Nainital Zoo Travel Guide: Location, What to See & How to Reach

Are you planning to visit the Nainital Zoo in Nainital? Read this complete travel guide to Nainital Zoo. It will definitely make your journey easier and most importantly, interesting.

Basic Information about Nainital Zoo

The Nainital Zoo is situated at an elevation of 2,100 metres (6,900 feet) above sea level on the Sher Ka Danda hill, Uttarakhand. The zoo occupies 4.6 kilometres, or 11 acres, of lush space. It was founded in 1984 and in 1995, it first welcomed guests.

In 2002, the zoo’s official designation changed to Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant Altitude Zoo. One of India’s three high-elevation zoos, the other two being in Sikkim and Darjeeling, is this one.

Nainital Zoo is indeed the habitat to many exotic animals, a lot of which are rescued by individuals and wildlife organisations, and it occupies tiny greenery of 4.693 Hectares. This extreme elevation zoo is situated at a height of 2100 metres, making it a welcoming environment for numerous wildlife and birds.

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History of Nainital Zoo

The idea of protecting threatened species, the environment, and wildlife first emerged in Nainital around 1972, and an appropriate ecosystem was conserved for the same purpose in 1974. Although the zoo was founded in 1984, it didn’t welcome guests until June 1, 1995.

From 2001 till its demise in November 2011, the sole Siberian tiger in India lived at the Nainital Zoo. Half of a family of tigers acquired from Darjeeling in 1997, the tiger was given the title Kunal. Mahesh, his elder brother, passed away in 2001.

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What to See and Do at the Nainital Zoo

There are several animals that are rare and you could see them in the Nainital Zoo, which are as follows:

1. Bengal Tigers

The Panthera tigris subfamily includes the Bengal tiger in its habitat. These are still the existing largest cats in the world. It is regarded as one of the exotic species. It is believed that tigers have lived on the Indian peninsula since the Late Quaternary, between 12,000 and 16,500 years ago.

2. Red Pandas

The eastern Himalayas and western China are home to the red panda, often referred to as the smaller panda. It has thick reddish-brown fur with white markings, a nose that is mainly white, and a banded tail. Its belly and legs are black. In 1825, the red panda was officially first described.

3. Black Bear

The black bear, often known as the American black bear, is a moderate bear that is native to North America. It is the youngest and most prevalent species of bear in the country. Black bears are opportunistic feeders, and the seasons and places they live in have a big impact on what they consume.

4. Kalij Pheasant

The Kalij pheasant may be found from India to southwestern Thailand in woodlands and thickets, particularly in the foothills of the Himalayas. According to the subfamily, males might vary quite a little, but they are all at least somewhat shiny bluish-black in colour, while females are generally brown.

5. A Golden Pheasant

The golden pheasant often referred to as the Chinese pheasant or rainbow pheasant, is a species of gamebird that belongs to the Phasianidae family and order Galliformes. The crest of the males is golden yellow with a tinge of crimson at the tip. The forehead, chest, jawline, and edges of the collar are all a rusty brown colour. 

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Interesting Facts About Nainital Zoo

1. This zoo has several endangered species such as Bengal Tigers, Himalayan Black Bears, Kalij Pheasant, Snow Leopards and many more.
2. The Nainital Zoo is a higher-altitude zoo that is located on Sher Ka Danda hill at an altitude of 2,100 metres.
3. The Nainital Zoo is kept entirely plastic-free for ecological responsibility and a better climate.
4. The zoo has also advanced in the areas of scientific research and teaching, which is a step towards the protection of species, the rehabilitation of animals, and the recovery of threatened plant and animal species.
5. Six kilometres (11 acres) of beautiful land make up the zoo.
6. It is an interesting place.
7. It has an everlasting oak, Cupressus, and two additional oak species-dominated forest cover.
8. Although the zoo was founded in 1984, it didn’t welcome guests until June 1, 1995.
9. From 2001 till its demise in November 2011, the sole Siberian tiger in India lived at the Nainital Zoo.
10. It has increased in popularity as a tourist destination throughout time.

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Best time to visit Nainital Zoo

Every month, visitors from all over the world pass through the Nainital Zoo’s entry gates, which are open year-round. The Nainital Zoo trip is ideal for the summer since the weather is consistently pleasant and peaceful. The colder months are still pretty nice and cold, which is good for animal exploration and other tourist attractions in Nainital.

How to reach Nainital Zoo?

Nainital Zoo has always been an attraction for tourists, and there are several ways in which you can reach the Nainital Zoo. Here are some ways mentioned:

1. By Road

Going through the roads is enjoyable. You will see various things on your way and can enjoy good family time. From Delhi, you can book a car or taxi which can take you to the Nainital zoo. You have to go to the Tallital Bus Stand. Nainital Zoo is only 2 km away from here.

2. By Train

Train journeys have always been my favourite as you meet new people while travelling and enjoy every single moment of it. You have to go to Kathgodam Railway Station, which is nearest to Nainital zoo. From here, you can take a bus or taxi and visit the zoo.

3. By Air

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. Travelling by air will allow you to better manage your time and save you a significant amount of time. From the airport, you can book a taxi or local bus and can reach the Nainital Zoo.

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Why is Nainital Zoo so famous?

Given that the Nainital Zoo is stretched out over 11 acres, it is best for young children and older individuals to go slowly and take breaks along the trip. Given the size of the Nainital Zoo, tourists should also bring a pair of comfy shoes.

Additionally, visitors must always remain vigilant and refrain from feeding any food to the creatures or birds. The Nainital Zoo trip may be both exhausting and delightful; therefore, tourists should bring a bottle of water or some snacks with them.

Due to its extensive collection of rare and endangered exotic animals and birds, the Nainital Zoo rarely fails to enthral its visitors. Owing to Nainital’s consistently pleasant weather, the zoo is another popular tourist site.

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FAQs – Nainital Zoo Travel Guide

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