High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is a wildlife sanctuary in Nainital, Uttarakhand that showcases the rich and diverse fauna of the Himalayan region. The zoo is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level and is the only high altitude zoo in India. The zoo is home to various endangered and exotic species of animals and birds, such as Himalayan black bear, Tibetan wolf, leopard cat, red panda, hill fox, goral, barking deer, sambar, Himalayan civet, royal Bengal tiger, Himalayan eagle owl, silver pheasant, cheer pheasant and many more. The zoo also has a botanical garden that displays a variety of plants and flowers. Visit during Nainital Local Sightseeing.
Location of High Altitude Zoo
High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is located on the Sher-ka-Danda Hill, about 2 km from the Mall Road of Nainital. It can be reached by road from any part of Nainital or nearby towns.
Timing/Entry Fees High Altitude Zoo
High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Monday. The entry fee for visiting High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 50 for children. The camera fee is Rs. 25 for still camera and Rs. 200 for video camera.
How to Reach High Altitude Zoo
High Altitude Zoo, Nainital can be easily reached by road from Nainital and other nearby towns. There are regular buses and taxis available for Nainital from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar and other places. From Nainital, one can take a local bus, taxi or rickshaw to High Altitude Zoo, Nainital.
Alternatively, one can also take a train to Kathgodam railway station, which is about 35 km from Nainital and then take a bus or taxi to Nainital. The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport, which is about 56 km from Nainital and then take a bus or taxi to Nainital.
Things to Do/Must See High Altitude Zoo
High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is a place where one can enjoy the natural beauty and learn about the wildlife of the Himalayan region. Some of the attractions and activities at High Altitude Zoo, Nainital are:
- Viewing the Animals and Birds: The main attraction of High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is the variety of animals and birds that are housed in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitats. One can see the rare and endangered species such as Himalayan black bear, Tibetan wolf, leopard cat, red panda, hill fox, goral, barking deer, sambar, Himalayan civet, royal Bengal tiger, Himalayan eagle owl, silver pheasant, cheer pheasant and many more. The zoo also has informative boards that provide facts and trivia about the animals and their behaviour.
- Visiting the Botanical Garden: Another attraction of High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is the botanical garden that displays a variety of plants and flowers that are native to the Himalayan region. The garden also has a greenhouse that showcases some exotic plants such as orchids and cacti.
- Enjoying the Scenery: High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is also a place where one can enjoy the scenic views of the hills and the valley. The zoo is surrounded by oak, deodar and pine trees that add to its charm. The zoo also has a cafeteria where one can relax and have some snacks and beverages.
- Learning about the Wildlife Conservation: The Zoo, Nainital is also a place where one can learn about the wildlife conservation efforts by the zoo management and the government. The zoo aims to educate the visitors about the importance of preserving nature and wildlife by providing them with a fun and interactive experience. The zoo also participates in various outreach programmes involving children, students, local people and visitors to create awareness towards wildlife conservation on different occasions such as World Environment Day, Ozone Layer Conservation Day, Wild Life Week etc.
Significance of High Altitude Zoo
High Altitude Zoo, Nainital has a significance as it is a place that showcases the rich and diverse fauna of the Himalayan region that are otherwise difficult to see in their natural habitats. The zoo also plays an important role in conserving and protecting the endangered and exotic species of animals and birds by providing them with a suitable environment and care. The zoo also contributes to the research and breeding programmes of the wildlife by collaborating with other zoos and organizations.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit High Altitude Zoo, Nainital?
A: The best time to visit the Zoo, Nainital is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Q: How long does it take to visit High Altitude Zoo, Nainital?
A: It takes about 1-2 hours to visit the Zoo, Nainital, depending on how much time one spends in viewing the animals and birds and visiting the botanical garden.
Q: Is photography allowed at High Altitude Zoo, Nainital?
A: Photography is allowed at the Zoo, Nainital and there are no restrictions on using cameras or mobile phones.
Conclusion
High Altitude Zoo, Nainital is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to witness the rich and diverse fauna of the Himalayan region. The zoo is a place of adventure, nature and education that attracts visitors from all over the world. The zoo is also a place of peace and tranquility that offers a glimpse of the natural beauty and wildlife of the Himalayan region.
