Name: Visakhapatnam
Rating: 3.6

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam Overview

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a scenic location set amidst the Eastern Ghats and is a part of the Kambalakonda Forest Reserve. It acts as a home for approximately eighty different species of animals spread over an area of 625 acres and is one of the largest zoological parks in Andhra Pradesh. The Bay of Bengal is situated close by, which makes it an ideal destination to study flora and fauna right beside each other. Perhaps nothing ever delighted us as children than a visit to the zoo, and this destination does precisely that. With its dedicated sections for different varieties of animals such as primates, carnivores, mammals, ungulates and birds; this destination houses a vast range of animals.

This park also has a separate section for butterflies and moths, which also makes up for an exciting study. This part of the park is open only during the day, as moths and butterflies cannot fly during the late hours of the day. The walls are adorned with pictures and information about these gentle creatures to spread awareness about them. The animal population here is perfectly complemented by the surrounding foliage of the Eastern Ghats, which surrounds this place on three sides. Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the zoological park is named after the former Prime Minister of India. The park opened its gates to the visitors on 19th May 1977. The area of the entire park sums to about 625 acres. It is almost always flocked by tourists, who visit this park to witness the myriad of creatures. There is even a mini train inside the park to view all of its premises.

Exhibits at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Among the hoard of fauna that can be spotted here includes a variety of birds, primates, herbivores, carnivores, reptiles and nocturnal animals.

Birds- Pelican (rosy and grey), painted stork, peafowl, duck, spotted dove, lovebird, parakeet, eagle, vulture, budgerigar, macaw, ostrich, etc.

Primates- common langur, bonnet monkey (common Indian monkey), rhesus monkey, Olive baboon, Mandrill, ring-tailed lemur (lemur catta), Goeldi's marmoset, etc. The most recent inclusion in this category is the three new primate species of Chimpanzees, originally from Tisch Zoo in Jerusalem.

Herbivores- Barking deer, elephant, wild boar, gaur buffalo, sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, swamp deer, Eld's deer (thamin deer), Hippopotamus and giraffe.

Carnivores- Tiger (leucistic and Bengal), leopard, cheetah, Puma and Jaguar.

Lesser carnivores- Jackal, wild dog, striped hyena.

Reptiles- python, snake, land tortoise, terrapin, water monitor lizard, monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, gharial.

Nocturnal Animal House- owls, porcupines, and civets.

Activities at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Nothing can catch up to the joy of capturing a snapshot of a lazy lion in the midst of his afternoon siesta, and you can feel that joy here at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park! With its infinite varieties of birds and animals, there is a lot to photograph. This destination also celebrates various days commemorating the importance of nature such as World Forestry Day, World Sparrow Day and World Wildlife Week. There is also an education centre called "Bioscope" which raises awareness among the visitors about wildlife. The centre has an auditorium, library and interpretation centre as well.

The zoo also organises various competitions for school children, namely literary competitions like debate and essay writing competitions and even different general quizzes. The park is well equipped with all the facilities. There are drinking water ROs with fresh and purified water at many locations inside the park. You can be assured to have a gala time here as there are a lot of benches and shades provided for the comfort of the visitors. You can also opt for eco-friendly vehicles that are available inside the park at a nominal fee of INR 200/head.

Attractions Near Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

There are a plethora of tourist attractions located nearby Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. Apart from the sandy beaches, namely Yarada Beach, Gangavaram Beach, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Kondakarla Ava Beach, RK Beach and Bheemili Beach; there are many other attractions nearby. You can visit INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, Dolphin's Nose, Kailasa Giri, Vizag Harbour and Araku Valley. You can also opt for their accommodation options to enjoy bird watching and wildlife safari early in the morning.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Entry Fee

The entry fee of Indira Gandhi Zoo is very nominal. The ticket for adults cost INR 10 and for children INR 5.
There is separate ticket if you want to enjoy the mini train ride. For adults, the ticket price for the mini train is INR 15, and for children, it is INR 10.

Best Time To Visit Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

The winter months serve as the best time to visit this place. The peak season starts from October until mid of May. The pleasant weather during this period attracts a lot of tourists from all across the globe. Also, the wildlife week is celebrated at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park with great zeal fervour usually at the end of September or October beginning. It serves as a great time, especially for children and young adults as they can take part in various competitions and quizzes that are held during this grand week.

How To Reach Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is nearly a 6 km drive from RTC Complex in Hyderabad. Buses (both run by the APSRTC - the State Transport Corporation and the Tourism Department) will help you reach the Park. The park is located at a distance of 11 km from the Vishakhapatnam Railway Station.