Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as Katraj Zoo, is a zoo located in Pune, India. The zoo covers an area of 130 acres and is home to various animals, birds, and reptiles. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is one of Pune’s most popular tourist attractions.
The zoo receives over 1.5 million visitors every year. The zoo has various displayed animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, deer, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys, reptiles, and birds. Visitors can also see a variety of shows and demonstrations, such as the elephant show, the bird show, and the reptile show.
The zoo also has several educational facilities, such as a library, a museum, and an animal hospital. The zoo offers a variety of educational programs for school groups and students. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is an excellent place for all the family.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the animals on display to the shows and demonstrations to the educational facilities.
History of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as the Katraj Zoo, is a zoo located in Pune, India. The zoo covers an area of 130 acres and is home to over 362 animals. The zoo was opened to the public in 1999 and is named after Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India.
With more than 22 species of snakes and over 150 individuals of 10 species of reptiles, there’s so much to see and learn. Don’t miss the chance to encounter a 13-foot-long king cobra.
The zoo has various animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, bears, elephants, and rhinos. The zoo also has a reptile house, an aviary, and a butterfly garden.
The zoo has several educational programs and activities for children. The zoo also offers a safari experience, where visitors can see animals up close.
Things to do at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Pune
If you are an animal lover and want to explore different wildlife, then Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune is the best place. This park is home to other species of animals, birds, and reptiles. You can also find various trees and plants in this park.
Another highlight of this park is the snake park. This is the perfect place to learn about different species of snakes. You can also see some of the most venomous snakes in the world.
If you want a relaxing place, you can visit the butterfly garden. This is a beautiful garden where you can see different species of butterflies.
You can also walk on the nature trail and see different animals in their natural habitat. This is a great way to get up close and personal with nature.
There are also several food and drink options available around this park. You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or grab a quick bite at the food court.
This park is excellent for spending a day with your family and friends. There is something for everyone in this park. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune today!
List of the animals and reptiles in this zoo
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune is home to various animals and reptiles. The zoo has a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The zoo also has a variety of plants and trees. The zoo is open all year round and is a great place to take the family.
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is home to many different animals. The zoo has lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, jackals, foxes, deer, and many more. The zoo also has a variety of reptiles. The reptiles include crocodiles, snakes, and lizards. The amphibians at the zoo include frogs and toads.
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a great place to take the family. The zoo has a wide variety of animals and reptiles. The zoo also has a variety of plants and trees. The zoo is open all year round and is a great place to take the family.
Mammals:
1. Asiatic Lion
2. Bengal Tiger
3. Blackbuck
4. Cheetal
5. Common Langur
6. Common Leopard
7. Hippopotamus
8. Hyena
9. Jackal
10. Sloth Bear
11. Striped Hyena
12. Sambar
Reptiles:
1. Crocodile
2. Gharial
3. Indian Rock Python
4. Indian Star Tortoise
5. Monitor Lizard
6. Russell’s Viper
7. Soft-shelled Turtle
8. Spotted Pond Turtle
9. Rat Snake
The zoo also has various birds, amphibians, and insects.
Park Timings and Entry Fees
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune is a great place to visit for animal lovers of all ages. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, from lions and tigers to elephants and giraffes, and there is also a bird sanctuary and a reptile park.
The park is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and entry is free for children under 3. For adults, the entry fee is Rs.40 for Indians and Rs.100 for foreigners. Free for Handicapped and Blind but ID prof to be shown.
Rs.50 for still camera and Rs.200 for video cameras. There is no charges for camera phones.
Best Time to Visit
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The park is home to various animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
The park is also home to several other attractions, such as a bird sanctuary, a butterfly garden, and a children’s zoo.
The best times to visit the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park are October and March. This is the dry season in Pune, and the weather is delightful during this time of year.
The park is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and arriving early in the day is advisable to avoid the heat.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Pune Zoo
Pune Zoo is a must-visit for all animal lovers. The zoo is in the city’s heart and home to various animals, birds, and reptiles. Here are a few things to keep in mind while visiting the Pune Zoo:
1. The zoo is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days except Tuesdays. Make sure to reach early to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds.
2. The best way to explore the zoo is on foot. A few battery-operated vehicles are available for rent but tend to be overpriced and unreliable.
3. The zoo has a few water fountains, but carrying your water bottle is advisable.
4. The animal enclosures are well-maintained, and the animals seem healthy and happy. However, please do not attempt to feed them, as it is against the rules.
5. The zoo also has a museum and an aquarium. The museum houses a collection of preserved animals and reptiles. The aquarium has a wide variety of fish, sure to fascinate kids.
6. The Pune Zoo is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. Remember these things, and you will indeed have a memorable experience.
7. The Zoo has many toilets and is fairly clean and well-maintained.
The unique attraction of the white tiger
The white tiger is among the most popular animals at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune. The beautiful animal is a favorite among visitors and is known for its majestic appearance. The white tiger is a rare animal not found in the wild.
The animal is only found in captivity and is a result of inbreeding. The white tiger is not albino but results from a genetic defect. The animal has white fur with black stripes and is a popular attraction at the zoo.
How to reach here
Located in Katraj on the Pune-Satara Highway, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is easily accessible from all parts of the city. With well-connected roads, visitors can reach the zoo within 7 km from Pune. The distance from Pune station is approximately 10 km for those traveling by train, while the Pune Swargate bus stop is just 5 km away. If arriving by plane, the zoo is approximately 18 km from the airport.
Bus travel is a convenient option for reaching Katraj Zoo from Pune. Hop on a public city bus and go to the Katraj bus stop, just one kilometer from the zoo. Once you arrive, you can easily walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the zoo entrance.
Private Cab – For a hassle-free trip to Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and other popular attractions in Pune, consider booking a full-day cab from a reputable car rental company. This option offers greater convenience and ease compared to other modes of transportation.
Auto – There are plenty of Auto coming to this location. Any auto driver will be happy to take you to this zoo.
Parking near the zoo
There is plenty of parking for cars and bikes outside the Zoo. Parking is not permitted within the zoo. I parked my bike bang opposite on the other side of the Zoo gate. It’s a pay and park around Rs. 60 for the car and Rs 30 for the bike. This is the average cost of parking, and it may change from time to time.