Nainital Zoo

In the serenity of Nainital, a destination that attracts travellers of all ages, is the Nainital Zoo. Located just 4 km away from Nainital Lake, the zoo is officially named as G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo. Visitors can easily access the zoo, as the Municipal Department of Nainital provides a shuttle service. Often included in most Nainital itineraries, the Zoo always remains a popular attraction among tourists. It is home to a range of animal species, with the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Tiger, and Bear being the main attractions. Apart from these, the Himalayan Monal, the Golden Pheasant, and the Love Birds also captivate visitors. An entry fee is a must for all visitors wishing to explore the zoo and its wonders.

Nainital Zoo - The Sher Ka Danda

Also known as G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, the Nainital Zoo is one of the city's major tourist attractions. Established in 1984, the zoo spread over an area of 4,693 hectares. Situated at an elevation of around 5,000 feet, it's cool climate provides ideal conditions for birds and animals. Locally, the zoo is also known as 'Sher ka Danda'.
 

The zoo remains open to visitors throughout the week, except on Thursdays. To access the entrance, visitors need to hike around 500 metres, which can be a small test of physical fitness. Along the way, there are various small stalls selling tea and snacks.
 

In order to maintain the cleanliness and promote a plastic-free environment, the zoo authority has implemented a unique idea. If a visitor carries a plastic water bottle inside, they must pay a refundable security fee of Rs 100/-. This security will be returned upon showing the bottle and a receipt while exiting.
 

The Nainital zoo also offers some basic amenities to its visitors, such as a cafeteria, drinking water, a cloakroom, and a display board describing various species.

Ancient Temple

Within the zoo premises, there is an ancient shrine dedicated to Shri Gangnath Ji. The shrine is small but is usually visited by tourists during their zoo visit. As soon as you enter the shrine, visitors can find the details about the temple and its significance.
 

Unlike most temples where devotees tie a red thread or chunaris to make a wish, the devotees here tie their handkerchief to fulfil their wishes. Several handkerchiefs can be seen tied around the temple premises.

Star Attraction of Nainital Zoo

The Nainital Zoo is home to various species of animals and birds. Among them, some popular species which usually attract tourists the most are: -

• Bengal Tiger
• Tiger
• Red Panda
• Bear
• Barking deer
• Leopard
• Sambar
• Spotted deer
• Markhor
• Goral
• Blue sheep
• Himalaya wolf
• Yellow Throated Marten

Along with this, visitors can also spot some popular birds at Nainital Zoo, such as: -

• Indian Peafowl.
• Cockatiel.
• Monal.
• Golden Pheasant.
• Red Jungle Fowl.
• Lady Amherst Pheasant
• Silver Pheasant.

Opening and Closing Time

Nainital Zoo opens daily for visitors around 10:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. The last entry is permitted until 4:30 PM; beyond this, no visitors with a valid ticket are allowed.

Entry Fee

Visitors need to pay the Nainital Zoo entry fee to explore the park. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket counter, which opens at 10:00 AM and closes around 4:30 PM. Tickets once purchased will not be returned. The ticket will be applicable for persons aged 12 or above. Meanwhile, children below 12 years of age are not required to pay any entry fee. Moreover, physically challenged and senior citizens are also allowed free entry. The entry fee details are given as: -

Things To Do

Travellers can enjoy some activities in and around Nainital to make the most of their visit:

• Hiking.
• Boating, and
• Paragliding.

Accommodation

A range of accommodation options is available near Nainital Zoo that visitors can book for their overnight stay. A few recommendations that you can explore are:

• The Nest
• Surya Hotel
• Ekam Lodge
• Hotel Sangita Lake.
• Hotel Vikrant.
• Hotel 24 New Bharat
• Hill View
• Hotel Sudarshan
• Hotel Naini Vision
• Hotel Paryatak
• Hotel Prashant

Important Tips for Travellers

• The zoo can be reached using the Municipal Corporation Shuttle Service available from the India Hotel Mallital.
• The shuttle fare for each person is Rs 70 for both ways.
• The zoo remains closed on Thursdays and national Holidays.
• Visitors can pay the ticket fare in cash or online using UPI.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will need to hike at least 500 metres to reach the zoo.
• Water and snack facilities are available along the pathway.
• A security fee of Rs 100 will be charged for each plastic water bottle and refunded upon showing the ticket and bottle at the exit.
• A penalty of Rs 2,000/- will be imposed if anyone is found littering plastic inside or outside the zoo.

Nearby Attraction

Nainital Zoo is surrounded by various major attractions, which visitors can explore during their Nainital visit.

• Naini Lake.
• Naina Devi Temple.
• Naina Peak.
• Tiffin Top.
• Kainchi Dham.
• St Francis Catholic Church.
• Garud Tal
• Sariyatal
• Khurpatal
• Bhimtal Lake
• Kilbury
• Raj Bhawan Nainital