Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in the Himalayas? Do you want to witness the rare and majestic animals that inhabit the high-altitude regions? If yes, then you must visit Kufri Zoo, also known as Himalayan Wildlife Zoo or Himalayan Nature Park, in Kufri, Himachal Pradesh.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide and overview of the zoo and its attractions, as well as some useful tips and recommendations for visiting the zoo and Kufri. Read on to find out why Kufri Zoo is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
What to Expect at Kufri Zoo?
Kufri Zoo is one of the most popular and well-maintained zoos in India, located at an altitude of about 2,600 meters above sea level. The zoo covers an area of about 90 hectares, and houses more than 200 animals of 31 different species, most of which are native to the Himalayan region. Some of the rare and endangered animals that you can see at the zoo include snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan monal pheasant, barking deer, musk deer, brown bear, tibetan wolf, and Himalayan tahr. The zoo also has a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The zoo is open from 10 am to 4 pm every day, except on Mondays and national holidays. The entrance fee is Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children, while the camera fee is Rs. 50 for still cameras and Rs. 100 for video cameras. The zoo is well-maintained and clean, with proper signage and information boards. The zoo also has a veterinary section, where you can learn about the health and care of the animals, and a conservation section, where you can learn about the threats and challenges faced by the wildlife and the efforts taken by the zoo to protect them.
How to Reach Kufri Zoo?
Kufri Zoo is located about 16 km from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and about 365 km from Delhi, the national capital. You can reach the zoo by various modes of transportation, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of the best ways to reach the zoo:
By Bus: You can take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla, and then take another bus or a shared taxi from Shimla to Kufri. The bus fare from Delhi to Shimla is around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000, while the bus fare from Chandigarh to Shimla is around Rs. 200 to Rs. 400. The bus or taxi fare from Shimla to Kufri is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100.
By Train: You can take a train from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kalka, and then take the famous toy train from Kalka to Shimla. The train fare from Delhi to Kalka is around Rs. 300 to Rs. 800, while the train fare from Chandigarh to Kalka is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100. The toy train fare from Kalka to Shimla is around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500. The toy train journey is a scenic and memorable one, as it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. From Shimla, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kufri, as mentioned above.
By Air: You can take a flight from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla Airport, which is located about 22 km from Shimla. The flight fare from Delhi to Shimla is around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000, while the flight fare from Chandigarh to Shimla is around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000. From Shimla Airport, you can take a taxi to Kufri, which will cost you around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.
By Road: You can also drive to Kufri from Delhi or Chandigarh, if you have your own vehicle or a rented one. The road distance from Delhi to Kufri is about 380 km, while the road distance from Chandigarh to Kufri is about 130 km. The road conditions are generally good, except for some patches of rough and narrow roads. The road trip will take you about 8 to 10 hours from Delhi, and about 3 to 4 hours from Chandigarh, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
What to Do at Kufri Zoo?
Kufri Zoo is not just a place to see the animals, but also a place to enjoy some fun and adventurous activities. Here are some of the things that you can do at the zoo:
Trekking: One of the best ways to explore the zoo and its surroundings is by trekking. You can choose from various trek routes, depending on your fitness level and interest. Some of the popular trek routes are the Mahasu Peak Trek, the Chini Bungalow Trek, and the Indira Tourist Park Trek. The trekking trails offer spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains, the green valleys, and the dense forests. You can also spot some wildlife along the way, such as monkeys, langurs, and pheasants. The trekking duration can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the route and your pace. You can hire a guide or a pony from the zoo entrance, if you need assistance or guidance. The guide or pony charge is around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per person.
Photography: Another thing that you can do at the zoo is photography. The zoo offers ample opportunities for capturing some amazing shots of the animals, the birds, the plants, and the landscapes. You can use your camera or your smartphone to take some stunning pictures, and share them with your friends and family. You can also participate in some photography contests or workshops organized by the zoo or some travel agencies, and win some prizes or certificates. You can also learn some photography tips and tricks from the experts or the guides, and improve your skills and knowledge.
Feeding: One of the most exciting and rewarding things that you can do at the zoo is feeding the animals. You can buy some food items from the zoo cafeteria, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and biscuits, and feed them to some of the friendly and hungry animals, such as deer, monkeys, and birds. You can also interact with the animals, and learn more about their behavior and habits. You can also witness some of the feeding sessions conducted by the zoo staff, and see how they feed some of the carnivorous and herbivorous animals, such as snow leopards, bears, and pandas. You can also ask some questions or doubts to the staff, and gain some insights and information.
Where to Stay Near Kufri Zoo?
If you want to extend your visit to the zoo and Kufri, you can stay at some of the hotels and resorts that are close to the zoo and offer comfortable and affordable accommodation. Here are some of the hotels and resorts that we recommend:
Kufri Holiday Resort: This is one of the best and most popular resorts in Kufri, located just 2 km from the zoo. The resort offers cozy and spacious rooms and cottages, with modern amenities and facilities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, heater, and geyser. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, and a games room, where you can enjoy some delicious food, drinks, relaxation, and entertainment. The resort also organizes some activities and events, such as bonfire, music, dance, and sightseeing, where you can have some fun and socialize with other guests. The resort charges around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Royal Tulip Shimla: This is another excellent and luxurious resort in Kufri, located about 4 km from the zoo. The resort offers elegant and lavish rooms and suites, with premium amenities and facilities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, heater, geyser, minibar, and balcony. The resort also has a restaurant, a cafe, a bar, a spa, a pool, and a conference hall, where you can enjoy some mouth-watering food, beverages, relaxation, and business. The resort also arranges some activities and services, such as trekking, cycling, horse riding, and airport transfer, where you can have some adventure and convenience. The resort charges around Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 10,000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Hotel Kufri Pacific: This is a budget-friendly and decent hotel in Kufri, located about 3 km from the zoo. The hotel offers simple and clean rooms, with basic amenities and facilities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, heater, and geyser. The hotel also has a restaurant, where you can enjoy some tasty and hygienic food. The hotel also provides some facilities and services, such as parking, laundry, and room service, where you can have some comfort and convenience. The hotel charges around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Conclusion
Kufri Zoo is a wonderful and worthwhile destination for anyone who loves wildlife and nature. The zoo offers a rare and exciting opportunity to see some of the most magnificent and endangered animals of the Himalayas, as well as to enjoy some fun and adventurous activities in the scenic and serene surroundings. The zoo is also a great place to learn more about the conservation and protection of the wildlife and the environment, and to support the efforts of the zoo staff and the local community. Whether you are visiting with your family, friends, partner, or solo, you will have a memorable and enriching experience at the zoo and Kufri.
