Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park — Attraction in Pune

🌿 About the Zoo

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park—also known as Katraj Zoo—is a sprawling 130-acre facility located about 7–8 km from central Pune in Katraj. Managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation, it encompasses three zones: the main zoo, a snake park, and an animal rescue/orphanage center, all surrounding the scenic 42-acre Katraj Lake .

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🐾 Key Attractions & Animals • Home to around 60–66 species and approximately 360 animals, including majestic Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a rich variety of ungulates and birds . • The Snake Park is a highlight—featuring over 150 reptiles, including vipers, kobras and a 13-ft king cobra . • Not just a zoo: it also functions as a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center and hosts an animal adoption program .

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💸 Entry, Facilities & Visitor Tips • Timings: Open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM every day except Wednesday (closed) . • Entry Fees: • Adults: ₹ 40 • Children/students: ₹ 10 • Foreign nationals: ₹ 100 • Photography: ₹ 50 | Videography: ₹ 200 • Free entry for blind or disabled visitors with ID; school groups pay ₹ 10 per student; guides available at ₹ 50/group  . • Facilities: • Electric carts (₹ 40 adult / ₹ 25 child) are available, though booking early is recommended due to demand . • Regular drinking water fountains and washrooms are present, though the latter could use occasional maintenance . • Visitor Tips: • Bring your own water and snacks (outside premises only). • Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. • Visit early morning and preferably mid-week to avoid crowds .

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👍 What’s Great • Well designed, spacious enclosures that closely mimic natural habitats. • Educational programs, guided tours, snake festivals, and conservation awareness activities add value for families and wildlife lovers  . • Katraj Lake offers a serene setting, ideal for quick breaks or leisurely views . • Affordable entry, and widely accessible—well-suited for locals and tourists alike  .

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⚠ Room for Improvement • Park layout and signage could be clearer—some enclosures, like lions or tigers, require significant walking from the main path . • Parking management can become chaotic during high footfall, leading to wait times of 30–45 minutes . • Some enclosures are sparsely populated; visitors have noted gaps in expected displays (e.g., giraffes are often missing despite being on maps) . • Feed and dining facilities are not provided—though this helps maintain cleanliness, it may limit options for longer visits .

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📰 Recent Concern: Spotted Deer Deaths

In July 2025, 15 spotted deer died within six days without prior symptoms, leading to a drop from 99 to 84 deer. Zoo authorities have initiated investigations, sent biological samples to multiple wildlife research institutes, and implemented biosecurity measures in the enclosure. No further deaths were reported after July 13, and remaining animals are under close monitoring .

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✅ Final Verdict

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a standout among Indian city zoos—offering a blend of wildlife, education, and conservation within a pleasant lakeside setting. It’s ideal for a 3–4 hour visit where families and nature enthusiasts can enjoy both iconic animals and learn through interactive programs.

Just be ready to walk, arrive early, and stay hydrated. If you’re looking for a serene escape with lots of animal diversity and thoughtful exhibits, this...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre, located in Katraj, Pune—and it was a memorable and enriching experience for nature and wildlife lovers like me.

🌿 Beautifully Maintained & Eco-Friendly Environment

The first thing that impressed me was how clean, green, and well-organized the entire zoo premises are. Spread across a large area, the zoo is set amidst a lush, natural environment, offering an ideal habitat for the animals as well as a peaceful space for visitors to explore. The walking paths are well-paved, shaded by trees, and surrounded by nature—making it a perfect spot for families, kids, students, and even senior citizens.

🐅 Diverse Range of Animals & Birds

The zoo houses a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles, all kept in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitats. I was particularly impressed by the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sloth bears, Indian elephants, and snakes. Each enclosure had proper information boards providing interesting facts about the species, their behavior, and conservation status.

The reptile park is another highlight, showcasing a fascinating range of snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and lizards. It was both educational and thrilling, especially for children and wildlife enthusiasts.

🦚 Educational & Awareness-Oriented

What makes this zoo stand out is its focus on wildlife education and conservation. The zoo is not just about entertainment—it also aims to create awareness about wildlife protection. There are regular signage and displays encouraging responsible tourism, environmental awareness, and species preservation.

There’s also a wildlife research and rescue centre within the premises, which shows the commitment of the park toward animal care and rehabilitation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly & Well-Managed

The facilities inside the zoo are thoughtfully planned for visitors: • Clean washrooms • Drinking water stations • Seating areas to rest • Snack stalls near the entrance

Security and staff presence throughout the park make it a safe and enjoyable visit for families with children. You can easily spend 2–3 hours here walking, exploring, and learning about wildlife.

🎫 Affordable & Worth the Visit

The entry fee is very reasonable, making it accessible for everyone. For the kind of experience and learning you get, it’s truly worth every rupee. It’s also a great place for school field trips or weekend outings.

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✅ Final Thoughts

The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is not just a zoo—it’s a peaceful retreat into nature and a powerful reminder of the beauty and importance of wildlife. Whether you’re an animal lover, a parent looking for a fun and educational day out, or just someone who enjoys being close to nature—this place is a must-visit in Pune.

Highly recommended for all age groups. I’ll definitely...

I recently visited the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Center, and overall, it was a great experience. The park is spread out over a large area, and it's an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a peaceful and scenic environment. The park is well-known for its snake and reptile section, which was one of the highlights of my visit. It's fascinating to see the wide variety of snake species and reptiles, all housed in environments that mimic their natural habitat.

Beyond the reptile section, the park also showcases a variety of other animals, although the number of species seemed to have reduced compared to previous years. I was a bit disappointed with the limited number of animals, especially in the wild animal section.

The greenery and landscaping of the zoo are beautiful and add to the experience, but the garden and tree areas could use more maintenance, considering the zoo's popularity. It’s obvious that there is ongoing work to improve some areas, but a bit more attention to cleanliness and care would enhance the experience further.

For visitors, I recommend carrying your own snacks and water since the amenities inside are limited, and there are few options for refreshments. You can also take advantage of the battery-operated vehicles. However, these vehicles are not always readily available. They operate on a limited schedule, and there can be a bit of a wait, especially on weekends when the park tends to get crowded. It's a good idea to queue early if you want to use these vehicles, as they tend to fill up quickly.

In terms of facilities, the park does provide washrooms at various points, but they are not in the best condition and could use better upkeep. There are water facilities available, which is convenient for visitors. One thing to be aware of is that the park can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so if you're looking for a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday might be a better option. The entry fee is quite reasonable, making it an affordable and enjoyable day out, particularly for families with children.

Overall, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park offers a fun and educational experience, especially for children. It provides a chance for them to see animals up close and learn about different species beyond books and screens. Despite a few areas for improvement, it's a great place for a family outing or a peaceful walk amidst nature. With its affordable entry fee and a variety of animals to see, it's worth a visit if you're in Pune. Just be prepared for a bit of walking, and plan your visit around the vehicle schedules if you’d like a more...