JUNGLE SAFARI

Hi! Are u an animal or bird or even nature lover? If yes, why don't you plan a trip to the zoo right away? Take the entire family along, lots of yummy goodies in a picnic bag and of course your camera for some memorable moments to capture forever. And if you have a kid at home, that's the icing on the cake!
       Watch the lion roar at you with undisguised ferocity, the orangutan mimicking your movements, or the birds chirping with excitement in the aviary, the hippopotamuses lazily snoozing in the muddy puddles, snakes slithering in the dark reptile house, owls hooting eerily in the nocturnal zoo, crocodiles lounging in the sun, shedding false tears... And you could even go for an elephant ride if u are lucky enough. All this does merit a trip to the zoo.
        From north to south, India is the homeland to a diverse species of animals and birds that offer a rich natural heritage to our nation. And here's a list of some of the best zoos of India which you would love to visit.

ARIGNAR ANNA ZOOLOGICAL PARK (Vandalur Zoo), Chennai, Tamil Nadu

         One of the most coveted destinations of Chennai, the Vandalur Zoo (as it is popularly known) is located at Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai, about 31kilometres from the state capital. Founded in 1855 as the Madras Zoo, it is the first public zoo and the largest zoological garden in India sprawled over an area of 1490 acres. It houses 1500 wild animals- over 170 species of exotic fauna in over 81 enclosures. The zoo is especially well known for the rare Lion-tailed Macaque, found only in the Western Ghats and the White Tiger. Besides, the zoo offers Lion Safari ( a short drive through the natural habitat of the lions) as well as an Elephant Safari. So, grab your chance to become one of the 3000 visitors who come to the zoo every day!



NANDANKANAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

          This is probably one of the best zoos you could ever hope to visit (speaking from personal experience). Located in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha, within the environs of the Chandaka forest, NANDANKANAN, literally meaning, the abode of the Gods, is world famous for its white tigers and orangutan. It was established in the year 1963 and boasts of more than 1580 animals housed in 101 enclosures and 202 sub-enclosures. It became the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. Nandankanan is the only zoo in the country credited with having Patas Monkey, Eastern Rosella (Platypus) and Open-billed Stork. Besides two other zoos in India, Nandankanan is home to Orangutan, Indian Pangolin, Spotted Munia, and Burmese Python. It is the host zoo for white Tigers and offers a unique Tiger Safari trip to visitors since 1991. You can also enjoy Toy Train Ride, Boating and Ropeway at the zoo. Don't miss the chance to visit this paradise on earth. (Monday closed).


NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, Delhi

           Popularly known as the Chidiya Ghar, the National Zoological Park was established in 1959 and is spread over an area of 176 acres. The zoo is home to 1350 animals and over 150 species of birds. Among the well known species found here are gibbon, white buck, white tiger and the Manipur antlered-deer. Situated close to the Old Fort at Delhi, one of the principal attractions of this zoo is the 16th century citadel and a picturesque green island. One of the most interesting places to visit, especially for children and youngsters. The zoo also has an in-house library, cafeteria and mobile vans for the convenience of visitors. A trip to Delhi woul never be complete without a visit to the zoo.  Trust me! (Friday closed)


NEHRU ZOOLOGICAL PARK, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

          Also called the Hyderabad Zoo, it is located near the Mir Alam Tank in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the best zoos in the country. Spanning an area of over 300 acres, it houses over 250 species of fauna, popular among which are the Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhino, Indian Elephant, Python, Panther, Himalayan Black Bear and the Asiatic Lion. Added attractions include the Lion Safari, Tiger Safari, Bear Safari and Bison Safari, Natural History Museum, Butterfly Park, Aquarium, Children's Park, Jurassic Park and Toy Train. Besides, you can enjoy boating activities organized by the Tourism department at the Mir Alam Tank. (Monday closed)


ALIPORE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, Kolkata, West Bengal

           Also called the Alipore Zoo or Calcutta Zoo, it is India's oldest formally stated zoological park and one of the best gateways of West Bengal. Covering an area of only 50 acres of land, the zoo is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, African Lion, Panthers, Giraffes, the One-Horned Rhinos, Hippopotamus and a variety of migratory birds like touracos, hornbills, golden pheasants and numerous large flightless  birds like ostrich, emu and cassowary. One of its prime attractions is the glass walled enclosure for Tigers and a new aviary that boasts of spoonbills, pelicans and storks. The Calcutta Aquarium is just across the street and is managed by the zoo authorities. (Thursday closed)