Alipore zoo Ticket Price: The Alipore Zoo, also called the Calcutta Zoo or Zoological Garden of Alipore, holds the distinction of being India’s oldest zoological park and stands as a prominent tourist attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal. It draws visitors nationwide eager to explore the thriving wildlife. Renowned for housing ‘Adwaita,’ the Aldabra giant tortoise, which lived for an astonishing 250 years until its passing in 2006, the Alipore Zoo is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families with children. Encompassing 46.5 acres, the zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1876. During the winter seasons, the Alipore Zoo experiences a surge in tourists, becoming a bustling destination in Kolkata. Ongoing modernization efforts, including glass-walled enclosures and aviaries, have further enhanced its popularity, providing an enriched wildlife experience.
| Departments | Giraffe Enclosure · Turtle Zone |
|---|---|
| Address | 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027 |
| Notable Animal | Adwaita (Aldabra giant tortoise) |
| Area | 19 ha |
| Opened | 24 September 1875 |
| Number of Animals | 1,266 |
| Hours | Open until 5:15 pm (Closed on Thursday) |
| Annual Visitors | 3 million |
| No. of Species | 108 |
Ticket price
Ticket price for Alipore zoo at Kolkata starts from Rs. 10 onwards, Purchase tickets from the official website. Check out more details.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Children up to 5 years | ₹10 per person |
| Visitors above 5 years (Saturdays, Sundays & Govt. holidays) | ₹30 per person |
| Visitors above 5 years (Other days) | ₹25 per person |
| Aquarium | ₹5 per person |
| Video Camera (per hour) | ₹250 |
Ticket site
Visit the official website to purchase your tickets.
How to purchase ticket online and offline
| Type |
|---|
| Online Visit |
| 1. Visit the official website. |
| 2. Select date and tickets. |
| 3. Make online payment. |
| 4. Receive confirmation. |
| Offline Visit |
| 1. Visit the Alipore Zoo. |
| 2. Purchase tickets at the counter. |
| 3. Pay in cash. |
| 4. Receive physical tickets. |
Location
Alipore zoo Information
Animals List
| Category | Total | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Mammals | 166 | 35 |
| Birds | 490 | 57 |
| Reptiles | 140 | 22 |
Kolkata Zoo Mammals
- Carnivorous mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Lion, Jaguar, etc.
- Herbivorous mammals: Barasingha, Chital, Giraffe, Nilgai, Rhinoceros, etc.
- Primates: Chimpanzee, Hamadryas Baboon, Common Marmoset, Bonnet Monkey, etc.
Kolkata Zoo Birds
- Migratory and exotic birds: Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Asian Openbill, etc.
- Cockatoo species: Bare Eyed Cockatoo, Sulfur Crested Cockatoo, Blue Macaw, etc.
- Various other bird species: Bar Headed Goose, Black Swan, Myna birds, Peacocks, etc.
Kolkata Zoo Reptiles
- Various snake species: Indian Python, Indian Cobra, Banded Krait, etc.
- Crocodiles: Saltwater Crocodile, Ganges Crocodile, Gharial, etc.
- Other reptiles: Asian Water Monitor, Mugger Crocodile, Tokay Gecko, Tortoises, etc.
Kolkata Zoo History
- Established in the 18th century by Governor General Richard Wellesley.
- Originally built based on personal wishes, now known as Alipore Zoo.
Attractions at Alipore Zoo Kolkata
| Attraction | Details |
|---|---|
| The Reptiles House | Special house for reptiles with separate rooms for each type. Glass cages for snakes like Indian Python, Indian Cobra, etc. |
| Crocodile Room | Separate room for crocodiles featuring various types, including saltwater crocodile, Ganges crocodile, gharial, etc. |
| Aviary for Exotic Birds | Home to various exotic and migratory birds, including Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Asian Openbill, and cockatoo species. |
| Mammal Exhibits | Displays of diverse mammals, both carnivorous and herbivorous, such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Giraffe, Nilgai, and primates like Chimpanzee and Common Marmoset. |
| Box for Birds | Housing different bird species like Bar Headed Goose, Black Swan, Black Headed Ibis, various types of cockatoos, migratory ducks, cranes, myna birds, peacocks, and more. |
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1800 | Private initiation by Governor General Richard Wellesley as part of the Indian Natural History Project. |
| 1842 | First attempt by Dr. John McCleland, the curator of Bengal Asiatic Society Museum, which was unsuccessful. |
| 1867 | Another attempt by the president of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, but the plan was halted due to the lack of suitable land. |
| 1873 | Plan proposed by Sir Carl Louis Schwendier, the Postmaster of the Government of India, but was put on hold due to land issues. |
| 1875 | Land in Alipore was allotted by the Government, and donors contributed specimens, including Mr. Carl Louis Schwendler. |
| 1876 | Zoo opened on 1st May with a managing committee comprising Sir Schwendler and Botanist George King. |
| 1876 (Initial Years) | Rai Bahadur Ram Brahma Sanyal, the first Superintendent, significantly contributed to the zoo’s development with ideas on captive breeding, nutrition, medical care, and record-keeping of animal behavior. |
What to expect in Alipore Zoo Kolkata
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mammals | |
| Total Mammals | 1,266 |
| Species | 108 |
| Carnivores | Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Lions, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Jaguar, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, and more. |
| Herbivores | Swamp Deer, White Fallow Deer, Brow Antlered Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Black Buck, Indian Elephant, Zebra, Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Nilgai, Hippopotamus, and more. |
| Primates | Common Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Bonnet Monkey, Olive Chimpanzees, Hamadryas Baboon, Common Marmoset, and more. |
| Reptiles (in The Reptile House) | |
| Species | 22 |
| Snakes | Indian Cobra, Indian Python, Banded Krait, Common Krait, Rat Snake, Common Wolf Snake, Checkered Keelback Water Snake, and more. |
| Crocodiles and Gharials | Saltwater Crocodile, Ganges Crocodile, Gharial, and more. |
| Birds | |
| Total Birds | Not specified |
| Pheasants | Golden Pheasant, Chinese Silver Pheasant, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Reeves’s Pheasant, Bhutan Grey Peacock Pheasant, Nepal Kalij Pheasant, Green Pheasant. |
| Cockatoos | Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Bare Eyed Cockatoo, Moluccan Cockatoo, Citron Crested Cockatoo, Goffin’s Cockatoo. |
| Macaws | Red and Blue Macaws, Blue and Yellow Macaws. |
| Endangered Birds | White Stork, Spoonbill, Painted Storks, Black Necked Storks, Adjutant Storks, Sarus Crane. |
| Zoo Features | |
| Houses | Reptile House, Elephant House, Primate House, Panther House. |
| Special Areas | Children’s Zoo, Aquarium. |
| Central Water Body | Attracts migratory birds during winters. |
This table provides a clear overview of the diverse wildlife and features available at the Alipore Zoological Garden.