Alipore ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
The Zoological Garden, Alipore (also informally called the Alipore Zoo or Kolkata Zoo) is India’s oldest formally stated zoological park (as opposed to royal and British menageries) and a big tourist attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal. It has been open as a zoo since 1876, and covers 18.811 ha (46.48 acres). It is probably best known as the home of the Aldabra giant tortoise Adwaita, who was reputed to have been over 250 years old when he died in 2006. It is also home to one of the few captive breeding projects involving the Manipur brow-antlered deer. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata, it draws huge crowds during the winter season, especially during December and January. The highest attendance till date was on January 1, 2018 with 110,000 visitors.
- Location: 2 No. Alipore Road, Kolkata 700 027, West Bengal
- Phone: +91 33 24791150 +91 33 24399391
- Email: director@kolkatazoo.in
- Openning hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Experience India’s Oldest Zoo
The Zoological Garden, Alipore (also informally called the Alipore Zoo or Kolkata Zoo) is India’s oldest formally stated zoological park and a big tourist attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal. It has been open as a zoo since 1876, and covers 18.811 ha (46.48 acres).
No. of Species: 128
Annual Visitors: 3310021
Point of Attractions
- Royal Bengal Tigers – One of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, featuring India’s iconic big cat in spacious enclosures.
- Reticulated Giraffes – Among the most photographed animals in the zoo.
- Grant’s Zebras – Rarely seen in many Indian zoos, making them a visitor favorite.
- Chimpanzees – Intelligent and active primates that attract large crowds.
- Aviary Section – Home to colorful parrots, macaws, hornbills, pheasants, emus, ostriches, and numerous exotic bird species.
- Reptile House – Features crocodiles, gharials, pythons, cobras, tortoises, and other reptiles.
- White Tiger Enclosure – One of the zoo’s signature attractions.
- Children’s Zoo – Designed to educate and entertain younger visitors.
- Migratory Bird Habitat – Water bodies within the zoo attract migratory birds during winter months.
Zoo Hours
| Facility | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Ticket Counter | 09:00 AM | 04:30 PM |
| Zoo Garden | 09:00 AM | 05:30 PM |
| Zoo Aquarium | 10:30 AM | 04:30 PM |
Facilities
- Well-maintained walking paths and landscaped gardens
- Drinking water stations
- Restrooms and washroom facilities
- Seating areas and shaded resting spots
- Food kiosks and refreshment counters
- Souvenir and gift shops
- Children’s recreation area
- Online ticket booking facility
- Information and guide maps for visitors
- Wheelchair-friendly pathways in selected areas
- Security and first-aid assistance available on-site
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Alipore Zoological Gardens |
| Address | 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India |
| Location | Kolkata |
| Date Opened | 24 September 1875 |
| Area | 19 hectares (47 acres) |
| Number of Animals | 1,267 |
| Number of Species | 108 |
| Annual Visitors | Approximately 3 million |
| Notable Animal | Adwaita |
| Major Exhibits | Bengal Tiger, Grant’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Hamadryas Baboon, Olive Baboon, Chimpanzee, Aviary |
| Opening Hours | Open daily |
| Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Zoo Type | Zoological Park |
| Highlights | One of India’s oldest zoological gardens and home to a diverse collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles. |
Best in the Zoo
Adwaita – The Legendary Giant Tortoise
The zoo’s most famous resident was Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise believed to be over 250 years old at the time of his death in 2006. He was regarded as one of the longest-living animals ever recorded and became an international symbol of the zoo.
Star Animal Experiences
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- White Tiger
- Asiatic Lion
- Indian Rhinoceros
- Chimpanzee
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Grant’s Zebra
- Hippopotamus
- Indian Elephant
- Exotic Bird Collection
Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s
▪ Do use Salpata and Paper Plate.
▪ Do keep the premises of the zoo clean.
▪ Do enjoy the vast collection of trees and plants of the zoo.
▪ Do try to be cordial and polite with your fellow visitors.
▪ Do extend your full cooperation with the management and security staff of the zoo.
▪ Promptly report any suspicious activities.
Don’ts
▪ Do not enter the zoo with polythene bag, plastic bottle.
▪ Do not feed or tease any wild animals of the zoo.
▪ Do not play any audio-system or musical instrument inside the zoo.
▪ Do not play cricket, football, badminton, flying dish etc. inside the zoo.
▪ Do not enter the zoo with any pet like dog,cat etc.
▪ Do not try to enter any animal enclosure.
▪ Do not carry firearms or any sharp objects.
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Tixora –
India’s oldest formally stated zoological park and a big tourist attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal. It has been open as a zoo since 1876
Tixora –
The Zoological Garden, Alipore is India’s oldest formally stated zoological park and a big tourist attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal.