It's already late November on the calendar, and a the weather is generally getting cooler and comfortable. Unlike the last two years (2020-21), this year most of the public spaces are open, and therefore, over the evening cup of coffee, people have started planning to go for long and short trips with close ones. As for the weekend day outing list, animal lovers may consider the Hyderabad Zoo as one of the options to visit.
Located in Bahadurpura, a place not far from the iconic Charminar, the Hyderabad zoo is a major attraction of the City of Pearls. Apart from local and other state tourists, foreigners also count on this place when they visit Hyderabad. Named after the first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru; the zoo was opened to the public in 1963. Nearly 100 species of birds, reptiles, and animals are kept in this zoo. Spreading over an area of 150 acres, this zoo provides ample space for its inhabitants. The maintenance staff of the zoo does appreciative work to retain a clean environment. The animals are taken good care of as well. Plastic items are prohibited inside the zoo area.
I have been to this zoo a few times with friends and family and enjoyed each time. Here are some of the key things to see and do at the Zoo.
From the great predators to deer herds, sambars, elephants, ancient reptiles, venomous snakes, colorful birds and almost everything in-between them, the Hyderabad Zoo has space for an enormous variety of animal life. Here are just some of those.
The royal Bengal tiger. The Hyderabad Zoo has a number of these magnificent beasts, kept in various sprawling enclosures.
The white tiger. They are more rare than the royal Bengal and they also stay in sprawling enclosures.
The ancient ones! The Zoo has a considerable section of these magnificent reptiles.
Turtles. There are an endless variety of turtles in the zoo and the best time to see them is in winter when they enjoy the sun.
The national bird. There are a number of peacocks in the zoo, but of course it's a bit difficult to catch them in full flight!
Look into my eyes! One glimpse of an enormous emu!
A mouse-deer. More of a mouse though.
The world of snakes. There is an entire corridor showcasing some of the greatest Indian snakes.
Crorcodiles. Like everything else in the zoo, the crocodile enclosure is an enormous one as well, housing at least 30 crocs across different sub-species.
Beyond the animals. Knowing History, fun rides, and quaint toy-train ride.
The natural history museum contains pictures, charts, and model exhibits to provide information regarding different species of animals. Sometimes zoo authority arranges educational sessions as well. The zoo authority also organizes day safari trips to watch lions, tigers, and bears. They have special transport for the safari and the fee is separate from the entry fee.
There is also an animal adoption facility that started back in 2014. Any individual or corporate house can contribute to this initiative. Many animals have been adopted for one year. There are also some conservation efforts at the zoo that is dedicated towards breeding several endangered species to enhance the wild population.
Other facilities:
The zoo has a food court and a few stalls where you can get a variety of food when you feel hungry. If you are visiting here with small children and aged people, there are battery-operated vehicles for you. Bicycles on rent per hour are available there. One may take a bicycle ride inside the zoo.
And last but not the least, there is a quaint toy-train ride that slices through the zoo. The ride is always full with both kids and adults enjoying it thoroughly!
In a nutshell a splendid place for day-long trip within Hyderabad. Worthy to visit in terms of cost, recreation and gaining knowledge about wild life. Once you visit, you will wish to go there again and again!
P.S. The entry fee is nominal - INR 70 per adult. However, there are separate fees for the camera, rides, safaris, and the food. All together, INR 500/head should give you a pretty decent experience.
Pro tip. You can't cover this zoo in one outing. You will need at least 3 full days to have some idea of this place, it's that big!