Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Katraj Snake Park
A sprawling 130-acre zoo and wildlife research center featuring a snake park, animal orphanage, and the serene Katraj Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Katraj Snake Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 130-acre zoo and wildlife research center featuring a snake park, animal orphanage, and the serene Katraj Lake.
"A fun and educational visit for all ages, with healthy animals in spacious enclosures."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Skip the long queues by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear sports shoes for maximum comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Big Cats
Zoo Section
Witness the power of Royal Bengal Tigers and the rare White Tiger in spacious enclosures.
Reptile Haven
Snake Park
Explore a diverse collection of snakes, including pythons and cobras, in this dedicated section.
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Katraj Lake
Adjacent to Zoo
A serene 42-acre water body offering a peaceful escape and a popular spot for picnics.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Maximize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Skip the long queues by purchasing your tickets in advance online. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear sports shoes for maximum comfort.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on hot days. Bring your own to save money.
🚗 Electric Vehicle Ride
Consider the paid electric vehicles to cover the large park easily.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Skip the long queues by purchasing your tickets in advance online. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear sports shoes for maximum comfort.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on hot days. Bring your own to save money.
🚗 Electric Vehicle Ride
Consider the paid electric vehicles to cover the large park easily.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Especially during certain seasons, carry repellent to avoid bites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park for its clean, well-maintained grounds and a good variety of animals, particularly the big cats and reptiles. It's considered an ideal, educational outing for families. However, some reviews note that certain animal enclosures, especially for snakes, could benefit from better care, and the overall animal presence is sometimes perceived as less than expected given the park's size.
"A good zoo experience includes seeing a wide variety of animals like lions, white and brown tigers, foxes, and snakes. The animals are kept in spacious and natural enclosures, not just cages, looking healthy and active. The place is clean, plastic-free, and well-maintained, making it ideal for family outings. There are paid electric vehicles to help visitors tour the large area comfortably. Overall, it’s a fun and educational visit for all ages.
With booking tickets online you can skip row.
You have to walk for approx 8/9 km.
Ensure you shall carry water with you.
Ensure to carry some food with you.
You can go with sports shoes for comfortable walking."
PRADIP S
"Visited this place with a group of six, and it turned out to be a wonderful outing, especially for the kids. The park is well-maintained, clean, and has a good variety of animals, birds, and reptiles to see. My kid had a great time spotting tiger, white tiger, lion, deers, snakes, and many other species.
The enclosures are spacious, and the overall layout makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed. There are areas and seating spots along the way, which is a relief on sunny days.
It’s an ideal spot for a family day out — educational, engaging, and a fun way for children to learn about wildlife while enjoying the outdoors. We left with happy faces and some great memories."
Pritesh Oza
"The zoo is spacious and nice for viewing big animals like tigers and lions.
But some animals, like snakes don’t seem very healthy 😞 and could use better care. Overall, it’s okay for a visit, but animal welfare needs attention.
Feel bad for animals 🐅 🐍 🐢 🦚 …."
Ashwini Dubey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located on Pune-Satara Road, opposite Katraj Dairy. You can reach it by local bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi. It's a popular destination, so most drivers will know the way.
Yes, there is parking available at the zoo, though it can get busy on weekends. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Local buses frequently ply the Pune-Satara Road, making it accessible by public transport. Auto-rickshaws and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
The zoo is located a few kilometers south of Pune city center, making it a convenient day trip.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely used in Pune and can easily take you to the zoo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally affordable, with a nominal fee for entry. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the counter for the most current rates.
Yes, booking tickets online is highly recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak times and weekends. +1
The zoo is typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it is closed on Wednesdays.
The zoo is generally open on public holidays, but it's always a good idea to confirm beforehand, as timings might vary.
Information on discounts for children or students is usually available at the ticket counter or on their official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To explore the entire zoo, including the snake park and orphanage, you'll need approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Yes, the zoo is very family-friendly with spacious enclosures and seating areas, making it great for kids to learn about wildlife.
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and water, which is recommended to save costs and ensure you have refreshments.
Yes, paid electric vehicles are available to help you navigate the large park more comfortably.
While efforts are made to maintain the grounds, the large size and natural terrain might present challenges. It's advisable to check accessibility details beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are usually some food stalls or small eateries within the zoo premises offering snacks and refreshments.
You can typically find local snacks, beverages, and light meals. However, options might be limited, so bringing your own food is a good idea.
Snack stalls often have vegetarian options like samosas or chips. For more variety, bringing your own vegetarian meals is recommended.
The area around Katraj has various local eateries and restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Yes, the zoo grounds, especially near Katraj Lake, are suitable for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
The enclosures of the big cats, the diverse reptiles in the snake park, and the scenic Katraj Lake offer great photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoos and wildlife parks to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors.
A zoom lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance, while a wide-angle lens can be good for landscape shots of the park and lake.
Always maintain a respectful distance and avoid using flash or loud noises that could stress the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and perhaps some mosquito repellent for added comfort. Booking tickets online can save valuable time, allowing more of your day to be spent enjoying the animals.
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 A telephoto lens will be useful for capturing animals from a distance, while a wide-angle lens can be great for the scenic Katraj Lake. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Zoo's Sections
The Snake Park is a must-visit for reptile enthusiasts, featuring over 22 species of snakes, including pythons and cobras. This section provides an educational glimpse into the diverse world of ophidians.
+1Finally, the Animal Orphanage plays a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals, contributing to conservation efforts. The park also boasts the serene Katraj Lake, a 42-acre water body that adds to the natural beauty and provides a tranquil spot for visitors.
+1Navigating the Park: Tips for a Comfortable Visit
For those who prefer not to walk the entire distance, paid electric vehicles are available for rent within the park.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
However, some reviews suggest that while many animals seem well-cared for, there are areas where animal welfare could be improved, particularly in some of the reptile enclosures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit