Alipore Zoo - zoo freestanding letter surrounded by trees
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Alipore Zoo

4.3
·73k reviews·Kolkata, India

India's oldest zoo, established in 1876, offering a glimpse into diverse wildlife and a touch of history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Alipore Zoo - zoo freestanding letter surrounded by trees

Alipore Zoo

Best Time

Winter mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

India's oldest zoo, established in 1876, offering a glimpse into diverse wildlife and a touch of history.

4.3
(73k reviews)

"A refreshing experience with a certain charm and history, offering a chance to see creatures you might have only read about."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Stay Hydrated & Protected

Carry water, wear a cap, and bring an umbrella to beat the heat.

🎟️ Tickets: Online & Offline

Purchase tickets online or at the counter. Plan to finish by 4:30 PM.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Big Cats

Majestic Big Cats

Big Cat Enclosures

Witness the power and grace of lions and tigers in their well-maintained enclosures. A must-see for any visitor.

Playful Primates

Playful Primates

Monkey Enclosures

The monkeys are a lively and entertaining sight, often a favorite for both kids and adults.

Reddit
Colorful Aviary

Colorful Aviary

Aviary Section

A vibrant display of diverse bird species, offering a splash of color and sound.

Reptile House

Reptile House

Reptile House

Explore a fascinating collection of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Can get crowded on weekends.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Kolkata's Alipore Zoo can get very hot, especially during warmer months. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and larger crowds. Bring an umbrella, cap, and plenty of water. InstagramReddit

Plan Your Visit Timing

The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but animals are fed around 5 pm and may retreat. Aim to finish your exploration by 4:30 pm for the best viewing opportunities. Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons (before 4:30 PM)
Why
Animals active before feeding time
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

₹15,000 Luxury Hotel in Kolkata, India 🇮🇳 I stayed at the ITC Royal Bengal, a luxury hotel which overlooks the East Kolkata Wetlands. #Travel #LuxuryTravel #TravelVlog #Kolkata #India
@dalephilipvlogs
18.2K likes • 626.2K views

🎯 Stay Hydrated & Protected

Carry water, wear a cap, and bring an umbrella to beat the heat. InstagramReddit

🎟️ Tickets: Online & Offline

Purchase tickets online or at the counter. Plan to finish by 4:30 PM. Reddit

Replying to @🌼 Didn’t quite make it south but I made it to Kolkata (to fly to Bangkok after) and spent the last two days of my india trip there. It was SO chilled and nobody stared at me (minimal anyway) and people just went about their day and i actually got to enjoy myself after 3 stressful days in Jaipur earlier. 🥹 I ate a lot during my two days here as everyone told me about the amazing food ...
@vernahungrybanana
16.8K likes • 178.6K views
When was the last time you visited zoo? The Alipore Zoological Gardens in Kolkata is known as Alipore Zoo or Kolkata Zoo. It is India’s oldest formally stated zoo and is the busiest tourist attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal. The zoo is spread across 46.5 acres and was opened for visitors in 1876. The zoo becomes the most crowded during the winter months, which are the peak tourist season. Addit...
thegoodfoodbro
16.7K likes • 179.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Ease

Consider the indoor bus service for a comfortable tour without extensive walking. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Great spot for photography, especially with kids. Instagram+1

Kolkata ( Alipore zoo ) 📍 Follow me more updates @decent__boy________ Use hashtags-: #decentboy #faiz #exploremore #kolkatadiaries #ig #india #kolkatagram #bengali #photography #kolkataphotography #westbengal #durgapuja #Bengal #bong #instagram #kolkatablogger #bangladesh #mumbai #city #instagood #explore #explorepage #alipor #kolkatazoo #kolkatazoovisit #kolkatazoo2025 .
decent__boy________
19.3K likes • 457.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Stay Hydrated & Protected

Carry water, wear a cap, and bring an umbrella to beat the heat. InstagramReddit

🎟️ Tickets: Online & Offline

Purchase tickets online or at the counter. Plan to finish by 4:30 PM. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Ease

Consider the indoor bus service for a comfortable tour without extensive walking. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Great spot for photography, especially with kids. Instagram+1

🐒 Monkeys are a Hit

Don't miss the lively monkey enclosures; they're a crowd favorite! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(73k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Alipore Zoo for its historical charm, diverse animal collection, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the educational value. However, some note that cleanliness could be improved in certain areas and suggest adding more seating. Overall, it's considered a refreshing escape and a nostalgic experience.

"I recently visited Alipore Zoo, and it turned out to be a refreshing experience. Being one of the oldest zoological gardens in India, the place carries a certain charm and history that immediately stands out. The moment I walked in, I was struck by the greenery and open spaces—it felt like a small escape from the busy streets of Kolkata. The layout is well planned, with clear pathways and signboards guiding you to different enclosures.

The variety of animals is quite impressive. From majestic lions and tigers to playful monkeys and exotic birds, the zoo really offers a chance to see creatures you might have only read about. I especially enjoyed watching the elephants and the colorful aviary section. The reptile house was another highlight, though it can feel a bit crowded on weekends.

What I liked most was how family-friendly the atmosphere is. Kids seemed to be having a wonderful time, learning and enjoying at the same time. That said, I do feel the management could improve cleanliness in certain areas and add more seating spots for visitors to relax. Overall, Alipore Zoo is not just about animals—it’s an experience of history, nature, and nostalgia combined."

Joyanta Ghosh

"Good for family. If you are coming with friends or toddlers it'll be a great place to hang out at. Just it'll be very hot so bring umbrellas, cap and a big water bottle along with you."

Zoya Khanam

"Best ever zoological garden in India
As ever I have seen.
Having so many enclosures and every enclosure is having animals and birds.
What enclosure mentioned that u will see inside that enclosure.
Best to visit with family and children
U can buy tickets online and offline.
This zoological garden is well maintained and so clean.
U can find so many icecream and fast food stalls inside even souvenir shop inside."

Sanjeet kumar

What People Like

Historical charm
Diverse animal collection
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Cleanliness in some areas
Limited seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Esplanade, Rabindra Sadan, Park Street, or Maidan metro stations, you can get down at Exide and take a bus towards Behala. Alternatively, get down at Kalighat metro station and take a bus. Reddit

Several bus routes pass near Alipore Zoo. Buses heading towards Behala from the city center are a good option. Reddit

Yes, Alipore Zoo is well-connected by various bus routes, making it accessible via public transport from different parts of Kolkata. Reddit

Absolutely! Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are readily available in Kolkata and can drop you directly at the zoo entrance. TikTok

While there isn't a metro station directly adjacent to the zoo, Kalighat and Exide (near Maidan) are relatively close and can be used as starting points for a bus or taxi ride. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are generally affordable, with options for both online and offline purchases. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, you can buy tickets online for Alipore Zoo, which can save you time queuing at the entrance. Reddit

Alipore Zoo is typically open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. However, it's advisable to confirm these hours before your visit. Reddit

Visiting on weekdays, especially during winter mornings, or late afternoons before closing can help you avoid the largest crowds. Reddit

Standard zoo rules apply. Avoid bringing outside food that might disturb the animals and follow the guidelines provided by the zoo staff. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Alipore Zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, various species of monkeys, exotic birds in the aviary, and reptiles. InstagramReddit

Yes, Alipore Zoo is highly recommended for families. Children often enjoy seeing the animals and learning about wildlife conservation. InstagramReddit

While the zoo has pathways, accessibility can vary. The indoor bus service might be a helpful option for those with mobility concerns. Reddit

Inside the zoo, you can find food stalls selling ice cream and fast food, as well as a souvenir shop. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a popular spot for capturing memorable moments. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls inside Alipore Zoo offering fast food and ice cream, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

It's generally recommended to check the zoo's specific policy on outside food. However, bringing water and light snacks is usually permissible. Reddit

The stalls typically offer popular fast food items and ice cream, suitable for a quick bite during your visit. Reddit

The area around Alipore has various restaurants and eateries, offering a wider range of dining options if you prefer to eat outside the zoo. TikTok

Food prices at the zoo stalls are generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The enclosures for big cats, the aviary, and the primate areas offer great photographic opportunities. The greenery also provides a nice backdrop. Instagram+1

For commercial photography, it's advisable to contact the zoo administration beforehand to inquire about permits and regulations. Instagram

A standard zoom lens is versatile for capturing animals at various distances. A wider lens can be useful for the overall landscape and greenery. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, using flash might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, which is ideal for photography and can also lead to more active animals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Alipore Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The wide variety of animals, from majestic big cats to playful monkeys, will captivate children's imaginations. InstagramReddit The zoo's layout is generally family-friendly, and the presence of food stalls and seating areas makes it comfortable for a day out. Reddit

To ensure a smooth experience, remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection. Visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late afternoons, will make the outing more enjoyable for little ones. Reddit The zoo's educational aspect also provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about different species and conservation.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Alipore Zoo is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The entry fees are very affordable, making it an accessible attraction for everyone. Reddit Public transport options, like buses and the metro (with a short connecting ride), are readily available and cost-effective ways to reach the zoo. Reddit

While there are food stalls inside, you can further save money by packing your own snacks and water. Reddit The zoo offers a full day's worth of entertainment and learning without breaking the bank, making it a great value for money.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Alipore Zoo offers numerous opportunities to capture stunning wildlife shots. The diverse animal collection, including lions, tigers, and a vibrant aviary, provides ample subjects. Instagram+1 The zoo's naturalistic enclosures and greenery can also serve as beautiful backdrops. Instagram

To get the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and animals are often more active. Reddit A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals at varying distances. Remember to be mindful of any flash restrictions to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Conservation

Established in 1876, Alipore Zoo (also known as Kolkata Zoo) is one of India's oldest zoological gardens. It was conceived by the Zoological Society of Bengal and has since evolved into a significant center for wildlife display and conservation. The zoo spans over 46.5 acres and houses a diverse collection of over 100 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. Instagram

The zoo plays a crucial role in educating the public about wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. While it has faced challenges over the years, continuous efforts are made to improve enclosures and animal welfare. Visitors often remark on the historical charm and the sense of nostalgia the zoo evokes, making it more than just an animal park but a repository of memories for many Kolkatans. Reddit

Recent improvements have focused on enhancing the visitor experience, including better pathways, seating areas, and even an accessible indoor bus service for those who prefer not to walk extensively. Reddit This blend of history, education, and evolving visitor amenities makes Alipore Zoo a unique destination.

Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips

Planning your visit to Alipore Zoo can be made smoother with a few practical tips. Given Kolkata's climate, staying hydrated and protected from the sun is paramount. Visitors are strongly advised to carry water bottles, wear caps, and bring umbrellas, especially during warmer months. InstagramReddit

Ticketing is straightforward, with options for both online purchase and on-the-spot buying at the counters. Reddit To make the most of your time and avoid the peak heat, it's recommended to plan your visit strategically. Arriving early in the morning or in the late afternoon, before the 5 pm feeding time, offers the best chances to see animals actively moving. Reddit The zoo's operating hours are typically from 9 am to 5 pm. Reddit

For a more comfortable experience, especially if you have young children or mobility concerns, consider utilizing the indoor bus service available within the zoo. Reddit This allows you to tour the various enclosures without extensive walking. The zoo also provides amenities like food stalls and a souvenir shop, adding to the convenience of your visit. Reddit

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