Nehru Zoological Park is located in the state of Telangana. When you are exploring this state, you can plan your visit to the zoo located in Hyderabad. It holds the pride of being one of the most well-maintained and largest zoos in India. The zoo is spread across 380 acres of land and is the home to a wide range of reptiles, birds and wildlife. So, it is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers and families. Before you plan your visit to this zoological park, you can gain valuable insights from this blog post.
Nehru Zoological Park – An Introduction
The Nehru Zoological Park in Telangana was established in 1963. The purpose of its establishment is to promote wildlife conservation. Also, the zoo aims at promoting ecotourism and education. You might be an adventure seeker or a wildlife enthusiast. Otherwise, you might be a person looking for a place in Hyderabad for a relaxing day out. In all these cases, this zoological park has something to offer.
History of Nehru Zoological Park
The Nehru Zoological Park started its functions in 1959. It was created by relocating the erstwhile zoo enclosures from the Public Gardens in Hyderabad. However, the actual inauguration of the park happened only in 1963. The zoo has been created adjoining the Miralam Tank Bund. This is a local arch bund dam formed 2 centuries ago with 24 arches.
In 1980, a Crocodile Breeding Station was established in the zoo. The purpose is to improve the crocodile population and release them into the wild. The zoo has now taken the responsibility of breeding vultures and mouse deer. These projects are taken up by the zoo with sponsorship from CZA, New Delhi. Over the years, the zoo has expanded to include different animal enclosures and safari rides.
How to Reach Nehru Zoological Park?
You can choose different modes of transportation to reach Nehru Zoological Park. Here are a few options to consider:
By Bus
If you would like to travel by bus, you can find several TSRTC buses operating from different parts of the city to take you to the zoo. For instance, you can take bus numbers 94M, 49M and 7Z from different parts of the city to take you to the zoo. The nearest bus stop to the zoo is Afzalgunj Bus Station, which is located around 6 km away. From this stop, you can hire an auto to take you to the entrance of the zoo.
By Train
If you are travelling from other cities in India by train, you can book your train tickets to Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. This railway station is otherwise called Nampally Railway Station. From this station, the zoo is located around 6 km away. You can cover this distance by hiring an auto. Otherwise, you can also reach the Secunderabad Railway Station from other cities. From this railway station, the zoo is located around 10 km away. You can cover this distance by hiring an auto.
By Flight
Yes, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, called RGIA in Hyderabad, is the nearest airport to the zoo. From this airport, the Nehru Zoological Park is located around 21 km away. As you know, flights from different parts of India connect to Hyderabad RGIA. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or an auto to reach the zoo.
By Car
If you are travelling from Hyderabad by car, you will have to take the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway or NH44 to reach the zoo. An ample parking facility is available outside the zoo. So, those travelling by their personal vehicle can use the parking facility.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Indeed, similar to other zoological parks, Nehru Zoological Park also lets you explore a lot of wild animals in captivity. Here are some interesting things to do and key attractions in the zoo:
Wildlife Exploration
The zoo houses more than 1500 animals from more than 100 different species. You can indeed explore them in captivity. For instance, you can see wild animals like giraffes, rhinos, leopards, elephants, lions and tigers. The zoo also has a nocturnal house that features nocturnal birds like bats and owls. To bring them to life in the morning, the zoo has provided a simulated night environment for them.
Safari Rides
You might have heard about safari rides in national parks. Similarly, the Nehru Zoological Park offers visitors the opportunity to participate in safari rides. When you opt for the lion and tiger safari, you can experience the thrill of watching big cats up close. The Beer Safari ride will let you see sloth bears in their natural habitat. When you take a herbivore safari ride, you can see antelopes and spot deer and other herbivores roaming freely.
Reptile House
Yes, you have guessed it right. Here, you can get close to reptiles like cobras, pythons and crocodiles, to name a few.
Butterfly Park
No one can say that they do not like butterflies. How about spending some time with colourful butterflies? This is possible at the Butterfly Park, which is part of Nehru Zoological Park.
Aviary & Bird Watching
Do you love to watch birds? If so, you will love the aviary and bird-watching opportunities Nehru Zoological Park offers. You can spot exotic bird species like parrots, pelicans, flamingos and peacocks in the aviary part of the zoo.
Boating and Toy Train Ride
The zoo houses a lake, where you can take part in boat rides. Also, if you are travelling with your kids, they will love a toy train ride within the zoological park.
Educational Museum
The educational museum part of the Nehru Zoological Park features informative displays regarding biodiversity, fossils and wildlife conservation. If you or your kids love wildlife, you will enjoy gaining insights from this museum.
Best Time & Season To Visit
The best time to visit the zoological park is between October and March. During these months, the weather will be pleasant. So, you can comfortably explore each area of the park spread across many acres. When you choose the months between April and June, which is the summer season, it will be very hot to explore the entire park. Indeed, during the winter months between July and September, you can see a lot of greenery. However, heavy rains can disturb your exploration of the park. So, choose a day between October and March.
Duration To See
To explore the zoological park completely, you will need at least four to five hours. If you are looking for a more relaxed visit, you can allocate around 6-7 hours to exploring the zoo at a slow pace by taking a toy train ride, boating, or safaris.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
- The Golkonda Melange
- Café Rockways
- Temptation Bar & Restaurant
- New Pakeeza Hotel Restaurant
- Tripple F Hotel Restaurant
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
Here are a few accommodation options that are not more than 4 km away from the Nehru Zoological Park:
- OYO 19460 Hotel Pearl City
- New Gandhi Bhavan Hotel
- New Haridwar Hotel
- Treebo Fort Club
- Hotel O Pariwar Inn
- Hotel Kohinoor Residency Lodge
- Hotel My Choice
- Royal Bawarchi Hotel
- Grand Manor Suites
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
For adults, the entry fee to Nehru Zoological Park is ₹60, and for kids, the entry fee is ₹40. For foreign nationals, the entry fee is ₹200. If you carry a still camera, you will have to pay ₹100 extra. For a video camera, a fee of ₹500 is applicable. Apart from the entry fee, you will have to pay separately for boat rides, safari trips and toy train rides.
FAQ
1. What are the Opening and Closing times of Nehru Zoological Park?
For visitors, the park remains open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. However, entry is restricted to visitors on Mondays. So, you can plan your trip on days other than Mondays.
2. Can I Carry Outside Food Inside the Park?
No, you cannot carry outside food. However, you can find small food stalls inside the park if required.
3. Can I Hire a Battery-Operated Vehicle to Explore the Zoo?
Yes, battery-operated vehicles are available for hire to ensure eco-friendly exploration.
4. Can I Feed the Animals Within the Zoological Park?
No, feeding animals is strictly prohibited. Some rules are framed for your safety. So, it is better to follow the rules levied by the park authorities.
Conclusion
Are you planning to explore the places to visit in Hyderabad? If so, you should not miss out on including Nehru Zoological Park in your itinerary. This destination offers a unique blend of education, adventure and wildlife exploration opportunities. You might be planning a trip with your family to Hyderabad. Otherwise, you might be a nature or animal lover. In all these cases, a visit to this zoo will bring you a different experience. With a lot of engaging activities, fun-filled safari rides, and spots to spend time for kids, a visit to this park will be an enjoyable experience for your entire family.
Check out my other posts about Telangana State:
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: A Marvel of Engineering And Heritage
Exploring the Grandeur of Chowmahalla Palace: A Journey Through Time
Plan A Visit To Ananthagiri Hills By Reading This Guide
15 Places to Visit in Hyderabad
3 Best Water Parks in and Near Hyderabad That Will Take You to A Different World
