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 Delhi 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.
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
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
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
(All data as of August 2005)
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.
Note: No eatables are allowed inside the park except drinking water.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Walking distance: Nila Gumbad on southeastern side, Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Sabz Burz, Nili Chhatri; In 3 km radius: India Gate, Ashokan Rock Edict, Nizam-ud-din’s Shrine, Khairul Manzil Masjid.
Nearby Places to Eat: Sweet Corner, Nathu’s (both in Sunder Nagar Market), Hotel Oberoi, Flavors of Defence colony, Indian Habitat Center in Lodi Road, Karims at Nizamuddin and roadside food stalls.
Nearby Shopping Venues: 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 and low priced gifts, souvenirs and curios) and Palika Bazaar (electronic items).
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