Delhi Zoo Information :
Location: To the South of Purana Qila (Old Fort), on Mathura Road.
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.
Admission Fee: Indian citizen: INR 5 / Foreigner: INR 10
Photography Charges: Video Camera: Self: INR. 50 / Commercial: INR. 500
Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Functional Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Time required for sightseeing: 2 hours
About the Delhi Zoo:
The National Zoological Park of Delhi or Delhi Zoo as it is popularly known, is located next to Purana Qila (Old Fort), on its southern side. The zoo houses over one thousand varieties of animals, reptiles and birds. It also has nearly all varieties of deer found in the country. The white tiger from Rewa, the elephant, which plays a harmonica and the leopard, are some of its highlights apart from the many endangered species of India seen in the park. 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. Said to be one of the better laid out zoological parks of the country, Delhi Zoo is also a favorite destination of migrant birds. In winter the large lake at the entrance of Delhi zoo is thronged with numerous winter visitors including, storks, ducks and other migrant water birds. There are a number of varieties of flora also to be seen in Delhi Zoo.
Facilities:
The best way to explore Delhi Zoo is on foot; though battery operated vehicles are also available for nominal charges. The whole zoo can be seen in two hours on foot if one follows the guiding arrow signs placed in the park. There is also a canteen in the zoo where you can refresh yourself before continuing your expedition. The zoo has basic facilities for visitors like drinking water counters at various places in the park.
Best Time to Visit:
It is advisable to visit the zoological park in the early hours of its opening or late in the afternoon before it closes. Summer months should be avoided as most of the animals prefer to rest in their hideouts and are not easily seen though tigers and bears can be seen cooling off in the moats
surrounding their enclosures. Weekends should be avoided, as it is very crowded on these days. Feeding and teasing of animals is prohibited, though insensitive visitors are often seen doing so.
Flora and Fauna:
The zoo has animals from across countries and continents like Africa, America and Australia and even Asia. The animals one can find here are Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, the Gir Lion and Zebras. The zoo in the year 1995 introduced certain animals like grey kangaroos (Australia), three African antelopes (Red Lechwe) and a pair of jaguars (South America). During the migratory season creatures like Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis deer, Fallow deer, Peafowl, Hog Dear and the Jaguar make the swamps their refuge. Situated right in the middle of the zoo is the underground Reptile Home complex. This complex is home to various nocturnal species including the Pythons and king Cobras. The zoo maintains more than 200 varieties of trees. All the trees come with a description and information about the trees for all the tree enthusiasts. Learn more as you go past the Phulahi hedges and the hanging yellow Alamtas. The zoo has a library also which is a storehouse of information on birds, animals, plants, popular species of birds and animals in India.
How to Reach:
Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the zoological park, which is located near Mathura Road or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. The zoo is known as ‘chiriyaghar’ among residents of Delhi.
