Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling
· Summer: April-May (19°C - 37°C)
· Winter: November-February (-2°C - 24°C)
Monsoon: July-August
Best time to visit:
March-June and October-December
Opening Time: 08:30 a.m.
Closing Time: 04:00 p.m. (winter) 04:30 p.m. (summer)
Weekly Holiday: Thursday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 20
Children:
Nil
Cameras: INR 10
Video Camera: INR 10
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 50
Children:
Nil
Cameras:
INR 10
Video Camera:
INR 10
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as Darjeeling Zoo, is designated as India’s largest high altitude zoo. At the height of about 7,000 ft. and spread over an area of about 68 hectare, the zoo is home to many endangered species of Eastern Himalayas. Red panda, snow leopard, clouded leopard, black leopard, slow loris, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear and Bengal tiger are among the top attractions of the zoo, which also features musk deer, blue sheep, yak, sambar, goral and many other animals.
Located on the Birch Hill (also called Jawahar Parbat), the zoo has exotic birds as its exhibits, some of the most notable ones being golden and silver pheasants, Himalayan monal, ring-necked pheasant, Lady Amherst, red jungle-fowl, rose-ringed parakeet, hill myna, grey turaco and blue gold macaw. Indian star tortoise and Himalayan salamander are other conserved species at the park.
A member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park attracts millions of visitors every year and is also known for offering animal adoption program.
Connectivites
Road:
Darjeeling is well-connected to the top destinations of North and East India via NH 31 and 34. The zoo can be accessed on foot by taking Jawahar Road from the Mall Road downhill. If visiting in a car or shared jeep, you need to walk uphill for about 5 min from the parking area.
Railway:
New Jalpaguri Railway Station is about 74 km. from the zoo. Taxis and shared jeeps can be hired from here to reach the park enjoying beautiful sceneries all around.
Airway:
About 72 km. from the zoological park is the closest airport at Bagdogra. Again, you can hire taxis or choose shared jeeps from airport to the zoo.