What I believe is that Zoological Parks are for those nature lovers and curious minds who wish to explore the wonders and beauties of nature so close to you in one place. If you are one such person, definitely you love the visit to Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad.
I hated the idea of caging animals even if it’s in a zoo. But then comes the conservation part. Imagin in this urban era, where most of the natural habits are getting diminished for progress, there is no other way to protect them than to create some artificial means like Zoological Parks and protected forests. It also helps us to know them more, admire them, and work for the sustainability of this beautiful planet.
Nehru Zoological Park
The park lies almost in the center of the city and you can easily sport the green shade on google maps. It was started in 1959 and named after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It is 380 acres of land that houses more than 100 species of birds and animals. Now they have introduced an adoption program where you can adopt an animal by paying for its subsistence.
How to reach
- Hyderabad Railway station is about 7 Kms from the zoo and if you are traveling by train, you can easily get a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the railway station.
- Bahadurpura Bus Stop is the nearest one if you are traveling by Bus.
- And if you are driving by your own vehicle, there is nothing better than google maps.
Timing and Entry Pass
It’s open all day except on Monday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The tickets rate as of 2021 is 60 INR during weekdays and 75 INR during weekends and holidays. It’s free for children below 3 and a discount rate for children above 3. You have to pay additional fees for professional photography and videography.
A guide to Nehru Zoological Park
After ending the Main gate, you will be able to see the parking on the right side and the ticket counter on the left side. After getting the ticket you can enter through another gate which takes you to a straight road until you reach the toy train station. If you do not wish to walk, you can opt for a Green Ride. These are battery-driven vehicles and you can book your green ride at the starting. Toy Train is another highlight of this zoo where the visitors can travel the entire zoo on a small open train.
This zoo is like a maze and we have to make sure that you read the directions and it is good to carry a Map. You can also get the help of your phone maps.
There is one main road that circles the entire zoo except at the Safari Park. I will talk about Safari Park a little later. The Toy train also runs parallel to this road. Then there ars small roads that will take you to inside areas.
There are also two lakes inside the Zoo. You might see migratory birds and crocodiles on these lakes. On is so big and it adds more beauty to the wilderness of this place.
Now let’s talk about some of the best attractions of this place.
Primate Park
One of the amazing things about this is the big Tortoises and those might be older than you. There are many other small species as well happily swing in the pond. I haven’t seen such varieties of Tortoise recently.
Another inhabitant of this park is the monkeys.
Butterfly Park
This is one of the first Butterfly parks in India and was established in 1988. The ideal time for watching butterflies are early mornings.
Deer Park
The deer park is an open space that covers a major part of the zoo and it is home to various species of deer.
Please Note that From Deer park, you can either take the main road to Elephant Park and Safari Park or take the right road to Canine Park, Hippopotamus, and Rhino park.
Canine Complex
Next to Deer park lies the Canine complex where you will be able to see different species of jackals, wolves, and foxes.
Hippopotamus, and Rhino park.
A little walk further from Canine Complex will take to the Hippopotamus, and Rhinos and these are must-see.
Elephant Park
Instead of taking the right turn from Deer park and if you continue with the main road, on your left, you will see the Majestic and most elegant beasts of the jungle. These elephants are very huge and they peacefully gaze in this abode.
Safari Park
There are separate tickets for Safari Park and the rates vary depending on the AC bus and Non AC Bus. I would say this is a must-try specialty in this park. Once you are on the bus, they will take you to the gate which resembles Jurassic park.
Inside Safri Park, there are 3 main divisions. Lion Safari, Tiger Safari, and Bear Safari. Unlike the famous African or Great Indian Safari, you will not find animals moving freely here. This is more like a zoo within the zoo. You will find Lion, tigers, and bears in proper enclosures, but closer than other parts of the zoo.
Bird Park and Aviary
From the Safari Park bus stop, there is a short walk to Bird park and you will be able to watch some of the most exquisite birds on this planet.
Crocodiles and Reptile House
When you reach the Crocodile and Aligator house, it is fascinating to see them lying on land like wood logs. You will be able to see them very much closer than most other Zoos in India.
Reptile House house some of the most common Indian snakes varieties. This place will definitely help you to watch and understand them closely.
Nocturnal House
It is another main attraction here. The house artificially reverses day and night so that the nocturnal animals are active during the daytime for visitors.
Giraffe
There are two big giraffes in this park. It is really interesting to see these African beauties up close.
White Tiger
White tigers are very rare and you can actually see one here in this zoological park.
Places to eat
There are a lot of eateries that sell everything at reasonable rates. Always make sure that you take care of the wastes and plastic bags and bottles.
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