Are you looking for a place to visit in Kolkata that offers a unique and memorable experience of nature and wildlife? If yes, then you should definitely check out Alipore Zoo, the oldest zoo in India and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Alipore Zoo is located in Alipore, a suburb of Kolkata, and is easily accessible by public transport or car. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Alipore Zoo, such as its history, attractions, how to reach, top hotel collections, FAQs, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of why Alipore Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves animals and nature.
History of Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo was founded in 1876 by Sir William Henry Hunter, a British naturalist and explorer who wanted to create a place where people could see exotic animals from different parts of India. He was inspired by the London Zoo and the Paris Zoological Garden and decided to establish his own zoo in Kolkata after visiting the city in 1875. He bought a piece of land from the British government and started building his zoo with the help of some local contractors and workers. He also brought some animals from England and other countries to populate his zoo.
Some of the notable animals that were brought to Alipore Zoo include tigers, elephants, lions, bears, monkeys, etc. Some of these animals are still alive today and can be seen at the zoo. Sir William Henry Hunter also planted many trees and flowers around his zoo to make it more beautiful and natural. He also established a botanical garden next to his zoo where he grew various plants from different regions of India.
Alipore Zoo faced many challenges over the years due to various factors such as lack of funds, staff changes, animal escapes, diseases, etc. However, it also made some achievements such as conservation efforts, animal welfare issues, staff training, etc. Alipore Zoo was closed for public visitation in 2014 due to financial problems but was reopened in 2019 after receiving support from various organizations and individuals.
Attractions of Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo has many attractions that make it worth visiting for visitors who love animals and nature. Here are some of the main attractions that you should not miss at Alipore Zoo:
Reptile House:
This is one of the oldest buildings at Alipore Zoo that houses various reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, etc. You can see them up close and learn about their habitats, diet, and behavior. You can also feed some of them if they are not too shy or aggressive.
Royal Bengal Tiger:
This is one of the most famous attractions at Alipore Zoo that features a majestic tiger that was rescued from a forest fire in 2012. The tiger is very friendly and curious towards visitors and often comes out of its enclosure to greet them. You can take pictures with it or watch it from a distance.
White Tiger:
This is another popular attraction at Alipore Zoo that features a white tiger that was born naturally without any genetic defects or mutations. The white tiger is very rare and beautiful and attracts many visitors who want to see it. You can take pictures with it or watch it from a distance.
Other Attractions:
There are many other attractions at Alipore Zoo that include birds, penguins, parrots, monkeys, elephants, lions, bears, etc. You can see them perform tricks or interact with visitors or each other.
How to Reach Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo is located in Alipore, a suburb of Kolkata, and is easily accessible by public transport or car. Here are some details on how to reach Alipore Zoo from different parts of Kolkata:
By Train:
You can take any train from Howrah station or Sealdah station to Park Street station or New Market station near Alipore Park. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to reach Alipore Park where you will find the entrance gate of Alipore Zoo. The distance between Howrah station or Sealdah station and Park Street station or New Market station is about 4 km and it takes around 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw or bus.
Also check out: Exploring Calcutta - Solo
By Bus:
You can take any bus from Howrah bus stand or Sealdah bus stand to Park Street bus stop near Alipore Park. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bike taxi to reach Alipore Park where you will find the entrance gate of Alipore Zoo. The distance between Howrah bus stand or Sealdah bus stand and Park Street bus stop is about 3 km and it takes around 10 minutes by auto-rickshaw or bike taxi.
By Car:
You can drive your own car or rent one from any nearby location to reach Alipore Zoo. The distance between Howrah and Alipore Zoo is about 5 km and it takes around 15 minutes by car.
Top Hotel Collections Near Alipore Zoo
If you are planning to stay near Alipore Zoo for a comfortable and convenient stay, you can choose from some of the best hotels in Kolkata that offer good value for money and quality service. Here are top 5 hotel collections near Alipore Zoo that you should consider:
1. Golden Parkk Hotel:
This is a 3-star hotel that is located just opposite to Alipore Park, where you will find the entrance gate of Alipore Zoo. The hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a conference hall, and a garden. The hotel charges around Rs. 2,500 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
2. Hotel Green Park:
This is another 3-star hotel that is located just across the road from Hotel Golden Parkk. The hotel offers cozy rooms with basic amenities, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a terrace. The hotel charges around Rs. 2,000 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
3. Taj Bengal:
This is a 5-star hotel that is located just 0.2 km away from Alipore Zoo. The hotel offers luxurious rooms with modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center. The hotel charges around Rs. 15,000 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
4. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata:
This is another 5-star hotel that is located about 3.3 km away from Alipore Zoo. The hotel offers elegant rooms with premium amenities, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, etc. The hotel also has two restaurants, a banquet hall, and a spa. The hotel charges around Rs. 11,200 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
5. The Sonnet:
This is a 4-star hotel that is located about 9.5 km away from Alipore Zoo. The hotel offers cozy rooms with basic amenities, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant and a terrace. The hotel charges around Rs. 5,800 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Alipore Zoo
Here are some of the common questions that visitors may have about Alipore Zoo before visiting it or after visiting it:
Q: What time does Alipore Zoo open and close?
A: Alipore Zoo opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm on all days except Mondays when it opens at 10 am and closes at 4 pm.
Q: What are the entry fees for Alipore Zoo?
A: The entry fee for Alipore Zoo is Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for children (below 5 years). There are no entry fees for senior citizens (above 60 years) and students (with valid ID).
Q: What are the timings of animal shows at Alipore Zoo?
A: Animal shows at Alipore Zoo are held every day at different timings depending on the season and availability of animals. You can check the timings on the notice board near the entrance gate or call the zoo office at +91-33-2212-2222.
Q: What are the best months to visit Alipore Zoo?
A: The best months to visit Alipore Zoo are March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active.
You may also like to check out: Into the nooks and corners of Kolkata
Alipore Zoo is one of the most unique and fascinating places to visit in Kolkata that offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity and history of India’s wildlife. You can see various animals from different parts of India in their natural habitats, learn about their conservation efforts, and enjoy their company. You can also explore other attractions such as reptile house, royal Bengal tiger, white tiger, etc.
If you are looking for an exciting and memorable trip to Kolkata, then you should definitely visit Alipore Zoo and make it your next destination.
