and females, the entry fee is the same, i.e., INR 50. Children between 5-12 years are charged INR 20 for entry into the zoo. Children below 5 years of age can enter free of cost.
The Nainital Zoo offers special facilities for senior citizens, including wheelchair assistance and designated seating areas for resting. Senior citizens are also eligible for a discount on the entry fee to the zoo.
The best time to visit the Nainital Zoo is during the summer months from March to June when the weather is pleasant, and the animals are more active. The zoo is also a great place to visit during the winter months from November to February when you can witness the animals in their winter habitats.
Some of the nearby places to visit while in Nainital include Naina Devi Temple, Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, and Eco Cave Gardens. These attractions offer a glimpse of the natural beauty and culture of Nainital.
The Nainital Zoo provides ample parking space for visitors who wish to bring their vehicles. The parking facility is secure and well-maintained, ensuring the safety of the vehicles while visitors explore the zoo.
Visitors to the Nainital Zoo are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the animals and the environment. Some of the rules include not feeding the animals, not littering the premises, and maintaining silence while observing the animals.
The Nainital Zoo is easily accessible by road from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital and then proceed to the zoo. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is around 34 kilometers away from Nainital. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 70 kilometers away from Nainital.
Overall, a visit to the Nainital Zoo is a memorable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the rich biodiversity of the region while enjoying the scenic beauty of Nainital. Plan your trip to the Nainital Zoo and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.