On Sunday as per the meetup plan, I had the joy of visiting the Zoological Gardens, Kolkata — more popularly known as Alipore Zoo. This iconic destination isn’t just any zoo; it’s a piece of Indian history.
Did you know that the Alipore Zoo is over 150 years old? Established in 1876, it’s the oldest zoological park in India and has played a significant role in wildlife conservation and education over the years. In fact, during my school days, this zoo was proudly regarded as the biggest zoo in India, drawing visitors and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the country.
This visit was especially memorable because local guides from different corners of India joined us virtually for a live tour, offering fascinating insights into the zoo’s history, its residents, and its conservation efforts.
Adding to the excitement, I was accompanied by my wife and our beautiful 2-year-old daughter. Watching the amazement on her little face as she saw animals up close for the first time made the experience priceless.
We saw an incredible variety of animals, including:
Giraffes gracefully stretching for leaves,
Lions resting majestically,
Tigers pacing their enclosures,
Macaws with their dazzling colors,
Hippos wallowing lazily,
Rhinoceroses grazing calmly,
Elephants enjoying a splash,
and hyenas moving slyly in their space.
Timings
The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the ticket counter closing at 4:30 PM. The closing time is very strict. They fee the animals around 4:45 PM, so all the animals returned to their shelters. You will rarely see any animal post 5 PM. It remains closed on Thursdays for maintenance.
Accessibility 
The Alipore Zoo is located in the heart of Kolkata and is well connected by road.
- Nearest railway station: Howrah Station (approx. 8 km away)
- Nearest metro station: Rabindra Sadan or Netaji Bhavan
- By car/auto: Easily accessible from any part of the city, with ample parking nearby.
- For visitors with disabilities: There are wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways, making it friendly for people of all ages and abilities.
My special thanks to @TusharSuradkar , @TravellerG , @AjitThite and @ReshamDas and all other Local guides who joined me in this virtual tour of exploring the Alipore Zoo. @ShailendraOjha @PrasadVR @Rushikesh_joshi 
and everyone was happy to see amazing creatures sitting home 
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