Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Located in the heart of the temple city Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is the oldest zoo or zoological garden in the country. This zoo is unique in the country for its picturesque landscapes and lush vegetation. Royal look of Lofty trees, luxuriant green landscapes, towering bamboos give it a rare distinction of being the most elegant zoos in South East Asia.

This zoological garden spreads over 36 acres of land and becomes a spectacular destination that offers tourism and recreation for travelers reaching from outside Kerala and overseas. Visitors can interact with the well-loved animals and admire their beauty as they walk through the greens of the place or simply carry a camera to capture the animals in their regal best.

The zoo is home to nearly 82 species of animals that include lion-tailed macaque, Indian rhinoceros, Nilgiri langur, Asiatic lion, white tiger, Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, giraffes, Asian elephants, hippos, zebras, cape buffalos and many more. It also houses birds like ostrich, pelican, vulture, scarlet macaw, green-winged macaw, Indian peafowl, white spoonbill and many more. This zoo also features a snake farm and reptile house that exhibits both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes along with 7 anacondas.

Objectives Of Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

• To conserve wildlife with special emphasis on the endemic and endangered species in the Western Ghats.

• To promote education and nature awareness

• To provide enough information for wildlife research.

• To promote eco-Tourism.

History Of Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

It is said that this famous zoo has been established in the year 1857 by Swathi Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore (1816-1846). In the beginning, the maharaja established a menagerie where panthers, royal tigers, cheetahs, deer, boar, and other wild animals were kept. Later, his brother Uthram Thirunal and William Cullen (a British resident) formally established the zoo in 1857 as an annex to the Napier Museum. This zoo was originally constructed with the typical iron-barred cages prevalent at the time and was designed for recreational purposes. But with the increase in loss of forest and wildlife due to human development, the goal of the Zoo has changed from recreation to conservation. In 1995, this zoo got a makeover and the old enclosures of the zoo were replaced with spacious naturalistic enclosures.

Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is the winter season when the climate is relatively cool to head out in the sun.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

As the zoo is situated right in the Museum compound, in the heart of the city Thiruvananthapuram, it can be reachable very conveniently.

• By Road- The zoo is 3 km away from Thampanoor Bus Station. Visitors can take the KSRTC buses that are on the route of Vellayambalam, Peroorkada, Vattiyoorkavu, Sasthamangalam, and Nedumangadu. Apart from the buses, autos and cabs are readily available here.

• By Train- The zoo is 3 km away from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Visitors can hire autos and cabs from the railway station to reach the place.

• By Air- The zoo is 9 km away from Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Visitors can hire autos and cabs from the airport to reach the place.

Entry Fee For Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

• A person above 12 years- Rs. 20/-

• A person below 12 years & above 5 years- Rs. 5/-

• Family ticket(father, mother and two children)- Rs. 40/-

• Group(35 students and two teachers)- Rs. 200/-

• Car Parking- Rs.150/-

• Video handheld Non-professional camera- Rs. 100/-

• Still Camera- Rs. 50/-

Electric Car Price In Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

• Electric car inside the Zoo (single person) - Rs. 50/-

• Electric car inside the Zoo (Family) - Rs. 350

• Electric car inside the Zoo (senior citizens) - Rs. 20/-

• Electric car inside the Zoo (Specially abled persons) - Rs. 15

Visiting Time Of Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:

The zoo is opened from 9 am to 5.15 pm. It is closed on Monday.