About National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
The Indian Board for Wildlife felt in the year 1952 to have a zoo in the national capital of the country to provide recreation to people at large.National Zoological Park or the Delhi Zoo is one of the finest zoos in Asia and is situated close to Purana Qila or Old Fort. It extends over a massive area of 214 acres and was established in 1959. It aims to provide natural habitat to more than 2,000 animals and birds species that have been brought here from different parts of India as well as other continents such as Africa, America, Australia, etc. Accordingly, an ad-hoc committee of some prominent nature lovers of Delhi, including Smt. Indira Gandhi, was constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Commissioner to formulate a proposal for establishment of Zoological Park for Delhi. Mr M.E.F.Bowring Welsh, of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was appointed as its Secretary. Delhi Zoo proves to be an idyllic picnic spot in winters. The serenity and the greenery here seem very pleasing and offer a delightful respite from the humdrum of the city. The committee met on 9th September, 1953 and approved the site between Purana Quila and Humayun’s Tomb for the purpose. The winding pathways lead to the administrative building, with a library on the right side, where you can get all the information on animals, birds, plants and rare zoological species in India. Visitors, especially children, love to see Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, Gir Lion and Zebras, water animals and birds such as Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis Deer, Fallow Deer, Peafowl, Hog Deer and the Jaguar. The underground Reptile Home Complex displays a wide array of snakes such as King Cobra & Pythons. It was also decided that the Central Government will develop the park and hand it over in running condition to the Delhi Government since wildlife was managed by Forest Department of the Delhi Government.Besides these, there are more than 200 varieties of trees here, including the hanging deep yellow Alamtas Hedges, the drought resistant Lahura trees and the native Delhi Bistendu. Delhi Zoo also has an early 17th century Kos Minar, which was built by Jehangir, son of Emperor Akbar. An official from Indian Forest Service Mr. N.D.Bachkheti was assigned the duty on 1st October 1955 to setup this Zoo.You can admire the vast expanse of the Zoological Park, as you climb up the red sandstone gate. The Zoo is an all time favorite amongst the children. It offers facilities like mobile vans and cafeteria for food, drinking water and parks to rest. You can visit the zoo throughout the year on all days, except Monday. National Zoological Park is one of the finest and largest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds herein New Delhi.National Zoological Park of Delhi is a home to over 2000 species of animals and birds from Africa, Australia, America and Asia. At National Zoological Park in Delhi you can also locate the Kos Minar which was put up by Mughal emperor Jehangir. National Zoological Delhi is a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts. The well maintained zoo has red sand and gravel pathways taking one between the animal enclosures. The entire area is a smoke-free zone with strict food and beverage checks at the entrance. There is a canteen within the park and numerous trolleys for soft drinks and water. The zoo is also accessible to the physically disadvantaged with numerous facilities for them.The winding pathway, laid with the red Badarpur gravel, swerves off into two directions after approximately one km. Along with the wildlife on both the sides; the right side of the zoo also consists of a library, a storehouse of information on animals, birds, plants, rare zoological species, etc in India. One goes out with large groups of family together to enjoy lunch and also play games along with the children. Children especially are really fond of the amusement parks and the boat ride in lakes around.Here at the National Zoological Park, birds and animals live in an environment that in many ways resemble their natural habitat. The National Zoological Park not only provides a home for endangered species, but also helps them to breed in captivity. Eventually they may once again thrive in the wild.
Wildlife Animals In National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
The reptiles like King Cobras and Pythons have special underground caves. Pair of grey kangaroos from Australia, three African Antelopes (also called Red Lechwe), Black Buck, Indian Gazelle and pair of South American Jaguars are the pride of Delhi Zoo.The right walkway brings you to the cages of the animals such as Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, Gir Lion and Zebras etc. While, the left one leads you to the enclosures of the water animals.The most sought-after animals are Rhinos, Tigers, Gir lions, and White Tiger. You can also see a number of migratory birds like Peafowl, Hyenas, Macaque, Jaguar, etc in the swamps made for the water birds. Leopard Cat, Indian Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Black Buck, Indian Gazelle and Lion-Tailed Macaque are some animals you should especially see on your visit. Since the zoo is spread over a large area, the animals are provided with spacious enclosures and various facilities necessary for their survival in this artificial habitat. At the heart of the zoo, lies the underground Reptile Home complex for the nocturnal animals like King Cobra, Pythons and a number of other species.
Fauna at National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
There are approximately 200 varieties of trees in the National Zoological Park of Delhi, properly displayed with their respective descriptions. This place is particularly popular among the children, they love to see Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, the Gir Lion and Zebras, thee water animals and birds such as Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis deer, Fallow deer, Peafowl, Hog Dear and the Jaguar.Some of them are hanging deep yellow Alamtas or the Phulahi hedges, drought resistant Lahura trees, Delhi Bistendu, etc.
Events and Festivals Celebrated By National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
There are many events are held in the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo,also there are many national festivals and wildlife releated events are celebrated by the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo
Tourist Places Near National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
There are many tourist attractiona is very nearest from the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo like Nila Gumbad, Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Sabz Burz, Nili Chhatri, India Gate, Ashokan Rock Edict, Nizam-ud-din’s Shrine and Khairul Manzil Masjid are all located at Walking distances from the Delhi Zoo within the 3 kms Radius.
Best Places to Eat Nearby National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
There are many famous places to eat which are located at close proximity to the National Zoological Park are Sweet Corner, Nathu’s (both in Sunder Nagar Market), Hotel Oberoi, Flavors of Defence colony, Indian Habitat Center Lodi Road, Karims at Nizamuddin and roadside food stalls.There are also fast food stalls are standing near the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo
Shopping Markets Near National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
There are many shopping markets is very nearest from the national zoological park delhi or delhi zoo such as The Sunder Nagar Market (Antiques, Jewelry, Brassware), Connaught Place (Jewelry, Books, Art Galleries, Leather Goods and Clothes), Central Cottage Industries Emporia (Merchandise and Curios), Janpath (Clothes, Low Priced Gifts, Souvenirs and Curios) and Palika Bazaar (electronic items) are the famous shopping venues that comes into the mind of tourists who are visiting Delhi Zoo.And also many shopping malls also available at very near from the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo.
Facilities At National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
There are many facilities for visitors in the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo like canteen,drinking water and also There’s a canteen as well in the zoo premises where you can refresh and eat with normal charges, yourself before continuing your expedition.The best way to explore The Delhi Zoological Park is on foot but also battery operated vehicles are also available for normal charges. The whole zoo can be seen in 2.5 hours time provided they follow the guiding arrow signs placed in the park. The basic facilities are present for the visitors like Drinking Water Counters at various places inside The Delhi Zoo.
General Fact about National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
- Also Known As:Delhi Zoo and Zoological Park
- Location:South of Purana Qila, Mathura Road.
- Designed By : Open on all days except Friday
- Major Attraction : 22,000 varieties of Animals and Birds
- Must Visit : 2,000 species of animals and birds, 200 varieties of trees.
- Best Time to visit: Throughout the year
- Time to Visit: Open on all days except Friday
- Preferred Timings:1st April – 15 October: 9.00 am- 4.30 pm, 16 October – 31st March: 9.30 am- 4.00 pm
- Day Closed: Friday closed
- Admission Fee: For Indian citizen INR 5 /- and Foreigner INR 10/-
- Photography Charges:Video Camera: Self: INR. 50 / Commercial: INR. 500
- Nearest Railway Station:Nizamuddin Railway Station
- Nearest Metro Station:Khan Market
- Nearest International Airport:Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Time required for sightseeing:Approximately 2.5 Hours
- Covered Area :214 acres
- Designed by :Major Weinman of Sri Lanka and Carl Hagenbeck of West Germany.
- Build In :1959
- Official Website:http://www.delhizoo.org
Hotels near National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
Here is the List of Luxury & Budget Hotels/Resorts near National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo, available at cheap prices:
- Taj Mahal Hotel
- The Oberoi, New Delhi
- Shervani
- Hotel Le Meridien
- Hotel Shangri-La’s – Eros
- The Claridges
- Hotel Rajdoot
Picture Gallery of National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
Google Map for National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo:
How to Reach National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo by Road:
Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. The zoo is known as ‘chiriyaghar’ among residents of Delhi.Also DTC bus service available at the national zoological park delhi.The DTC bus routes available for the national zoological park or delhi zoo.Also you can reach National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo by the local transport like auto,cab or taxi.so you can easily reach National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo by road.
How to Reach National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo by Rail:
Nearest Railway Station is Nizamuddin Railway Station from the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo Nearest Metro Station is Central Secretariat from the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo Functional Metro Station is Central Secretariat from the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo and Nearest International Airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport from the National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo.So visitors can easily reach National Zoological Park Delhi or Delhi Zoo by rail.
How to Reach National Zoological Park Delhi by Air:
Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to all the important cities of the world with almost all the major international airlines operating out of here. Palam Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India. Some of the domestic airlines operating regular flights to and from Delhi are Alliance Air
- Air Deccan
- Kingfisher
- Jet Airways
- Go Air
- Spice Jet
- Indigo
As mentioned, Delhi is connected to all the major cities in the world through Airways. Regular flights are available to almost all the European capitals and cities of prominence. Delhi is also well connected to the rest of India with domestic flights. The capital city of India, Delhi is easily accessible from different parts of the country and is also well connected from major cities in South Asia, with over 65 airlines linking it to most major destinations across the world as well as India. Delhi has two airports to cater the needs of commuters, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Palam Domestic Airport.



