Alipore Zoo: A Captivating Wildlife Experience in Kolkata

Alipore Zoo is one of the oldest and most visited zoological parks in India. It was established in 1876, covering more than 16.5 acres of land, housing a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. The Alipore Zoo is an essential spot to visit for nature lovers, as it offers anyone and everyone a chance to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom in a calm and natural environment.

Here in this article, we will be discussing and taking a look at the Alipore Zoo timing along with some other important details like entry fees that could help you plan your visit to this popular spot in Kolkata.

Alipore Zoo Timings: When Can You Visit?

The Alipore Zoo is open on every day of the week except Thursday, so you can visit this zoo on any other day. Here are some general Alipore Zoo timings you should know:

Opening Time

The zoo is open at 9:00 AM on each day of the week, so you have enough time to visit and explore the wide array of exhibits at the zoo.

The zoo closes at 5:00 PM. Plan your visit for a full day of sightseeing and animal watching, though it is recommended to be an early bird. You will find peace during the early mornings, and most animals can be spotted at this time since they are mostly active during early morning hours.

It is always wise to check the zoo's official website or call ahead before planning a visit because the timings might change due to special circumstances, holidays, or unforeseen events.

Alipore Zoo Closed Day: When Is It Closed?

As discussed above, Alipore Zoo is still closed on Thursdays. This leaves a lot of space to keep the zoo in good condition through weekly maintenance and cleaning activities. Visitors need to plan their visits to the zoo to avoid visiting during Thursdays.

The zoo is open the rest of the week and weekends, so it is a perfect place for family fun for both residents and visitors.

Alipore Zoo Opening Time: A Detailed Overview

The opening time for Alipore Zoo is at 9:00 AM, giving you enough time to start visiting after breakfast. It is better to reach the zoo early so that you get a chance to see the animals when the crowd is less dense, especially during weekends and holidays.

Immediately upon entering the zoo, there is a full view of lush greenery, well-maintained animal houses, and a wide variety of species from across parts of the world. Other sections include mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic life exhibits, which ensure that every visitor in the zoo finds something interesting.

One of the most famous exhibits at the zoo is the Royal Bengal Tiger-an animal fit for royalty, symbolizing the wildlife of India. Other African lions, zebras, giraffes, and a wide variety of primates have been kept here, making it an electrifying experience for children and adults alike.

The time for Alipore Zoo opening coincides with the hours of high activities when animals can be really engaging because many of the animals become active only at these early hours of a cooler day. So, this would be a good time for all animal enthusiasts and photographers to grab some nice photographs.

Kolkata Alipore Zoo Opening Time: Visit Time

For tourists visiting Kolkata, Alipore Zoo opening time is a great option to plan a half-day excursion. The zoo is located near the southern part of the city, in the Alipore area, and is easily accessible from popular spots like Park Street and Esplanade. Whether you are traveling by car, public transport, or auto-rickshaw, the zoo is well connected by road and offers a convenient option for both short trips and day-long outings.

It’s best to visit the zoo early to avoid the midday heat, especially in the summer months when Kolkata can be quite hot. If you’re planning to visit the zoo with family or young children, the opening time is ideal as you can enjoy the exhibits at a leisurely pace before the crowds begin to arrive. The zoo also provides wheelchairs for visitors with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Alipore Zoo Timings and Entry Fee

The timings of Alipore Zoo and the entry fee will prove to be relevant information for travelers who are preparing a trip. Know this before heading out.

Entry Fee

Adult (Indian Nationals): INR 20

Children (3-12 years): INR 10

Foreign Nationals: INR 100

The entry fee is quite affordable so that it would be a family outing and even a school visit without much of an expenditure. Additionally, the zoo also offers concessions and special student and group discounts and educational visit rates. Always carry your ID proof in case any discounts apply.

The zoo charges a regular entry fee, and apart from that, there are extra charges for some activities, like photography. Cameras and video cameras are permitted but will incur a small amount of INR 10-20, depending on the equipment type.

Important Note:

Always carry your ticket with you while inside the zoo as the ticket is checked at various points.

What to Expect at Alipore Zoo?

Alipore Zoo houses more than 1,000 animals belonging to 150 species. Some of the key highlights include:

Royal Bengal Tigers: The zoo houses these majestic tigers, one of the most iconic animals of India, in their naturalistic enclosures. These tigers are the highlight of the zoo, and visitors are often excited to spot them resting or roaming around their enclosures.

African Lions: Alipore Zoo is known for its collection of African lions, which are popular among visitors. You can watch them up close as they move around their large enclosures.

Birds and Reptiles: The zoo has an impressive collection of both exotic and indigenous birds, including peacocks, parrots, and vultures. The reptile section showcases various species of snakes, crocodiles, and lizards.

Aquatic Life: It also has an aquarium where a number of fish species can be seen. For the aquatic life enthusiasts, this is an exciting place to visit.

In addition to the animals, Alipore Zoo has some beautiful green landscapes, shaded walkways, and several educational boards that teach the visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation. The place is so quiet that it makes a great spot for sightseeing and relaxation.

Tips to Visit Alipore Zoo

Plan Your Visit Early: Arriving at the zoo when it opens at 9:00 AM gives you the best chance to see the animals while they are most active.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The zoo covers a large area, so wear comfortable walking shoes to explore all the exhibits.

Carry Water and Snacks: It is advisable to carry water and light snacks since there are so many food stalls available at the zoo, especially if you have a long time to spend.

Be Respective: Just follow the rules in place at the zoo and give the animals some space without disturbing them or noisy noises.

Avoid Thursdays: The zoo is closed on Thursdays, so avoid going there on Thursdays.

Conclusion

Alipore Zoo in Kolkata is a very good place to visit for all those who like wildlife, photography, or simply relaxing in a calm green environment. Timings are not a problem since it opens in the morning, and the entrance fees are quite nominal. With various animals to observe, it gives an enriching experience to every age group. This is an excellent method for both the local and foreign tourists to cherish the beauty of nature and gather knowledge about conserving animals.