Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune

The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as the Katraj Zoo, is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife lovers visiting Pune. Spread across 130 acres, including the beautiful 42-acre Katraj Lake, this zoo is home to a fascinating collection of animals, birds and reptiles. Managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation, the zoo comprises an animal orphanage, a snake park, and a zoo section.

History

The zoo traces its history to the 7-acre Peshwe Park created in 1953, which housed animals in traditional cages. In 1987, the Katraj Snake Park was set up on adjacent land acquired for the zoo. In 1997, it was decided to build a more modern zoo that met international standards. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park opened in 1999 with a snake park, some deer and monkeys. By 2005, animals from Peshwe Park were moved here and it was shut down. In 2010, an animal adoption scheme was introduced.

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Major Attractions

The zoo has diverse species including tigers, leopards, bears, deer, crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, squirrels, foxes and a fantastic avian population. The snake park itself houses over 150 reptiles spanning 22 species, including a mammoth 13-foot King Cobra! Visitors can access a snake library and educational events are held regularly. Battery-operated vehicles provide rides for elderly/disabled visitors.

Key Highlights

• Watch tigers, leopards, bears, deer in natural enclosures

• View a wide variety of venomous/non-venomous snakes

• Walk around the lake and beautiful surroundings

• Enjoy a battery car ride on the zoo premises

• Attend snake festivals, awareness events

Timings

• Timings: 9:30 AM - 5 PM, closed on Wednesdays

Entry Fees

1. Adult (Above 4 feet 4 inches) - ₹40

2. Child (Below 4 feet 4 inches) - ₹10

3. Foreigners - ₹100

4. Blind & Handicapped Persons (on providing proof) - FREE

5. Students (School Trips- Accompanied by teachers)
   

   • Students of Private Schools - ₹10 per person

   • Students of PMC, ZP & Government Schools - ₹5 per person

BATTERY OPERATED VEHICLE RATES

1. Adult (Above 4 feet 4 inches) - ₹40

2. Child (Below 4 feet 4 inches) - ₹25

For Camera Use

1. Steel Camera - ₹50

2. Video Camera - ₹200

3. Guide (As per available - for the group) - ₹50

How to Reach

The zoo is located around 7 km from Pune near Katraj Dairy along the Pune-Satara Highway. It is well connected by road.

• Bus: Katraj bus stop is 1 km away, take an auto-rickshaw to the zoo

• Cab: Hire from top car rental companies in Pune for easy commute

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Best Time to Visit

Monsoons (July-September) and winters (November-February) are ideal with pleasant weather. Avoid visiting during extreme summer or monsoon months.

So come explore this excellent zoo with family and friends for a refreshing day amidst nature! You can also customize your Pune tour package or plan a day tour from Pune with leading curated holiday provider Holidays DNA for a hassle-free experience.