Top 10 Largest Zoos in India – A Fun Guide to Wildlife Adventures

So, you’re looking for some wildlife adventures in India, huh? Well, you’ve come to the right place! India is home to some huge zoos that not only give you the chance to see amazing animals but also support wildlife conservation and research. Whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for something fun to do with the family, these zoos are definitely worth checking out. Here’s a personal list of the top 10 largest zoos in India that you should definitely consider visiting.

There are the list of Top 10 Largest Zoos in India

1.Vandalur Zoo (Arignar Anna Zoological Park) – Chennai

Alright, let’s talk about the biggest one first – Vandalur Zoo in Chennai. This place is massive. Seriously, it’s huge! With over 1,200 acres of land, it’s the perfect spot to spend an entire day. The zoo has a ton of animals, including lions, tigers, and even giraffes. I loved how spacious the enclosures are, and the animals seem to have a good amount of room to move around.

• Why it’s cool: If you like wildlife safaris, they have that here too. Plus, they’ve got a safari park, so you can see the animals in a more natural environment.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arignar_Anna_Zoological_Park
  

2.Delhi Zoo – New Delhi

Next up, we’ve got the Delhi Zoo, or as it’s formally called, the National Zoological Park. This one’s been around for years and is pretty famous. It’s not as huge as Vandalur Zoo, but it’s still massive at about 176 acres. Here, you’ll find a mix of Indian and African animals. There’s something about seeing the Bengal tiger up close that just blows your mind!

• Why it’s cool: It’s right in the heart of Delhi, so if you’re in the city, you can just pop over for a quick visit. Also, it has a bunch of educational programs, so it’s great for kids to learn about wildlife.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Zoological_Park_Delhi
  

3.Mysuru Zoo – Mysuru

You can’t talk about zoos in India without mentioning the Mysuru Zoo. It’s one of the oldest in the country, and it’s also one of the best. Located in Mysuru, this zoo covers 168 acres and is home to a huge variety of animals, including white tigers, elephants, and even giraffes. It’s got a very cozy vibe but still feels pretty grand.

• Why it’s cool: The zoo’s been around for ages, and it’s super well-organized. It’s a really family-friendly place, with lots of interactive exhibits. The best part? You can see animals up close, especially the big cats.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore_Zoo

4.Nehru Zoological Park – Hyderabad

I’ve had a great time at the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. This place is pretty famous in the city and covers 380 acres. The zoo has a fantastic collection of animals, and I’ll be honest, I was super excited to see the tigers. The best part, though, was definitely the safari park, where you can see a whole bunch of animals in a more natural setting.

• Why it’s cool: The zoo has a variety of animals, including some rare species, and it’s very family-friendly. The boating on the zoo lake is a nice touch too.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehru_Zoological_Park
  

5.Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Darjeeling

If you’re up in the mountains and looking for a unique zoo experience, check out the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling. The zoo is located at 7,000 feet in the Himalayas, so it has some pretty amazing views. It’s dedicated to Himalayan wildlife, and you’ll find snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan bears.

• Why it’s cool: The mountain setting adds a whole new vibe to the visit. If you love animals and enjoy a bit of chill weather, this is a great stop.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmaja_Naidu_Himalayan_Zoological_Park

6.Assam State Zoo – Guwahati

Located in Guwahati, Assam, the Assam State Zoo is another massive one, covering 432 acres. What I really like about this zoo is the way they’ve managed to capture the essence of Northeast India’s wildlife. You’ll see rhinos, bears, and tons of exotic birds. The zoo’s setting amidst natural greenery makes it really peaceful.

• Why it’s cool: It’s one of the best places to see wildlife native to the Northeast, and the surrounding forest reserve gives it an authentic vibe. If you’re up north, you don’t want to miss this one.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assam_State_Zoo_cum_Botanical_Garden
  

7.Nandankanan Zoological Park – Bhubaneswar

The Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar is another amazing place. It spans 400 acres and is home to some amazing species like white tigers, leopards, and elephants. What makes this zoo unique is that they’ve got a white tiger safari, which is a pretty rare sight in Indian zoos.

• Why it’s cool: This zoo is in a beautiful area with a lake and lots of greenery. The safari ride is pretty cool, and you get a chance to see big cats up close in a more natural setting.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandankanan_Zoological_Park
  

8.Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Byculla Zoo) – Mumbai

If you’re in Mumbai, you can check out the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, also known as Byculla Zoo. It’s not as massive as some others on this list, but it’s one of the oldest zoos in the city and has been around for over a century. It’s home to animals like siberian tigers, crocodiles, and hippos.

• Why it’s cool: It’s located right in the heart of Mumbai, so it’s a convenient spot for city dwellers and tourists alike. The zoo’s compact but still has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife and family fun.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jijamata_Udyaan

9.Rajkot Zoo – Rajkot

The Rajkot Zoo is a smaller but great zoo located in Rajkot in Gujarat. It covers about 100 acres and houses a variety of animals, including giraffes, leopards, and tigers. The zoo is pretty peaceful and gives you a chance to explore without feeling rushed.

• Why it’s cool: It’s smaller than others, but the peaceful setting and relatively fewer crowds make it a more relaxed experience.
  

10.Alipore Zoological Gardens – Kolkata

The Alipore Zoo in Kolkata is one of the oldest in India, covering 46 acres. While it’s not as large as some of the others, it’s still a great place to visit if you’re in Kolkata. You’ll see hippopotamuses, siberian tigers, and some amazing bird species.

• Why it’s cool: It’s one of the oldest zoos in the country, and there’s something special about visiting a place with such history.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoological_Garden,_Alipore
  

Wrapping Up

These Top 10 Largest Zoos in India offer a unique chance to explore wildlife, learn about conservation, and just have a fun time with your family. Whether you’re looking for safari rides, natural habitats, or just want to see animals up close, each of these zoos has something unique to offer. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the wild side of India!

Read also: Top 10 Best Tourist Places in Gujarat

FAQs