The Zoological Garden of Alipore in Kolkata was established in 1875 near the National Library. The main reason for setting up one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the country—the Zoological Garden—was to protect rare species of wild animals and fauna and further facilitate research on the sustainable conservation of such breeds, which have been under severe threat due to biotic interference for so long.
This zoo acts as one of the quintessential places of the childhood of many Kolkatans for as far as their memory serves them. Right from mammals like the Fishing Cat and the Black Buck to birds and reptiles, the zoo houses a variety of species of both, terrestrial animals as well as wetland fauna. The recently opened glass enclosure for the Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction of the zoo, which lives up to its hype. It has also been renovated with new mechanical entry gates for seamless crowd control. For the elderly who are visiting, the zoo offers six-seater open-air vans.
There is one Aquarium for the fish of freshwater situated just opposite the main entrance gate of the zoo. Also, do not miss out on the Reptile House, which houses various reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, and more. You can see them up close and learn about their habitats, breeding techniques and behaviour. You can also feed some of them with the help of zoo personnel.
Timing: 9 AM to 5.30 PM
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Zoo Entrance Fee: INR 20 for up to the age of 5 and INR 50 for above the age of 5
Aquarium Fee: INR 10 for up to the age of 5 and INR 20 for above the age of 5
