Kolkata Zoological Gardens,West Bengal,India

Zoological Garden  in Kolkata is one of the prime tourist spots in the city. The Alipore Zoological Garden first opened its gate on 1st of May, 1876 and since then has remained an absolute favorite with the children. The zoo stands on a total area of 18.811 hectare and entails entrance gates, office buildings, store, animal houses, etc. The animal enclosure area takes up about 59,579 sqm while open land area is approximately 72,417 sqm. The open water body spreads over 27,216 sqm while the road and foot path take up 25,848 sqm. The public amenities take up 1858 sqm. And the Administration amenities take up 1196 sqm.

Location of Zoological Garden Kolkata

If we look at the history of the Kolkata Zoo Garden, we find that the plan for the establishment of the zoo initially got thwarted because of the lack of proper space. However, finally the land on each side of the Alipore Road leading from Zerrut Bridge to Belvedre, was selected. This is the location, where the Alipore Zoological Garden still stands, in its full glory.

Interesting facts

Every year around three million people visits the zoo.

Kolkata zoo enjoys a vast visitor of 20,000 during the summer and above 30,000 in winters, where the zoo becomes most crowded on 25th December and 1st January.

Zoo also has an aquarium across the main road beside Taj.

Zoo Lake is newly decorated now with new species of fishes attracting kingfishers and cranes.

More species of snakes is to be brought soon.

History of Zoological Garden Kolkata

The history of Alipore Zoo Garden dates back to as early as 1842 when the curator of Bengal Asiatic Society, Dr John McCleland came up with a plan for the establishment of the zoological garden in Calcutta. However, this did not materialize and was followed by the plan of Dr. Joseph Bart Fayrer (the president of Asiatic Society of Bengal) in 1867. This plan drew great public attention but failed due to lack of space. For the same reason the plan of Carl Louise Schwendler, the postmaster to the Govt. of India failed in 1873. At last, in 1875 the then Lt. Govt. of Bengal Sir Richard Temple took the initiative. The land on Alipore Road was chosen, approved and a managing committee of 5 members was set up. The first meeting of the management committee was held on 10th December, 1875 and after deciding the rate of the admission fees, the committee opened the gate for public on 1st May, 1876.

Animals at the Zoological Garden Kolkata

There are many animals, reptiles, primates and birds at the Zoological Garden Kolkata. However, the most popular ones are the Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, African Lion, Giraffe, Zebra, Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Pelican, Pheasant, etc.

How to reach there?

The zoo is well connected by bus with Howrah and Sealdah train stations.
Bus routes from Howrah: Sakherbazar & Thakurpukur mini bus
Bus routes from Sealdah: 235
Bus routes from Esplanade: 77a, SD9, SD9/1, Sakherbazar & Thakurpukur mini bus

 Kolkata zoo is famous for its huge animal resource and especially for the Aldabra Giant Tortoise Adwaita (donated by Lord Clive) which expired in 2006 at nearly 250 year age.