If you are planning a trip to the beautiful hill station of Nainital and want something beyond lakes and viewpoints, then Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, popularly known as Nainital Zoo, is a must-visit.

This is not your typical city zoo. Located at an altitude of around 2,100 meters, it is one of the few high-altitude zoos in India. The animals here are specially adapted to cold climates, which makes the experience quite different from other zoos.

Surrounded by forests and hills, the zoo offers a calm, scenic, and refreshing environment. It’s a great place for families, couples, and students who want to enjoy nature along with wildlife.

In short: A peaceful, scenic zoo experience in the lap of the Himalayas.

Location & How to Reach

• Location: Sher Ka Danda Hill, Nainital, Uttarakhand
• Around 2–3 km from Mall Road

Google Maps Location

How to Reach

By Train:

• Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (~35 km)
• From there, take a taxi to Nainital

By Air:

• Pantnagar Airport (~70 km)

By Road:

• Well connected by buses and taxis from Delhi and nearby cities

Final Stretch

• You need to walk uphill or take a taxi to reach the zoo
• The road is steep but scenic

Tip: Take a cab if traveling with kids or elders.

Timings & Ticket Price

Timings

• Opening Time: 10:00 AM
• Closing Time: 4:30 PM
• ❌Closed on Wednesday

Last entry is usually around 4:00 PM.

Ticket Price (Approx)

• Adults: ₹50
• Children: ₹20
• Camera charges: extra

Budget-friendly and reasonable.

Official Website

• Managed by Uttarakhand Forest Department
  https://forest.uk.gov.in

(Check for latest updates here)

Animals & Attractions

Nainital Zoo is known for its unique high-altitude animals.

Animals You Can See

• Snow Leopard (rare highlight) 🐆
• Himalayan Black Bear 🐻
• Tibetan Wolf
• Leopard

Birds

• Himalayan Monal (state bird of Uttarakhand)
• Cheer pheasant
• Other mountain birds

Other Species

• Barking deer
• Sambar deer

The zoo focuses on Himalayan wildlife, which makes it special.

Scenic Environment (Major Highlight)

The biggest attraction is not just animals—it’s the location.

• Surrounded by hills
• Fresh mountain air
• Beautiful walking paths
• Amazing views

It feels like a nature trek + zoo experience combined.

Safari Details

There is no safari available here.

However:

• Natural surroundings give a wild feel
• Walking trails feel like a mini trek

It’s more about exploration than safari.

Visitor Experience

Visitors usually say:

✔ Peaceful and scenic
✔ Unique animals
✔ Less crowded
✔ Requires some walking

People love:

• Clean environment
• Fresh air
• Beautiful views

Ideal time to spend: 2–3 hours

Facilities Available

• Drinking water
• Washrooms
• Seating areas
• Basic pathways

Facilities are simple but decent.

Best Time to Visit

Best Season

• March to June (Summer) – pleasant weather
• October to December – clear views

Winter Experience

• Cold weather
• Sometimes snowfall
• Unique experience

Best Time of Day

• Late morning (10 AM–12 PM)
• Early afternoon

Weekdays vs Weekends

• Weekdays = peaceful
• Weekends = moderate crowd

Still less crowded compared to metro cities.

Travel Tips (Very Practical)

For Families & Kids

• Take taxi instead of walking uphill
• Carry water and snacks
• Keep kids warm in winter

For Couples

• Enjoy scenic walk
• Great for photography

For Students

• Learn about Himalayan wildlife
• Observe rare species

Smart Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Carry jacket (even in summer)
• Avoid visiting in heavy rain
• Start early

Rules to Follow

• Do not feed animals
• Do not disturb wildlife
• Maintain silence
• No littering

Important for safety and environment.

Parking Information

• Limited parking available near entry
• Better to use taxi
• Walking path available

Parking can be tricky during peak season.

Nearby Places to Visit

You can combine your visit with:

• Naini Lake
• Mall Road Nainital
• Snow View Point
• Tiffin Top

Perfect for a full Nainital itinerary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unique high-altitude zoo
• Scenic environment
• Rare Himalayan animals
• Peaceful and less crowded
• Educational

Cons

• Requires uphill travel
• Limited animal variety
• No safari
• Basic facilities

FAQs

Q: What are Nainital Zoo timings?

A: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Wednesday.

Q: Is Nainital Zoo worth visiting?

A: Yes, especially for nature and wildlife lovers.

Q: How much time is needed?

A: Around 2–3 hours.

Q: Is it good for kids?

A: Yes, but be prepared for walking.

Q: Is there a safari?

A: No safari is available.

Final Verdict

Nainital Zoo is not about big crowds or large collections—it’s about peace, nature, and unique wildlife.

If you are looking for:

• A scenic experience
• A calm environment
• A different kind of zoo

Then Nainital Zoo is definitely worth visiting.