National Zoological Park: DELHI

National Zoological Park or the zoo of Delhi is one of the finest zoos in Asia and is situated close to Purana Qila or Old Fort.

About the Zoo: National Zoological Park is one of the finest and largest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds herein New Delhi.

Established in 1959 and is spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Delhi Zoo is home to more than 2000 species of animals and birds from Africa, America, Australia and Asia. The Zoo was set up in 1959. It is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and the birds.

It is a good spot for picnics. It has an early 17th century Kos Minar, which was one of the many, put up by Jehangir, son of the emperor, Akbar. As you climb up the red sandstone gate, you get a chance to admire the vast expanse of the Zoological Park. The winding pathways here are laid with the red Badarpur gravel, and the green shrubs demarcate the red with the undulating brown-green vast stretches of grass.

An idyllic picnic spot in winters, the serenity of the greens here is pleasing and offers a delightful respite from the humdrum of the city. The winding pathways lead to the administrative building with a library on the right side where you can get all the information on animals, birds and plants of both and rare zoological species in India.

This place is particularly popular among the children, they love to see Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, the Gir Lion and Zebras, thee water animals and birds such as Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis deer, Fallow deer, Peafowl, Hog Dear and the Jaguar. The underground Reptile Home complex displays a wide array of snakes such as King Cobra and Pythons. Besides these, there are more than 200 varieties of trees here including the hanging deep yellow Alamtas hedges, the drought resistant Lahura trees and the native Delhi bistendu.

Facilities in the zoo: There are open-roofed mobile vans available at affordable charges within the zoo and is the best option for tourists to avoid the exertion and heat of Delhi's summer season. This place is also a good picnic spot as there are a number of parks in the complex. There are ample numbers of water points and drinking water facility, still its better to carry your own water bottle. A cafeteria is also available outside the zoo.

Timing: 0800 to 1800 hours( summer)
0900 to 1700 hours (winter) except Friday.
Best Time to visit: Throughout the year
Main Attraction: 22,000 varieties of Animals and Birds
Covered Area :214 acres