Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The zoo is very well maintained with a variety of animals and birds local to the region. There is also a museum with a large variety of taxidermic specimens of animals, birds, insects, and reptiles which is both fascinating and informative. The mountaineering section is also worth visiting, especially for kids. The tickets are available online as well as at the zoo. We purchased our tickets at the counter and it was pretty quick. Basic refreshments and washroom services are available inside the zoo. All in all it was a great experience to be in the midst of nature and experience wildlife so up close.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, popularly known as Darjeeling Zoo, offers a unique and educational experience, especially for nature and wildlife lovers. Situated at a high altitude, the zoo enjoys a cool climate and scenic surroundings, which make the visit pleasant and refreshing. One of the biggest highlights is its focus on conservation and breeding of rare Himalayan species such as the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and Tibetan wolf. The enclosures are spacious and designed to resemble the animals’ natural habitats, which shows the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare. The zoo is clean and well maintained, and informative boards help visitors learn about each species. The walking paths provide beautiful views of the surrounding hills, making the experience enjoyable beyond just animal sightings. For photography lovers, it can be a rewarding place. However, there are a few drawbacks. Due to the zoo’s large area and uphill paths, walking can be tiring, especially for elderly visitors and families with small children. Limited seating and rest areas can add to the discomfort. During peak tourist seasons, the zoo becomes crowded, reducing the peaceful experience. Some visitors may also feel disappointed if certain animals are not visible, as they often rest or hide. Overall, Darjeeling Zoo is a meaningful visit with educational value and natural beauty, but better facilities and crowd management could improve the experience further.

The best I have ever seen. All the animals are beautiful and kept nicely but not better than the Gangtok zoo. The animals can be fed better. The tigers, leopards are real treat to watch here. Really interesting. Must go place if you are in darjeeling. The red pandas are very playful and shiney and bigger size than Sikkim zoo.

The Himalayan Zoo is a great place to visit. You can see many animals there, and both children and adults will enjoy it. There are beautiful pine trees where you can take great selfies. The wolf enclosure is fascinating. The view of the snow leopard is also amazing. There's a museum inside the zoo where photography isn't allowed, but the museum is excellent and offers a lot to learn and understand.

Very well maintained zoo. Entry fee is not costly, 110 per person and cash only. Inside we have Himalayan institute but to play or do anything we have to pay extra there, only museum is free.

Visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in January 2026 was a magical experience. The crisp winter air of Darjeeling makes the walk through this high-altitude sanctuary incredibly refreshing. I was lucky enough to see the Red Pandas and the majestic Snow Leopards, which are much more active in the cooler temperatures of January. The enclosures are beautifully designed to mimic the natural Himalayan terrain, and the commitment to conservation is evident throughout. Don't miss the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute located within the same complex—it’s a perfect combination for a day trip. Be sure to wear warm woollens, as the altitude at 7,000 feet makes it quite chilly this time of year! 1) Operating Hours: In the winter season (including January), the zoo is generally open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Note that it is typically closed on Thursdays. 2) Entry Fee: A combined ticket (covering the Zoo, HMI, and the Bengal Natural History Museum) is approximately ₹110 for Indian tourists. 3)Top Tip: Photography enthusiasts should carry extra batteries, as the cold January weather can drain them faster while you wait for the perfect shot of the Tibetan Wolf or Himalayan Salamander.

Well-Maintained Zoo with Rare Himalayan Wildlife. The zoo is clean, well maintained, and beautifully located amidst tall pine trees, making the walk inside very pleasant. The main attraction is getting to see rare Himalayan animals like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, and Tibetan Wolf. The enclosures are spacious and designed to resemble natural habitats, which is great to see. The zoo is also involved in conservation and breeding programs, which adds real value to the visit. The views of the surrounding hills make the experience even better. • Visit early in the morning when animals are more active. • Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a fair amount of walking. • Carry water. Overall, a must-visit place in Darjeeling, especially for nature lovers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a 67.56-acre high-altitude zoo in Darjeeling, West Bengal, known for conserving Himalayan wildlife like the red panda and snow leopard. Established in 1958, it is India's largest high-altitude zoo and has initiatives like the DNA sample collection and a conservation breeding project for the red panda. The zoo is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, but it is closed on Thursdays. Location: Located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, at an average elevation of 7,000 feet. Conservation: Focuses on the conservation of Himalayan species, with a dedicated breeding program for the red panda and a DNA biobanking facility. Wildlife: Home to a variety of animals, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and Siberian tigers. Facilities: Features a DNA preservation lab and is India's largest high-altitude zoo. Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Thursdays. This zoo was established on 14 August 1958 in the Birch Hill neighbourhood of Darjeeling under the Department of Education of the Government of West Bengal with a goal to study and preserve Himalayan fauna. Its first Director and founder was Dilip Kumar Dey. Mr. Dey, who belonged to the Indian Forest Service was on deputation to the Department of Education for the express purpose of establishing a high-altitude zoological park specializing mainly in Himalayan flora and fauna. The park's prized possessions were a pair of Siberian (Ussuri) tigers presented to the Government of India by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1960. Over the years famous names in the world of Conservation have been attracted to and have visited the HZP. The zoo now contains endangered animals like snow leopards, red pandas, gorals (mountain goat), Siberian tigers and a variety of endangered birds. However, there has been concern regarding the fact that the Himalayan animals may face a threat due to rising temperatures in the hilly area. In January 1972, the park became a registered society, with an agreement that maintenance costs would be shared by the central and state governments. In May 1993, the park was transferred to the West Bengal Department of Forests. The park was renamed in 1975 when Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, visited the park and dedicated it to the memory of Padmaja Naidu.