The Nainital Zoo, officially known as Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, is situated atop Sher Ka Danda hill, reaching an elevation of 2,100 meters or 6,900 feet above sea level. Covering a verdant expanse of 4.6 hectares or 11 acres, this high-altitude zoo was established in 1984 and opened its doors to the public in 1995.
The zoo gained its official name in 2002. Notably, it is one of the three high-altitude zoos in India, with counterparts located in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Wildlife at Pt. G.B. Pant Elevated Nainital Zoo
The Nainital Zoo is a sanctuary for a diverse range of endangered species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Japanese Macaque, and the Himalayan bear. Additionally, the zoo accommodates various bird species such as the Golden Pheasant, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Kalij Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Steppe Eagle, Hill Partridge, White Peafowl, Blossom Headed Parakeet, and Red Junglefowl. Notably, many of these animals are adopted by individuals or animal organizations.
As one of the prominent sightseeing destinations in Nainital, the zoo provides visitors with a remarkable landscape, situated amidst the middle Himalayas and the Shivalik mountain range.
Timing and Fee of Nainital Zoo
Entry Charges
The entrance to this sanctuary is accessible to various visitors with an admission fee of Rs. 100.00 for adults (12 years and above) and Rs. 200.00 for adult foreigners. The zoo emphasizes inclusivity by providing free entry to children below 12 years, especially-abled persons, and senior citizens, fostering an environment of accessibility and education.
- Senior citizens and differently-abled individuals enjoy complimentary entry.
- Furthermore, students receive free admission on World Environment Day, Ozone Day, Zoo Foundation Day, and throughout Wildlife Week.
| Sl No. | Entry Category | Entry Fee |
| An Adult (12 Year Above) | ₹100 | |
| An Adult Foreigner (12 Year above) | ₹200 |
Operating Hours
The zoo is operational from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm every day except Monday. It remains closed on Holi, Diwali, Republic Day, and Independence Day.
Activities and Initiatives at Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo’s diverse range of events and programs are orchestrated by The Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society Nainital. These initiatives are strategically designed to foster awareness within society about crucial aspects such as endangered species, wildlife conservation, and the natural habitats of animals.
Occurring on significant dates like World Environment Day (June 5th), Wildlife Week (October 1st to 7th), Ozone Layer Conservation Day (September 16th), and Zoo Foundation Day, these events offer an engaging platform. The programs feature activities such as zoo visits, painting sessions, quizzes, and debate competitions, all aimed at enlightening students about the challenges and importance of wildlife and animal conservation.
Considerations for Visitors
- If you are accompanied by senior citizens and toddlers, be mindful as the extensive walking may be tiring for them.
- Maintain vigilance and awareness of your surroundings during your visit to the zoo, despite the adequate security measures in place.
- Ensure you carry snacks and water with you for sustenance during your time at the zoo.
Key Features of Nainital Zoo
- Location and Elevation: Situated atop Sher Ka Danda hill, the Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital stands at an elevation of 2,100 meters or 6,900 feet above sea level, covering an expansive area of 4.6 hectares.
- Establishment and Opening: Founded in 1984, the zoo officially opened its gates to the public in 1995 and received its official name, Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, in 2002. It proudly holds its place among the three high-altitude zoos in India, with counterparts in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to various endangered species, the zoo shelters animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Japanese Macaque, and the Himalayan bear. A variety of bird species, including the Golden Pheasant, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Kalij Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Steppe Eagle, Hill Partridge, White Peafowl, Blossom Headed Parakeet, and Red Junglefowl, add to the rich biodiversity.
- Entry Fee: The zoo maintains an inclusive approach with an entry fee of Rs. 100.00 for adults (12 years and above) and Rs. 200.00 for adult foreigners. Children below 12 years, especially-abled persons, and senior citizens enjoy free entry. Students also benefit from free admission on specific occasions.
- Operating Hours: Open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm every day except Monday, the zoo observes closures on Holi, Diwali, Republic Day, and Independence Day.
- Educational Programs: Managed by The Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society Nainital, the zoo conducts events and programs focusing on wildlife conservation and endangered species awareness. These include zoo visits, painting sessions, quizzes, and debate competitions, often aligned with significant dates such as World Environment Day and Wildlife Week.
- Visitor Considerations: Visitors are advised to be mindful when accompanied by senior citizens and toddlers due to extensive walking. While security measures are in place, maintaining vigilance and carrying snacks and water for sustenance during the visit is recommended.
- Convenient Access: Located approximately 1.8 km from the Nainital bus stand, the zoo is accessible by various means of transportation. For those traveling from outside Uttarakhand, the Kathgodam railway station (27 km) and Pantnagar airport (57 km) serve as the nearest transportation hubs. Options include taxi cabs, luxury buses, and shared jeeps, with a recently introduced shuttle service. Convenient and hassle-free commutes can be arranged through reputable car rental companies in Nainital. For the adventurous, trekking from Mall Road to the zoo is also a viable option.
How to Reach Nainital Zoo
Address – Nainital Zoo, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263002, India
Latitude: 29.3803 ° N, Longitude: 79.4636 ° E
The zoo is conveniently situated atop the Sher Ka Danda hill, approximately 1.8 km away from the Nainital bus stand.
For visitors traveling from outside Uttarakhand, transportation options include train or air travel. The nearest railway station is the Kathgodam railway station, approximately 27 km away, while the nearest airport is the Pantnagar airport, situated around 57 km from the zoo.
Transportation from both the railway station and airport is facilitated by taxi cabs or luxury buses, with the option of hiring a shared jeep available for Rs. 30 per person. Recently, a shuttle service has been introduced, starting from Tallital Boat Stand and Mallital State Bank of India.
Alternatively, for a convenient and hassle-free commute, especially suitable for families with children or senior citizens, booking a cab from reputable car rental companies in Nainital is recommended.
For those seeking a more adventurous approach, trekking from Mall Road to the zoo is also a viable option.
FAQs about Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo, officially known as Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, is situated atop Sher Ka Danda hill, approximately 1.8 km away from the Nainital bus stand.
The zoo is located at an elevation of 2,100 meters or 6,900 feet above sea level.
Nainital Zoo was established in the year 1984 and opened its doors to the public in 1995. It received its official name in 2002.
The zoo is home to a diverse range of endangered species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Japanese Macaque, and the Himalayan bear. Various bird species are also present.
The entry fee is Rs. 100.00 for adults (12 years and above) and Rs. 200.00 for adult foreigners. Children below 12 years, differently-abled persons, and senior citizens enjoy free entry. Students receive free admission on specific occasions.
The zoo is open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm every day except Monday. It remains closed on Holi, Diwali, Republic Day, and Independence Day.
The zoo conducts various events and programs throughout the year, focusing on wildlife conservation and endangered species awareness. Activities include zoo visits, painting sessions, quizzes, and debate competitions, often aligned with significant dates such as World Environment Day and Wildlife Week.
Visitors are advised to be mindful when accompanied by senior citizens and toddlers due to extensive walking. Additionally, maintaining vigilance and awareness of surroundings is recommended. It’s advisable to carry snacks and water for sustenance during the visit.
The zoo is conveniently situated atop Sher Ka Danda hill. For visitors from outside Uttarakhand, transportation options include train or air travel to the Kathgodam railway station or Pantnagar airport. Transportation from both places is facilitated by taxi cabs, luxury buses, and shared jeeps. A shuttle service has been introduced, starting from Tallital Boat Stand and Mallital State Bank of India.
Alternatively, booking a cab from reputable car rental companies in Nainital is recommended for a convenient and hassle-free commute. Trekking from Mall Road to the zoo is also a viable option for the adventurous.
