Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

This is a popular destination for animal lovers and nature aficionados. The zoo is well-known across the world for its breeding and conservation efforts, and it also has an off-display breeding station for snow leopards and red pandas.

Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling ...

Darjeeling Zoo is another name for the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. A trip to Darjeeling is almost completed without a stop at the zoo, especially if you are traveling with children.

The red panda is without a doubt the most popular attraction. It’s a joy to see these adorable animals in their cages. The aviary has a variety of beautiful birds. The tiger and snow leopard are other popular attractions.

Many endangered species of animals may be seen in the Darjeeling Zoo, which you may not be able to view anywhere else. Tibetian wolves, snow leopards, and Siberian tigers are popular tourist attractions that have drawn visitors to the region since its inception.

Among the creatures are the Siberian Tigers and Yaks. You can also see the Himalayan Black Bear wandering about if you travel a bit further ahead. The zoo also keeps Himalayan flora, which draws a lot of nature enthusiasts.

Aside from these endangered species, the zoo also has Asiatic black bears, Himalayan Wolf, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Leopards, Royal Bengal Tiger, Blue and Yellow Macaws, Pangolins, Pheasants, Himalayan Monal, Lady Amherst, Leopard Cat, Macaw, Red Jungle Fowl, Red Panda, Temminck’s Tragopan, Yak, and many more.

The Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the greatest zoos in the world, and it is also India’s first zoo to earn the renowned international award “The Earth Heroes” in 2014. The Royal Bank of Scotland presents this prize. The prize acknowledges the Zoo’s outstanding work in protecting Himalayan creatures as well as plants, with a focus on raising species adapted to alpine environments.

How To Reach Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park ...

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is easily accessible via cab from downtown Darjeeling. Cars, however, are not permitted at the zoo’s entrance. You may take a cab from the Chowk Bazaar area and go close to the zoo along Lebong Cart Road, which runs immediately below the zoo and upward to the grounds. The Zoo is roughly 3 kilometers from Chowk Bazaar and takes about 15 minutes to get there by cab.

Another option for getting to Darjeeling Zoo is to take Jawahar Road from Chowrasta through Mall Road and walk for around 30 minutes till you reach the zoo.

Battery-powered carts that can transport up to eight people from the Gorkha Bhawan/Bhanu Bhawan to the Darjeeling Zoo are also available. It operates from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and charges INR 20 per passenger for one-way travel.

You may even hire the entire cart for INR 500. Before going, check to see if there are any Battery Powered Carts available.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological park timings ...

Summer Season: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Winter Season: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Open all days except Thursday.

Darjeeling zoo ticket price ...

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park tickets are in high demand due to its popularity. It is preferable to get Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park tickets in advance. The admission price includes access to both the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Bengal Natural History Museum, which are housed in the same complex.

For Indians and SAARC countries visitors: Rs. 60
For all other Foreigners visitors: Rs. 100
Carrying Camera inside Zoo Charges: Rs.10
Child below 6 years age: free.

Darjeeling zoo photos ...

Best time to visit Darjeeling...

The best time to visit Tiger Hill is generally around the months of October – November in autumn, December – January – February in winter, March – April in spring. However, tourists used to visit Darjeeling throughout whole year.

Do's and Don'ts at darjeeling Zoo …

Keep Silence
Use the Dustbins
Follow the Signage
Address your quarries to the Zoo keeper/ Museum Attendant

Do Not

Tease the Animals
Feed the Animals
Make contact with the animals
Lean/Climb on the Walls of the Enclosures
Smoke/Drink Alcohol
Bring Food from Outside
Make Noise
Touch Artifacts/Models or Show Piece
Photograph inside The Museum

Darjeeling Mall to Darjeeling Zoo distance ...

The Darjeeling Zoo is around 3 kilometers from the Darjeeling Mall/Chowk Bazaar and takes approximately 15 minutes via cab. To get to the Darjeeling Zoo, which is located on the Jawahar Parbat, Take Jawahar Road from the Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta) via Mall Road for around 30 minutes to reach the Zoo.

History of Darjeeling zoo …

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, popularly known as the Darjeeling Zoo, is located in Darjeeling, a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was established in 1958 and was named after Padmaja Naidu, the former Governor of West Bengal.

The idea of setting up a zoo in Darjeeling was conceived in the early 1950s, and a committee was formed to look into the matter. The committee recommended the establishment of a zoo with a focus on the conservation of Himalayan fauna. The zoo was officially inaugurated in 1958, and it was the first zoo in India to have a dedicated breeding program for the endangered Red Panda.

Over the years, the zoo has become a popular tourist destination in Darjeeling. It is home to several endangered species of animals, including the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Tibetan Wolf, and Siberian Tiger. The zoo also houses a variety of birds, such as the Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan.

In recent years, the zoo has undertaken several conservation initiatives, including breeding programs for endangered species and conservation education programs for local communities. The zoo has also received several accolades for its conservation efforts, including the prestigious ‘Biodiversity Conservation Award’ from the Government of India in 2012.

Today, the Darjeeling Zoo is recognized as one of the premier zoos in India and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists visiting Darjeeling.

Tips to visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park…

Plan your visit: The park is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm every day except on Thursdays. Plan your visit accordingly and try to reach early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: The park is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level, so the weather can be unpredictable. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for the weather and terrain.
Carry water and snacks: The park is quite vast, and it can take several hours to explore it. Make sure you carry enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized during your visit.
Follow park rules: The park has strict rules and regulations that visitors must follow. Do not litter or harm the animals, and do not feed them. Smoking and drinking are also strictly prohibited inside the park.
Hire a guide: Hiring a guide can enhance your experience at the park. They can provide you with information about the animals, their habitat, and their behavior.
Don’t miss the Red Panda breeding center: The park is known for its successful breeding program for the endangered Red Panda. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these cute creatures up close.
Respect the animals: The park is home to several endangered and rare species of animals. Respect their space and try not to disturb them.
Enjoy the scenic beauty: The park is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the park.

More sightseeing in Darjeeling ...

FAQ about Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park ...

Why is Darjeeling Zoo Famous?

Darjeeling Zoo, officially known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is famous for its conservation efforts and the successful breeding program of endangered Himalayan species. Here are some of the reasons why the Darjeeling Zoo is famous:

Endangered Species: The zoo is home to several endangered and rare species of animals, including the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Tahr, and Siberian Tiger.
Successful Breeding Program: The zoo is famous for its successful breeding program of the Red Panda, which is an endangered species. The zoo has bred more than 200 Red Pandas since the program was initiated in the 1980s.
Conservation Education: The zoo is actively involved in conservation education programs for local communities, schools, and colleges. The programs aim to create awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to protect endangered species.
Natural Beauty: The zoo is located in the beautiful Darjeeling hills, surrounded by lush greenery and offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
Biodiversity: The zoo has a diverse collection of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Research: The zoo is involved in research activities related to conservation and animal behavior.

Overall, the Darjeeling Zoo is famous for its efforts to protect endangered species and educate the public about the importance of conservation. Its stunning natural beauty and diverse collection of animals also make it a popular tourist destination in Darjeeling.

How do I get to Darjeeling Zoo?

To reach the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park from downtown Darjeeling, you can hire a cab from the Chowk Bazaar area. However, cars are not permitted at the zoo’s entrance.

Instead, you can take a cab and travel along Lebong Cart Road, which runs immediately below the zoo and leads to the grounds. The zoo is approximately 3 kilometers from Chowk Bazaar, and it usually takes about 15 minutes to reach there by cab.

Another way to get to the Darjeeling Zoo is by walking along Jawahar Road from Chowrasta through Mall Road. The walk takes around 30 minutes, and you will reach the zoo at the end of the road.

How much a cab casts for Darjeeling Zoo?

The cost of a cab to Darjeeling Zoo, also known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, may vary depending on the type of cab, the distance traveled, and the time of day.

However, on average, a cab ride from downtown Darjeeling to the zoo entrance may cost around INR 150-200 (approx. USD 2-3). It’s always a good idea to negotiate the fare with the cab driver before starting the journey to avoid any confusion later.

Also, note that cars are not allowed inside the zoo, so the cab can drop you off near the entrance, and you will have to walk to explore the zoo.