Last week we talked about Humayun Tomb in our column and got good response of the same. We thank you for the same. As promised, we are back with a new place.
We are living in Delhi but due to running life, not getting time to see/visit wildlife place. What do you think we can do? How to make our kids happy? Can I suggest a place; let’s visit National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo). Wondering why Zoo? Let’s read this column and find out. History about National Zoological Park (Zoo) The National Zoological Park (originally Delhi Zoo), home of about 1350 animals representing almost 130 species of animals and birds from around the world is a 176-acre (71 ha) near the Old Fort (Purana Quila). The idea to have a Zoo at the 
National capital was mooted in 1951 however; the park was inaugurated in November 1959. The government of India was to develop the zoo and then turn it over to Delhi as a working enterprise. In 1953 the committee approved the location of the zoo, and in October 1955 it assigned N. D. Bachkheti of the Indian Forest Service to oversee the creation of the zoo. By the end of 1959, the Northern part of the zoo was complete, and animals which had been arriving for some time and which had been housed in temporary pens were moved into their permanent homes. The park was opened on 1 November 1959 as the Delhi Zoo. In 1982 it was officially renamed to National Zoological Park, with hopes that it could become a model for other zoos in the country. What makes this place special? (Exhibits in Zoo) There are animals in zoo which includes Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Asiatic Lion, India Elephant, Hippopotamus, Marsh Crocodile and many other. However, without proper guidance, you may not be able to see all animals in a single day. For your convenient we are mentioning a small description which can help you to see important animals.
Going to the right from the entrance brings visitors to the enclosures for animals including chimpanzee, hippopotamus, African wild buffalo, Giraffes and Gir lion. However, if you go to left from the entrance, you will find Emu, 2 separate places of White Tiger, Marsh Crocodile, Royal Bengal Tiger, Reptiles house, Jaguar, Panther and Wolf. Zoo is a best place where you can go with your family, especially with kids and I assure you, you will not regret on your decision. Note : The zoo can be seen on foot or using a battery-operated vehicle which can be rented at the zoo. Visitors are not permitted to bring any food other than drinking water. However, you will find many shops inside zoo which will provide drinking water, juice and ice cream. 
How to reach National Zoological Park (Zoo) After reading so many things about Zoo, you might want to visit this place at the earliest. Please find below the details about the days and timing of zoo.
Places at the approx, distance of Zoo
New Delhi Rly. Station : 6 Kms.
Old Dehi Rly. Station : 11 Kms
I.S.B.T : 12 Kms
Sarai Kaley Khan Bus Terminal : 5 Kms
Red Fort : 10 Kms
India Gate : 2 Kms
Connectivity by Metro : If you are coming by metro then the nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan (2kms). After getting down at Pragati Maidan, you can hire a battery rickshaw which will charge you Rs10/person. Days and Timings along with Tariff:
If you are visiting between 1st April to 15th October – 9:00 Am to 4:30 pm If you are visiting between 16th October to 31st March – 9:30am to 4:00pm
Zoo remains closed on every Friday and National Holidays.
Entrance Fee:
Adults : – Rs 40/head
Children (Height under 3ft) – Free
Children (Height 3-5ft) – Rs. 20/head
Senior Citizen (60 Years and above) – Rs. 20/head
Entrance Fee (Foreigners) :
Adults: – Rs. 200/head
Children (Above 5 Years):- Rs 100/head
Battery Operated Vehicles :
Adults: – Rs. 50/head
Children (Between 5-12 years): – Rs. 25/head
Zoo also provide few other facilities like wheel chairs for physically challenged and cloak room services out of which, cloak room charges are Rs. 1/piece of luggage and wheel chairs are free of cost.
You can share your feedback about this column and stay tuned for more as we will publish a new place every week.
Content and Photograph by:
Hitesh Chawla
Email: coolhitesh9@gmail.com
