Alipore Zoological Garden

আলিপুর চিড়িয়াখানা

India’s oldest formally established zoo, opened in 1875.

About Alipore Zoological Garden

The zoo was opened in 1875 and is the oldest formally stated zoological garden in India. For Bengali families a winter picnic at "Chiriakhana" is a rite of childhood. Its lake draws migratory birds in the cold months, and its old trees are as much a draw as the animals.

Why visit

A winter-day family outing that every Kolkatan remembers.

What to see and do

The big cats and elephants
The lake with winter birds
The reptile house and the old colonial-era enclosures

Plan your visit

Area: Alipore, South Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Alipore Road, opposite the National Library
Best time: Morning or afternoon. November to February.
Time needed: About 3 hours
Cost: Usually under ₹100 a head
Entry: Open to the public with a ticket. Ticket price and hours are not currently verified.
Metro: Jatin Das Park or Rabindra Sadan (Blue Line), then a bus or taxi
Walking: A lot of walking
Photography: Photography is fine with some care.

Tip

Generally closed on Thursdays. Christmas and New Year week draw enormous crowds.

Nearby and related places

National Library of India: The country’s largest library, in the grounds of Belvedere House.
Alipore Jail Museum: The old central jail, where freedom fighters were held, turned into a museum.
Agri-Horticultural Society Gardens: A walled garden founded by William Carey’s society, known for winter flower shows.
Balwant Singh’s Eating House: A Punjabi dhaba from 1926 that serves tea from before dawn.
Bhukailash Temples: Twin Shiva temples of 1781 beside a tank, hidden in Kidderpore.
Victoria Memorial: The white-marble memorial museum and its gardens.

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.