Introduction
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo), located at Jawahar Parbat (Birch Hill), is spread over more than 67 acres. It is named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu.
The animals adapted to high altitudes are in this Zoo. The Zoo is located at a height of about 7000 feet (2150m). The rare animal Red Panda can be seen in this Zoo. The Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Darjeeling Zoo is about 60 km from Bagdogra airport and about 70 km from New Jalpaiguri train station. Siliguri city is a 3-hour drive away from here.
Darjeeling Zoo Entrance
Best time to visit Darjeeling Zoo
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between April and June. The temperatures between 20C (68F) and 25C (77F) in these months. From October to December there will be less mist.How to get to Darjeeling Zoo
The best way to reach Darjeeling Zoo is by taxi. Shared taxis are cheaper than private taxis. The drive from Chowk Bazaar is about 15 to 20 minutes. The walk from Chowrasta is about 30 minutes. Walking in hilly area is somewhat strenuous.
Open timings and Tickets
The ticket timings are from 8.30 AM to 4 PM and the visitors should leave the Zoo and HMI premises by 4.30 PM. The Zoo and HMI are closed on Thursdays. The entry fee for Indians and S.A.A.R.C countries is Rs.110 (about $1.3) per person and for foreign nationals is Rs.180 (about $2) per person. The charge for each Camera is Rs.10. The entry fee for children below 6 years of age is free.
Darjeeling Zoo timings
Darjeeling Zoo tickets
Time Required to see Darjeeling Zoo and HMI
About 2 to 3 hours
Things to do at Darjeeling Zoo and HMI
- Visit the rare Red Panda
- Check out the rare Bengal Tiger enclosure
- Try tree top walk
- Check out Bengal Natural History Museum
- Visit the Auditorium
- Shop at the Souvenir shop
- See the Aviary
- Go to the section for pheasants
- Visit aquarium
Tree top rope walk
About Darjeeling Zoo
The Zoo spread over more than 67 acres breeds endangered eastern Himalayan species. The Zoo has omnivore section, herbivore section and carnivore section. It has Pheasant species. The ‘Royal Bank of Scotland Earth Hero Award’ was given in 2014. There are mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and more here.
Bengal Tiger
About Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The HMI is a reputed mountaineering institute in the world. This was founded in 1954 by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. This was founded after Mount Everest was conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Many students got trained from here in mountaineering and other adventure activities.
HMI ticket counter
History of Darjeeling Zoo
The Darjeeling Zoo started in 1958 under the Department of Education of the Government of West Bengal as Himalayan Zoological Park. The goal at the time of the establishment of the Zoo is to study and save the fauna. The park became a registered society in 1972. The Zoo became part of the West Bengal Department of Forests in 1993.
The Zoo became breeding center for red pandas and snow leopards. It also breeds other animals like the Himalayan Salamander, the Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and more. The Red Panda program was started in early nineties.
Red Panda
History of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The HMI was initially located at Roy Villa, Lebong Cart Road. It was shifted to Birch Hill in 1958. The institute trained students from India and abroad over the years. It is run by Governments of India and West Bengal.
Stupa
HMI inner premises
Restrictions
- Plastic bottles and Polythene bags are not allowed
- Pets are not allowed
- Firearms and sharp objects are not allowed
- Playing of audio systems is not allowed
- Feeding or disturbing animals is not allowed
- Littering is not allowed
- Entering of animal enclosures is not allowed
Facilities
- Information point
- Restrooms
- Baby care room
- Wheelchair accessible restrooms
- Canteen
- Rain shelters
- Purified water from water purifier
- Resting areas
- First aid
- Guided maps
- Souvenir shops
Tourist attractions in Darjeeling
- Tiger Hill
- Toy train ride
- Batasia loop
- Observatory hillview point
- Darjeeling ropeway
- Tenzing and Gombu rocks
- Rangeet Valley tea garden
- Happy Valley tea garden
- Gopaldhara tea garden
- Mirik lake and garden
- Pashupati market in Nepal
- Mahakal Temple
- Pine viewpoint
- Simana viewpoint
- Ghum Monastery
- Darjeeling Zoo
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Japanese Temple
- Peace Pagoda
- Dali Monastery