Have you ever wondered what inspired the bestselling novel and movie Life of Pi? Did you know that the protagonist of the story, Pi Patel, was based on a real person who lived in Kerala and visited the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo as a child? If you are curious to know more about this fascinating zoo and its connection to the famous book, then you are in for a treat. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, also known as the Trivandrum Zoo, and discover its history, features, attractions, and tips for planning a perfect visit.
History and Heritage of the Zoo
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in India. It was established by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, in 1857, as a part of his royal park. The zoo was originally meant to house the exotic animals that the Maharaja received as gifts from foreign rulers and dignitaries. Later, the zoo was opened to the public and became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The zoo has undergone several changes and improvements over the years, especially in 1995 and 2013, when it was modernized and renovated to meet the international standards of animal welfare and conservation. The zoo now boasts of spacious and natural enclosures, a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, an animal adoption program, and a feeding and interaction session for the visitors.
The zoo is also a part of the rich history and heritage of the city of Thiruvananthapuram, which was the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. The zoo is located in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Napier Museum, the Keralam Museum, and the Art Gallery, which showcase the art, culture, and architecture of Kerala. The zoo is also a place of inspiration and education, as it was the source of the novel Life of Pi, written by Yann Martel, who visited the zoo in 1996 and was fascinated by the story of a boy who survived a shipwreck with a Bengal tiger.
Animals and Attractions of the Zoo
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is home to a diverse and unique collection of animals, birds, and snakes, which can be seen in their natural habitats. The zoo has over 80 species of animals, including rare and endangered ones, such as the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, the white tiger, the Asiatic lion, the Indian rhinoceros, the hippopotamus, the giraffe, the zebra, and the anaconda. The zoo also has a variety of birds, such as the emu, the ostrich, the pelican, the hornbill, the macaw, and the flamingo. The zoo also has a reptile house, where you can see different kinds of snakes, such as the king cobra, the python, the viper, and the krait.
The zoo is not only a place to see the animals, but also to learn about them and their conservation. The zoo has several features and facilities that enhance the experience and education of the visitors, such as:
The boat ride: The zoo offers a boat ride on a lake, where you can enjoy the scenic view of the zoo and its surroundings, and also spot some aquatic animals and birds, such as the crocodile, the turtle, the duck, and the heron.
The children’s park: The zoo has a children’s park, where the kids can have fun and play on the swings, slides, seesaws, and merry-go-rounds.
The souvenir shop: The zoo has a souvenir shop, where you can buy some memorabilia and gifts, such as t-shirts, caps, mugs, keychains, magnets, and toys, featuring the zoo and its animals.
The cafeteria: The zoo has a cafeteria, where you can refresh yourself and enjoy some snacks and beverages, such as sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, ice creams, juices, and coffee.
How to Reach and Visit the Zoo
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is easily accessible from various points in the city, such as the airport, the railway station, the bus stand, and the hotels. You can reach the zoo by using public transport, such as buses, taxis, autorickshaws, or private vehicles, such as cars, bikes, or scooters. The zoo is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
The best time to visit the zoo is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active and visible. You can also visit the zoo on weekdays, rather than weekends, to avoid the crowd and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing visit. You can also visit the zoo in the morning hours, when the animals are fed and groomed, and you can witness some interesting and amusing behaviors.
There are some dos and don’ts that you should follow while visiting the zoo, such as:
1. Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle, to protect yourself from the sun and heat.
2. Do follow the instructions and guidelines of the zoo authorities and staff, and respect the rules and regulations of the zoo.
3. Do maintain a safe distance from the animals and their enclosures, and do not tease, feed, or touch them, as they may get agitated or injured.
4. Do keep the zoo premises clean and green, and do not litter, spit, or smoke, as it may harm the environment and the animals.
5. Do enjoy the beauty and diversity of the zoo and its animals, and learn about their conservation and care.
6. Don’t wear bright or flashy colors, or make loud noises, as it may disturb or scare the animals.
7. Don’t carry any plastic bags, bottles, or wrappers, as they may pose a choking or suffocation hazard for the animals.
8. Don’t use flash photography or video recording, as it may irritate or blind the animals.
9. Don’t bring any pets, food, drinks, or weapons, as they are strictly prohibited in the zoo.
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is a wildlife wonderland in the heart of the city, where you can see and learn about a variety of animals, birds, and snakes, in their natural habitats. The zoo is also a place of history and heritage, as it reflects the culture and architecture of Kerala, and the inspiration for the novel Life of Pi. The zoo is a perfect destination for a day out with your family, friends, or partner, as it offers a fun and educational experience for all.
If you are interested in visiting the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, then you are in luck. We have some amazing offers and deals for you, that will make your visit even more special and affordable. Book your Kerala holiday package today and get a free entry to the Thiruvananthapuram zoo!
