Imagine walking through misty mountains, breathing in the fresh air, and spotting a red panda playing in a tree! That’s exactly how you feel at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The place goes beyond the conventional zoo by protecting lovely, rare species while nestled among snow-capped ranges and lush greenery. Every movement at this location creates a sense of adventure. The park showcases stunning coastal snow leopards and a breathtaking array of Himalayan birds that will win over every traveller's heart on their visit here. Keep reading to know all about this park.
About the Himalayan Zoological Park
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park stands as one of India's most beautiful zoological establishments. The zoo is located in Darjeeling, surrounded by beautiful mountains and tall trees. The zoo maintains its special status as it stands altitude of about 7,000 feet, making it a high-altitude zoo in India. The zoo steals headlines due to its vital role in protecting the endangered Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Tibetan Wolf populations.
Due to the mountain habitat requirements, numerous animals find a home at this zoo that perfectly mimics their natural environment. Walking through the zoo allows visitors to witness wonderful wildlife exhibits together with breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park offers an experience of walking into an enchanting mountain world.
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Himalayan Zoological Park Timings
When you plan a visit to the beautiful Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, it is important to know the Himalayan Zoological Park timings. The Zoo opens daily from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM except on Thursdays because of the maintenance work. Early morning hours provide the optimal time for zoo visits since the climate remains good and animals are more active. Reaching early gives visitors enough time for a relaxed stroll before the day ends. Also, if you visit on a sunny day, you will get to see clear views of the snowy mountains too! The Himalayan Zoological Park's operating timings must be confirmed before your visit to enjoy watching the majestic creatures that inhabit this mountain zoo.
Himalayan Zoological Park Ticket Price
When planning a visit to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, knowing the ticket price is helpful. The entry fee for Indian and SAARC country visitors is set at ₹110 per individual. Children under 6 years can have free entry. Tourists from foreign countries have to pay an entry fee of ₹180. The price for camera access is ₹10. Visitors who purchase these tickets obtain entrance to both the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Bengal Natural History Museum, since these institutions share the same complex. Seeing red pandas and snow leopards at this location proves an exceptional value for money.
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Best Time to Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
For optimal conditions, people should visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park within the period from March to June and October to December. During these periods, weather conditions enable pleasant conditions for walking throughout the site.
Summer (March to June)
Visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park during summer becomes the ideal moment since the weather presents pleasant and comfortable conditions. Visitors can comfortably explore the park alongside its animals due to mild temperatures, preventing the summer sun's heat. During this period, visitors can see spectacular views of the mountains because of the clear sky conditions.
Autumn and Early Winter (October to December)
Excellent weather conditions during this season turn Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park into a preferred destination for visitors. Visitors can enjoy excellent conditions for park walking with animal observation because of the suitable temperature level. The scenery of mountain landscapes becomes more prominent during this period, which makes your visit more attractive. You should visit the zoo at this time because it provides tranquillity and serenity while showcasing its charm.
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What You Will See at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Visitors can find many attractions to explore at this location. Visiting this place exceeds being a typical zoo because you feel like stepping into an animal sanctuary within serene forest spaces with peaceful animal habitats.
1. Snow Leopards
Visitors can admire the rare and exquisite Snow Leopards at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Their dense fur layer and piercing eyes make them ideal survivors in snowy elevations. It is impossible to forget the moment when you observe these majestic creatures gliding effortlessly through their native environment.
2. Red Pandas
Among all zoo attractions, the Red Pandas are the most adorable. Their lovely long tails, together with their charming nature, win over the hearts of all spectators. These peaceful animals are scarcely observed in nature, so the zoo protects their population.
3. Himalayan Black Bears
The strong and playful Himalayan Black Bears spend their time climbing trees while they thoroughly explore their natural habitats. Their dark, shiny fur covers their large physique, which creates an impressive visual effect. These bears are important to the zoo's conservation efforts for preserving mountain species.
4. Siberian Tigers
The zoo features Siberian Tigers, among the strongest big cats in the world. With their striking orange coats and white bellies, they are an awe-inspiring sight. Through conservation efforts at the zoo staff members aim to protect the species for future generations.
5. Goral (Mountain Goat)
The Goral, also known as the Mountain Goat, thrives in rocky mountain landscapes by using excellent climbing abilities. These animals display their climbing abilities by going up steep rock faces. The scenic way they move across challenging grounds provides viewers with a valuable lesson about the majestic side of nature.
6. Himalayan Monals
People have never witnessed birds more colourful than the Himalayan Monals. Their brilliant feather reflects dazzling light when the sun shines, making these animals noticeable in their natural habitat. Audubon enthusiasts consider these birds to be true wonders of nature.
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How to Reach Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park?
Your planning sequence for Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park commences with thorough information about its location. The location in Darjeeling provides Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park as an ideal spot for wildlife lovers.
- By Air: People can reach the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park by taking a flight to Bagdogra airport, which is approximately 85 km from the site and Bagdogra to the park typically requires two and a half hours of travel time.
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station serves as the nearest railway station for visiting Darjeeling through its extensive connections to Indian cities. You will find various transport options at NJP that will take you to the park situated 62 km away from Darjeeling. Additionally, the Toy Train services from New Jalpaiguri provide gorgeous views of the surrounding regions and the chance to capture memorable photographs. After arriving in Darjeeling, you can find taxi and public transport services.
- By Public Transport:One can access public transportation from nearby towns as a travel choice. Siliguri buses operate frequently between the towns of Siliguri and Darjeeling. The bus service is an economical transportation option, but it takes more time longer. If you are coming from Gangtok, the Gangtok to Himalayan Zoological Park distance is about 100 kilometres. Travellers on a budget should consider using shared cab services as an affordable transportation choice.
- By Personal Ride: Travelling by personal vehicles provides travellers with comfort and privacy during their trips. The road between Darjeeling and its neighbouring locations offers convenient transportation and beautiful scenery. After arriving in Darjeeling, visitors can reach Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park through the central town taxi services.
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Visiting Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park offers a unique adventure for all visitors. The combination of natural experiences while viewing snow leopards, red pandas, and Mountains creates a day you will never forget. The zoological park offers more than just zoological exhibits, as it presents itself as a serene forest environment with plenty of living creatures and natural beauty. Whether travelling with family, friends or alone, this park will create a memorable experience for all. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore one of Darjeeling’s most amazing treasures!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Darjeeling zoo famous?
Himalayan Zoological Park is famous for its collection of endangered Himalayan animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, and wolves.
2. What is the price of a Darjeeling zoo ticket?
Adults need to pay ₹110, and children below 6 years entry is free. The additional camera fee of ₹10 applies to all visitors.
3. Is the Darjeeling zoo worth it?
Yes, a visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is worth it. The park features rare animal species, a peaceful forest-like setting, and stunning mountain views.
4. Is there a panda in the Darjeeling zoo?
Yes! The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park provides visitors a chance to see the adorable red pandas.
