If you’re in Delhi and looking for an economical, educational, and refreshing day out, the National Zoological Park (NZP) is an excellent choice. Established in 1959, this expansive zoo near Purana Qila is a green haven spread across 176 acres, home to over 1,300 animals and birds, some of which are part of endangered species breeding programs.
Accessibility
By Road:
Reaching the zoo by road is effortless. There’s ample paid parking available right next to the ticket counters, which makes it convenient for car and taxi users.
By Metro:
The zoo is centrally located between multiple metro stations—Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Khan Market, and Supreme Court. From any of these stations, you can take an e-rickshaw or a hired taxi, and you’ll be at the zoo in under 5 minutes.
Timings (Important!)
Normal Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Closes: Around 4:00 PM
Weekly Off: Closed on Fridays
Note: Saturdays are reserved for school groups, so weekends can be very crowded. Plan your visit accordingly for a smoother experience.
Arrival & Ticketing
There are nearly 20 offline ticket counters, but it’s highly recommended to scan the QR codes placed near the gate to book your ticket online and skip the queues.
Ticket Price (Indian adult): ₹80
Children (5 to 12) and Senior Citizen : ₹40
Below 5 : Free
Children and senior citizen rates are lower, making the visit very affordable overall.
The entry ticket allows access to the zoo only. For transport you have to pay separately. There are multiple photo spots along the way, especially near the entrance.
Touring the Zoo
The National Zoological Park was originally designed by a German zoologist, then adapted to suit Indian climatic and ecological conditions. The space is vast, and exploring it on foot can be exhausting, especially during peak sun hours. If you’re with young children or elderly members, plan accordingly.
E-Ferry Services (Highly Recommended)
After entering, you’ll find e-ferry points, you must decide right here if you want to go by yourself walking all along or hire a ferry . These ferries pick and drop visitors at key locations throughout the zoo.
You must purchase a ferry ticket to receive a wristband, which allows unlimited rides from any stop.
On Saturdays, ferries are often reserved for school children, so lines may be long.
Only wristband holders are allowed on ferries. Others must walk.
Full booking of ferry is permitted with certain conditions but on Saturdays it wasn’t possible. You can book your own ferry under 1000 rupees.
Ferry ticket for adults : ₹ 77
Kids : ₹ 44
I strongly suggest booking the ferry as walking under the sun can be tiring. Many visitors end up skipping the rear sections of the zoo where elephants and tigers are located.
Amenities
The zoo is well-equipped with amenities:
Water coolers and clean washrooms are present at every major stop.
Dairy booths offering ice creams and snacks are available at some points.
Beware of monkeys—they’re fast and cheeky and might snatch food right out of your hands, especially near the snack stalls!
Must-Watch Attractions
There’s a lot to see and experience. My personal highlights include:
Majestic Elephants – healthy, lively, and blissful to watch.
Royal Bengal Tiger
White Tiger
Hippos
Bird House – It full of n number bird species. Home to dozens of colorful parrots and parakeets, a visual treat!
The zoo is also involved in breeding programs for endangered species, helping maintain and repopulate declining animal numbers across India.
What’s Allowed / Not Allowed
Allowed:
Cameras and mobile phones for photography
Not Allowed:
Food items from outside
Certain items like cribs or large luggage (please refer to the official website for a complete list)
Gallery
If you’re planning a visit to Delhi or even if you’re a local, the National Zoological Park is worth exploring for a fun-filled and educational outing. It’s green, spacious, well-managed, and surprisingly affordable!
