Zoological Garden, Eastern India Travel Guide

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Discover diverse wildlife at India's oldest zoo, a Kolkata landmark since 1876. Explore majestic creatures in a lush, historic setting.

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Zoological Garden

Established in 1876, the Alipore Zoological Garden, also known as the Kolkata Zoo, is India's oldest formally stated zoological park. Spanning 46.5 acres, it's a major tourist attraction, showcasing a diverse collection of animals, birds, and reptiles.

A brief summary to Zoological Garden

2, Alipore Rd, Kolkata, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, West Bengal, 700027, IN
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Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Zoological Garden.

Visit during the winter months (December-January) for pleasant weather and the best chance to see the animals active.
The zoo is closed every Thursday, plan your visit accordingly.
Purchase tickets online through the Yatri Sathi app to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire zoo.
Utilize the electric vehicles available inside the zoo for easier navigation, especially if visiting with senior citizens or children.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Borra Caves

Mahabodhi Temple

Konark Sun Temple

Barabati Fort, Cuttack

Regional Museum of Natural History

Explore Zoological Garden on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Zoological Garden, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Esplanade, take the direct line 77 bus to Alipur Zoo. Buses depart every 10 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes, costing ₹18-₹26. From Park Street Station, take a bus to PTS Race Course. Buses depart every 30 minutes, with tickets costing ₹17–25. Alternatively, take the subway to Netaji Bhavan. The subway journey takes 5 minutes and costs ₹10–13.
Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Kolkata. A taxi from Park Street Station to the Alipore Zoo will cost approximately ₹120-₹150 and take 5 minutes. From Esplanade, a taxi to the zoo will cost approximately ₹160-₹200 and take 7 minutes.
Parking

Limited car parking is available opposite the zoo, but it fills up quickly. Alternative parking is available at Alipore Multilayer Car Parking with Food Court, approximately 650-850 meters from the zoo. Parking charges vary.

Discover more about Zoological Garden

The Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata, fondly called the Alipore Zoo, holds the distinction of being India's oldest formally established zoo. Since its opening in 1876, it has been a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the animal kingdom. Covering a sprawling 46.5 acres in the heart of Alipore, Kolkata, the zoo is home to a wide array of creatures from around the world. Visitors can marvel at majestic lions, graceful giraffes, imposing elephants, and the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger. The zoo also houses a variety of birds, reptiles, and other fascinating animals. The Alipore Zoo has a rich history, evolving from a private menagerie established by Governor-General Richard Wellesley in the early 1800s. The zoo has been instrumental in captive breeding programs, including the successful breeding of the Manipur brow-antlered deer, bringing it back from near extinction. The zoo was also among the first in the world to breed white tigers and the common reticulated giraffe.Over the years, the Alipore Zoo has undergone several renovations and improvements to enhance the visitor experience and provide better living conditions for its animals. The zoo is managed by the Department of Forests, Government of West Bengal, and the West Bengal Zoo Authority. It also focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured and displaced animals.