Alipore Zoo Kolkata | Timings, Ticket Price, Closed day

Did you know that the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, with its rich history dating back to 1876, is one of the oldest zoological parks in India? India’s first glass-enclosed open-air walk-in aviary is the newest attraction here. It allows visitors to stroll through a spacious glass enclosure, where 200 birds from 14 species roam freely in a natural, open-air setting.

As one of the oldest zoos in India, the Zoological Garden offers a fascinating glimpse into the animal kingdom, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists. Visitors can explore diverse species, from majestic tigers to playful primates, all within the lush and serene environment of the Alipore Zoological Gardens.

Perfect for a family outing or a solo adventure, this zoo in Alipore provides an educational and enjoyable experience for all ages.

How I visit all the animals within 2 hours- First part

First, we visit the saltwater crocodile. This saltwater crocodile is found in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, etc. This crocodile’s average lifespan is 70 years. The average size is 17 feet, and the weight is 400 kg to 1000 kg. After, we turn to the tiger enclosure.

Next, we move to the spoonbill birdcage; the Bengali name is “Khunte bok.” It is found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The bird lives in jheels, on mud banks in the river, etc. It feeds on tadpoles, frogs, fish, insects, vegetable matter, etc. The bird lays four eggs in 21 days. In the zoo’s waterland, giant fish are moving here and there.

After the spoonbill birdcage, we move to the Giraffe section. The giraffe is found in Africa, Sudan, Somalia, South Africa, Nigeria, etc. It lives in open woodlands with water supplies and semi-desert areas and feeds mainly on the leaves of different trees. At one and a half to two years of age, the giraffe gives birth to a calf.

After that, we moved to the Indian Lion area. It is found only in the Gir Forest, Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The animal lives in stunted Teak forests, Palas trees, patches of small bamboo, and undergrowth of thorny shrubs and bushes. They stay with groups, eat meat, and prefer to hunt at night. Generally, two to four babies are born after 103 to 105 days of pregnancy.

Next, we visit the cage of a white Indian peacock. This peacock is found throughout India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It lives in dense scrub and deciduous jungles, plains, and foothills, preferably along rivers and streams. It feeds on grain, vegetables, insects, lizards, snakes, etc. It lies for a 28-day incubation period of 3 to 5 eggs.

Now it is the area of 8. This Asian elephant’s average lifespan is 48 years. The average length of the Asian elephant is 5.5–6.5 m, and the average weight is 5,400 kg.

Our next destination is to see a Mexican red-headed Amazon parrot; it comes after visiting the elephant section.

These birds live in forests and wooded areas in lush lowlands and foothills. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, flowers, and nectar. They lay 4 to 5 eggs simultaneously, with an average incubation period of 27 to 29 days.

The Dove cage is next to the Mexican red-headed Amazon parrot’s cage. The dove is found on the Indian subcontinent. It lives in woodland, scrub, farmland, and residential places. The dove eats grains, fruit, seeds, etc. These birds lay two eggs at a time; their incubation period is 14 to 15 days.

Next, we move to the emu’s cage near the dove’s cage. This bird is the second tallest, at 59 to 75 inches. Emus are mainly found in Australia; they live in regular grassland areas but avoid heavily crowded areas and forests.

Emus can run up to 50 km per hour for a distance and can also swim. They eat a variety of plants and insects. Emus lay 15 to 26 eggs at a time. The Incubation period is 50 days.

Next, we visit the hippopotamus cave just opposite the emu’s cage. The hippopotamus is found throughout Africa’s sweet waterways. It eats mainly grass and lives in a group. After a gestation period of 210-255 days, it gives birth to a calf.

After visiting the Hippopotamus cave, we moved to the star tortoise area. The star tortoise is found in Central and Southern India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It lives in sandy tracts, dry grassland, and forested areas and eats grass, greens, green fruits, etc. This tortoise lays 3 to 7 eggs.

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How I visit all the animals within 2 hours- Second part

Now that we have almost covered half of the zoo, you can sit and rest here and you might be hungry. Fast foods like patties, popcorn, cold drinks, tea, etc., can be found in the food stall in Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata. You can also open your lunch box and don’t forget to bring the newspaper, rest in the ground area, and find a few benches to relax.

After the short break, we visited the jaguar’s enclosure—a cage made with transparent glass. Jaguars are mainly found in America. Their average speed is 80 km per hour, and their lifespan is 12 to 15 years. The average height of the jaguar is 63 to 76 cm, and their average weight is 56 to 96 kg.

The jungle cast’s cave is beside the jaguar enclosure. The jungle cat lives in grassland, scrub jungle, dry deciduous, evergreen forests, semi-urban areas, and villages in India. These cats are less active at night and lead a solitary life. However, they can climb trees and swim. The cat eats small mammals and birds. After a gestation period of 2 months, the jungle cat usually gives birth to 3 kittens.

After the cat’s cage, we are now, for the most part, awaiting the Royal Bengal Tiger enclosure. The cave is made of transparent glass-like jaguar’s den. The average height of a Bengal tiger is 90–110 cm. The weight for a Male is 220 kg, and for a Female is 140 kg on average. So height for Males is 2.7 m–3.1 m, and for females, it’s 2.4m–2.6 m. It’s a rare species; almost 2,500 tigers lived and were counted in 2017.

After the tiger’s cave, we step forward for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It’s in Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. The Live-in swamps and grasslands lead a solitary life. The rhinoceros eats grass, and they stays in a particular place. They have a single horn that grows from the head without a bone. A single calf is born after 474 to 488 days.

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Reptile House at Alipore Zoological Garden

We return from the Rhino’s cave and stop in the reptile house. Reptiles originated on Earth about 260 to 300 million years ago, and modern reptiles appeared on Earth about 70 million years ago.

Out of the 2000 snake species in the world, about 272 can be found in India. About 80% of snakes in India are non-venomous and can swallow food larger than their heads. 

The lower jaw is loosely attached to the skull, allowing snakes to open their mouths wide. Snake venom is essential for medicinal purposes. However, the population of snakes is decreasing because of the illegal trade of skins and the practice of killing.

We left the reptile house and have now moved to the Gharial enclosure, also known as the Gavial. They mainly eat fish. They weigh about 160 to 250 kg. Their length is average: 5 metres for adults and 3.5 metres for females; the maximum age is 15 to 18 years.

After the Gharial enclosure, we visit the Brow-antlered Deer cage. They are Mainly Found in Loktak Lake in Manipur. The deer’s Lives on floating vegetation are called “Phumdi.” Male deer only possess antlers that are shed annually and grow again. In 8 months, a baby is born.

Next, we moved to the Eastern grey kangaroo’s cave in Australia. They mainly eat grasses and live in groups. The gestation period is 38 days, and the life cycle is 7 to 10 years.

Next, we move to the spotted deer or the Chital Harin section. The zoo has collected various species of deer and birds. The Spotted deer are found in the Himalayas and Sri Lankan forests. They eat grass and live in groups. Male deer only have antlers, which are shed annually and grow again. A baby dear is born after six months.

After the spotted deer section, we see the world’s giant tortoise. This Aldabra tortoise is one of the largest globally and is found on Aldabra Island in the Indian Ocean. The tortoise eats grass, leaves, and other vegetation and lives in grasslands, low scrub, mangrove swamps, and coastal areas. Females lay between 9 and 25 eggs, and the incubation period is eight months.

We moved from the naughty chimpanzee’s cage found in Guinea to Uganda. They can live in every circumstance and eat fruit and vegetables. Chimpanzees give birth after a gestation period of 225 to 229 days.

Opposite the Chimpanzee’s cage, you can find the zebra’s cave. Zebras are found in Africa and south of the Sahara, and they mainly eat grass and give birth to one offspring approximately every year.

We almost completed the Alipore Zoological Garden animals in two hours. A few more animals are in the ‘Kolkata Chiriakhana’ or the zoo.  

After we exited the zoo across the road, we found the Alipur Zoo aquarium, which was also very interesting. The fee is only 5 rupees per head, so don’t forget to go there.

Alipore Zoo Timing

Days	Timings
Friday	09:00:00 to 5:00 PM
Saturday	09:00:00 to 5:00 PM
Sunday	09:00:00 to 5:00 PM
Monday	09:00:00 to 5:00 PM
Tuesday	09:00:00 to 5:00 PM
Wednesday	09:00:00 to 5:00 PM

Note: The ticket counter at Alipore Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Thursday. Alipore Aquarium’s timing is 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Alipore Zoo is closed on the days

• The closing day is Thursday
• The zoo is open on Thursdays in winter from 15 December to 31 January.
• If a Thursday falls on a public holiday, the zoo stays open for that day and is closed on the next working day.

From 15 December to 31 January, the zoo is open for seven days.

What is the entry fee for Alipore Zoo?

• Up to the age of 5 years, Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata is Rs. 20/-
• For visitors above the age of 5 years, the Alipore Zoo ticket price is Rs. 50/-
• For the aquarium, Rs. 20 / – per person

Is the camera allowed in Alipore Zoo?

• Video Photography – Rs. 250 /- per hour
• Camera charges – NIL

You can buy a ticket online

Alipur zoo address

2, Alipore Road, Alipur Zoological Garden, Kolkata- 700027

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How to Reach Calcutta Alipore Zoo

The Zoo is on Alipore Road in Kolkata. My preferred route is to come to Rabindra Sadan metro station or Exide crossing, take bus No 230, and reach Alipur within 10 minutes. Alipore zoo nearest metro is Rabindra Sadan or Jatin Das Park.

Alipore Zoo, Kolkata Summary

The Alipore National Zoo, Kolkata, West Bengal, known as the Zoological Park Kolkata or “Alipur Chiriakhana, ” is India’s oldest zoological garden. It is a major tourist centre in Kolkata, besides the national library. Alipore Zoo attracts tourists from all over the country. The zoo, spread over 46.5 acres, has been open to the public since 1876.

The zoo is famous for the extinct Aldabra giant tortoise ‘Adabita,’ a turtle that lived for over 250 years but died in 2006. It’s also a well-maintained garden for families and children.

This zoo has the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Indian Elephant, the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, the White Tiger, the Grant’s Zebra, Antelope, Deer, and more. 

You can find many interesting birds, such as Macaws and Lorikeets, colourful and striking birds like Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, and the golden pheasant, and large birds like Ostriches, Emus, Hornbills, and more. In addition, migratory birds during winter make the environment pleasant, and you can get birds like the Sarus Crane.

Alipore Zoo is exceptionally crowded in winter when many tourists gather in this popular destination in Kolkata. With the modernisation of the zoo, such as new glass-wall enclosures and the construction of aviaries, the popularity of this zoo has increased daily.

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History of Kolkata Alipur Chiriakhana

The Kolkata Alipur Chiriakhana was established in 1800 by Governor-General Richard Wellesley as a personal menagerie as part of the Indian Natural History Project.

Many major cities in the world started zoos to gain strength. So, the British community in Calcutta also upgraded and created a formal zoological garden. The Prince of Wales, Edward VII, inaugurated the zoo on 18 January 1876, which was opened to the public of Alipore on 6 May of the same year.

The zoo was based on the gifts of British and Indian merchants, such as the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, and Raja Suryakanta Acharya of Mymensingh. They contributed their private collections of wild animals to the Alipur Zoo.

The authority started the Panthera hybrid reproduction program, a cross-breeding test between lions and tigers.

Since then, it has been improving rapidly. The authorities stopped the Panthera program; now, animals have better enclosures and more open spaces. Furthermore, new glass-wall enclosures and an original entry gate based on electronic access have been introduced in the modernisation of zoos.

Alipore Zoo’s wild animals and birds

The zoo is well-known for its wide range of mammals, birds, and reptiles. It also maintains carnivorous animals like the royal Bengal tiger, the jungle cat, the jaguar, the fishing cat, the Himalayan black bear, and the sloth bear.

The zoo has a rich collection of swamp deer, brow-antlered, sambar deer, hog deer, barking deer, spotted deer, white fallow deer, blackbuck, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Indian elephant, zebra, and hippopotamus. In addition, you can easily spot animals like hamadryas baboons, bonnet monkeys, olive baboons, rhesus monkeys, Assamese monkeys, and common langurs.

This “Kolkata ka Chidiya Ghar” is also home to many colourful and exotic pheasants like Chinese silver pheasant, golden pheasant, Reeves’ pheasant, Lady Amherst’s pheasant, green pheasant, and Nepal Kalij pheasant. Other birds found here include bare-eyed cockatoo, citron-crested cockatoo, sulphur-crested cockatoo, spoonbill, Sarus Crane, painted stork, adjutant stork, white stork, and black-necked stork.

Alipore Zoo has an exclusive Reptile House used only for reptiles like the Indian python, Indian cobra, common krait, banded krait, rat snake, checkered keelback water snake, and common wolf snake.

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List of animals kept in an enclosure at Alipore Zoo, Kolkata

1. Zebra
2. Common Marmoset & Iguana.
3. White Fallow Deer
4. Bear – Sloth Bear & Himalayan Black Bear.
5. Kangaroo
6. Barking Deer
7. Swamp Deer
8. Black Duck
9. Deer–spotted deer, sambar deer, brow-antlered deer
10. Nilgai
11. Marsh Crocodile, Salt Water Crocodile & Gharial.
12. Gubbay House
13. Reptile House
14. Indian One Homed Rhinoceros
15. Leopard
16. Jaguar& Leopard.
17. Mullick House
18. Lesser Cat
19. White Tiger
20. Carnivora House
21. Bengal Tiger
22. Ostrich
23. Crowned Crane & Common Peafowl.
24. Jungle Cat
25. Pheasant, Mandarin Duck
26. Emu
27. Pheasants & Other Birds.
28. Hippopotamus
29. Lion
30. Pheasant
31. Jaguar, Leopard
32. Elephant
33. Water Birds
34. Cockatoo
35. Macaws, Cockatoos
36. Tiger
37. Aviary – Spoonbill
38. Giraffe
39. Pheasant, Peacock & other Birds
40. Pheasants, Doves, Imperial Pigeons, Parakeets
41. Baboon
42. Chimpanzee
43. Colourful Indigenous Fishes in an Aquarium

Alipur zoo aquarium

Opposite the Alipore Zoological Garden Kolkata main gate, a fish aquarium with 1,200 species is built. Both young and old people are very attracted to this aquarium.

Conclusion

Kolkata Alipore Zoo is also known as the Alipore Zoological Garden. It is the perfect winter destination in Kolkata. People of every age, including kids, can enjoy it a lot. You can also have a small picnic here.

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