Visiting a zoo is always fun and excitement. But how many of us actually know about the history and the efforts taken to set up a zoo like Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park in Darjeeling?
This post is for all those animal lovers who want to know more about this wonderful zoo and its animals. Read this blog to find out all about this zoo!
Table of Contents
About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling-
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park or the Darjeeling Zoo is one of the best tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It’s a paradise for animal lovers with over 80 different species of animals from all over the world. The rich history of the zoo traces back to 1958. At that time, it was the Himalayan Zoological Park. It was later renamed after the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, who was also the first female governor of Uttar Pradesh.
The zoo is located on Jawahar Parbat, which is a popular hillock at an altitude of 7100 feet. It’s spread across an area of 67.56 acres and shares its boundary with the famous natural forest reserve known as Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary. The zoo is famous for breeding some of the rarest Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard and Red Panda in captivity. It also houses many other native and migratory birds, mammals, and reptiles that are unique to this region.
The zoo is open on all days of the week between 9 AM to 4 PM, except on Thursdays when it remains closed for maintenance.
A Brief History Of Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
Padmaja Naidu at Lebong Race Course in 1958 established the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. The present area of the zoo was originally a race course for the British for thoroughbred horses. After that, in 1958 the zoo opened to public with some animals procured from Calcutta Zoo and some from other sources.
In May 1977 Padmaja Naidu died. Following this, later that year on 23 November 1977, the zoo was named after her as Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. In 1978 it was brought under the Indian Government’s Project Tiger scheme to breed tigers in captivity, which had been initiated a few years before.
The process of inauguration of the park started in 1957 with an area of almost 67.56 hectares. The initial housing area was only 0.4 hectares, but now it has expanded to 11 hectares. In 1972, the state government took over this park in order to make it more developed and organized so that people can enjoy visiting here.
Also read, History and Culture of Darjeeling.
What do you get to explore at The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park?
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park houses a wide range of mammals, reptiles, birds and fishes. Some of the major attractions include Himalayan Black Bear, Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf, Barking Deer and Golden Pheasant etc. This zoo also has a wonderful collection of colourful butterflies.
Darjeeling Zoo is packed with lots of rare species of animals among whom Red Panda is the most notable one.
Some others are-
- Tibetan Wolf
- Snow Leopard
- Black Leopard
- Clouded Leopard
- Siberian Tiger
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Sambar Deer
- Blue Sheep
- Himalayan Tahr
- Barking Deer
- Musk Deer
- Goral
- Jackals
Some birds that you see there-
- Rose Ring Parakeets
- Hill Mynas
- Ring-Necked Pheasants
- Blue Gold Macaw
- Blue combination Macaw
Open Hours & Entry Fee
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is open on all days except Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The entry fee for Indian adults is Rs 20/- per person and for children is Rs 10/- per child. Foreign adults have to pay Rs 100/- per person as entry fee and for children it is Rs 50/- per child. The camera charge for adults is Rs 30/- per person and children need to pay Rs 15/-
How to reach
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is located in Darjeeling. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. Here you can meet and greet the animals and have an opportunity to closely watch their activities.
The zoo is located on Jawahar Parvat at an altitude of 7100 feet above sea level. This place is considered as one of the most beautiful places in India. To witness some rare species of animals including red pandas and snow leopards which are not found anywhere else in India, this zoo is the perfect place. It also houses some exotic birds like king vulture, white-rumped vulture, Himalayan griffon
Also, another such serene place is The Batasia Loop.
Zoo Contacts
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Jawahar Parvat,
Darjeeling
Phone:(+91)0354/2253 709; Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park , one of the most popular and significant tourist destinations in West Bengal, is home to endangered species of animals. The park is located on a 10-acre plot of land in Jaidevpur, almost 4 km from the heart of Darjeeling. It is one of the youngest zoos in the state. Great place to spend time, learn about wildlife and have fun.
If you have any questions for me, leave them below! Thanks for reading my blog and have a wonderful day!
Find out more about: The Good Darjeeling Life.
Also, Shopping in Darjeeling.
Best tourist places you must visit in Darjeeling.
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