Are you looking for a fun and educational outing with your family or friends in Pune? Do you want to see and interact with a variety of animals, from majestic lions and tigers to slithering snakes and crocodiles? Do you want to learn more about the wildlife and the environment, and how you can contribute to their conservation?
If your answer is yes, then you should definitely visit the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, one of the most popular and well-maintained zoos in India. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing park, such as its history, attractions, timings, entry fee, location, and tips. Read on to find out why the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a must-visit destination for all animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Things to Do at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as the Katraj Zoo, is spread over 130 acres of land, and is divided into three sections: the animal orphanage, the snake park, and the zoo. The park houses over 400 animals of 42 species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. Here are some of the most popular and exciting activities and experiences that you can enjoy at the park:
Watching and interacting with various animals: The park has a wide range of animals, such as tigers, lions, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, reptiles, and birds. You can watch them in their natural habitats, and observe their behaviour and characteristics. You can also interact with some of the friendly and domesticated animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ducks. You can even feed some of the herbivorous animals, such as deer and goats, with the food provided by the park authorities.
Visiting the snake park: The snake park is one of the main attractions of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, as it houses over 160 species of snakes, including the king cobra, the python, and the viper. You can see the snakes in their glass enclosures, and learn about their features, habits, and venom. You can also watch the snake shows, where the experts demonstrate how to handle and identify different snakes, and how to treat snake bites. The snake park also has a library, a museum, and an auditorium, where you can find more information and resources on snakes and reptiles.
Exploring the lake: The park also has a beautiful lake, which is home to many aquatic animals, such as crocodiles, turtles, and fish. You can take a boat ride on the lake, and enjoy the scenic views of the park and the surrounding hills. You can also spot some migratory and resident birds, such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks, near the lake. The lake is also a great place to relax and unwind, and enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.
Learning more about the wildlife and the environment at the wildlife research centre: The park also has a wildlife research centre, which conducts various studies and projects on animal behaviour, ecology, and conservation. You can visit the centre, and learn more about the ongoing research and the challenges faced by the wildlife and the environment. You can also participate in some of the awareness and education programs, such as workshops, seminars, and camps, that are organized by the centre for the visitors and the students.
Participating in the animal welfare events: The park also organizes various animal welfare events, such as feeding, bathing, and grooming the animals, and attending the awareness and adoption programs. You can join these events, and show your love and care for the animals, and also learn how to take care of them. You can also adopt an animal of your choice, and support its maintenance and well-being.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Timings and Entry Fee
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The park is closed on Mondays, and on some national holidays and festivals. The entry fee and camera charges for different categories of visitors are as follows:
Category Entry Fee Camera Charges
Adults Rs. 50 Rs. 100
Children Rs. 25 Rs. 50
Students Rs. 15 Rs. 25
Senior Citizens Rs. 25 Rs. 50
You can also book your tickets online, and avail some discounts and benefits, such as skipping the queue, getting a free guide, and receiving a souvenir. You can also become a member of the park, and enjoy unlimited visits and access to the park facilities and events.
How to Reach Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The park is located at Katraj, about 15 km from the Pune city centre. You can reach the park by various modes of transport, such as buses, taxis, cars, and bikes. Here are some of the transport options available:
Buses:
You can take a bus from the Swargate bus stand, which is the nearest bus stop to the park. The bus number is 29, and the fare is Rs. 10. The bus frequency is every 15 minutes, and the journey time is about 30 minutes.
Taxis:
You can hire a taxi from any part of the city, and reach the park in about 45 minutes. The fare is around Rs. 300, depending on the traffic and the distance.
Cars:
You can drive your own car, or rent a car from a car rental service, and reach the park in about 40 minutes. The route is via the Pune-Satara road, and the park has a spacious parking lot for the visitors.
Bikes:
You can also ride your own bike, or rent a bike from a bike rental service, and reach the park in about 35 minutes. The route is the same as the car, and the park has a separate parking area for the bikes.
You can also use a map or a GPS device to find the route and directions to the park. Some of the landmarks and signs to look for are the Katraj Dairy, the Katraj Tunnel, and the Katraj Lake. The best time and mode of transport to choose depends on your convenience, budget, and preference.
Best Time to Visit Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The best time to visit the park depends on the weather and the animal behaviour. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Winter (November to February):
This is the best time to visit the park, as the weather is pleasant and cool, and the animals are more active and visible. You can also enjoy the winter festivals and events, such as the Christmas and New Year celebrations, and the Republic Day parade.
Summer (March to May):
This is a good time to visit the park, as the weather is hot and dry, and the animals are more likely to seek shade and water, which can offer some unique sightings and interactions. You can also enjoy the summer activities and events, such as the water sports, the mango festival, and the Earth Day program.
Monsoon (June to October):
This is a less favourable time to visit the park, as the weather is wet and humid, and the park may be closed or have limited access due to heavy rains and floods. You can also face some difficulties in travelling and sightseeing, due to the muddy roads and poor visibility.
You should also consider the peak and off-peak hours and days of the park, and how they affect the crowd, availability, and prices of the park. The peak hours are usually from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the peak days are usually on weekends and holidays. The off-peak hours are usually from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and the off-peak days are usually on weekdays. You should plan your visit accordingly, depending on whether you want to avoid the crowd or enjoy the buzz. You should also check the weather forecast, the park website, and the social media pages for any updates or changes in the park timings, entry fee, or activities.
Tips for Visiting Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Here are some of the dos and don’ts for visiting the park, to make your visit safe, comfortable, and enjoyable:
Do carry water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas, as the park can be hot, sunny, and dusty. You can also buy these items from the park shops and stalls, but they may be expensive or out of stock.
Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the park is spread over a large area, and requires a lot of walking and climbing. You should also avoid wearing bright or flashy colours, as they may attract or disturb the animals.
Do follow the rules and regulations of the park, such as not littering, not feeding, touching, or teasing the animals, not making loud noises, and not smoking or drinking. You should also follow the instructions and guidance of the park staff and volunteers, and respect their authority and expertise.
Do respect the animals and their habitats, and maintain a safe distance from them, especially the wild and dangerous ones. You should also avoid flash photography, as it may harm or scare the animals. You should also remember that the animals are not trained or tamed, and they may react unpredictably or aggressively, so you should be careful and cautious at all times.
Don’t forget to carry your ID proof, tickets, and camera, as they may be required at the entrance or inside the park. You should also keep your valuables and belongings safe and secure, and report any loss or theft to the park authorities.
Don’t miss the animal shows, demonstrations, and talks, as they are informative and entertaining, and offer a chance to learn more about the animals and their conservation. You can check the schedule and timings of the shows and events on the park website or at the information centre, and plan your visit accordingly.
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a wildlife wonderland for all ages, and a perfect place to spend a day with your family or friends. You can see and interact with a variety of animals, from majestic lions and tigers to slithering snakes and crocodiles. You can also learn more about the wildlife and the environment, and how you can contribute to their conservation.
You can also enjoy the scenic beauty and the serene atmosphere of the park, and relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is easily accessible, affordable, and well-maintained, and offers a lot of facilities and services for the visitors. The park is also open throughout the year, and has different attractions and events for different seasons and occasions.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now, and visit the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, and have a memorable and enriching experience. And don’t forget to share your feedback and photos with us on Tripoto, the world’s largest travel community. Thank you for reading, and happy travelling!
