If you’re looking for a fun family outing near Chandigarh, Mohali, or Panchkula, Chhatbir Zoo is one of the best places to visit. From majestic lions and Bengal tigers to colorful birds and reptiles, this zoo offers a complete wildlife experience for children, couples, tourists, and school groups.
One of the most searched questions by visitors is: “What is the Chhatbir Zoo ticket price?” In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about entry fees, safari charges, timings, attractions, travel tips, facilities, and much more before planning your visit.
About Chhatbir Zoo
Officially known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir Zoo is one of North India’s most popular zoological parks. Established in 1977, the zoo is spread across a large green area and houses hundreds of animals, birds, and reptiles.
The zoo is especially famous for its Lion Safari, large walk-in aviary, dinosaur park, and natural-style animal enclosures. It attracts thousands of visitors every month, including families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Chhatbir Zoo Ticket Price

The latest commonly reported ticket charges are as follows:
| Category | Ticket Price |
| Adult (Above 12 Years) | ₹100 |
| Child (3–12 Years) | ₹50 |
| Below 3 Years | Free |
| Differently-Abled Visitors | Free |
| Authorized Media Personnel | Free |
Additional charges may apply for special attractions and camera usage.
Lion Safari Charges
One of the biggest attractions at Chhatbir Zoo is the Lion Safari.
| Activity | Charges |
| Lion & Deer Safari | ₹75 Per Person |
The safari is conducted through a protected vehicle and offers a closer look at lions in a semi-natural habitat.
Battery Operated Cart Charges
For visitors who do not want to walk long distances:
| Service | Charges |
| Battery Operated Cart | ₹60 Per Person |
This facility is especially useful for senior citizens, families with young children, and differently-abled visitors.
Chhatbir Zoo Timings
| Day | Timing |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
It is advisable to reach early in the morning for better animal sightings and comfortable weather.
Google Maps Location
Location
Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
The zoo is located near Zirakpur on the Chandigarh–Patiala Road.
Distance from Major Cities
| Place | Distance |
| Chandigarh | Around 20 km |
| Mohali | Around 18 km |
| Panchkula | Around 20 km |
| Patiala | Around 45 km |
How to Reach Chhatbir Zoo
By Air
The nearest airport is:
Chandigarh International Airport
Located around 10–15 km from the zoo.
By Train
Nearest railway stations:
- Chandigarh Railway Station
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali)
By Road
Regular buses, taxis, cabs, and auto-rickshaws are available from Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Animals and Attractions
Chhatbir Zoo has a huge collection of wildlife species.
Mammals
- Asiatic Lion
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Jaguar
- Hippopotamus
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Sloth Bear
- Elephant
- Deer Species
- Nilgai
- Wolf
- Hyena
Birds
- Ostrich
- Emu
- Sarus Crane
- Painted Stork
- Parakeets
- Peacocks
- Exotic Birds
Reptiles
- Indian Python
- Cobra
- Crocodile
- Gharial
- Iguana
- Tortoise
Walk-In Aviary
One of the most exciting attractions is the giant walk-in aviary.
Visitors can walk through specially designed pathways surrounded by birds flying freely around them.
The aviary is considered among the longest walk-in bird enclosures in India.
Dinosaur Park
Children especially enjoy the dinosaur section where life-size dinosaur models create an educational and entertaining experience.
Many families consider this area one of the highlights of the zoo.
Lion Safari Experience
The Lion Safari remains the most popular attraction inside Chhatbir Zoo.
What to Expect
- Safari vehicle ride
- Lions in large enclosed habitat
- Deer sightings
- Close wildlife viewing
Safari Duration
Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Visitors usually find it exciting, especially children and first-time zoo visitors.
Facilities Available
| Facility | Available |
| Parking | Yes |
| Washrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| Wheelchairs | Yes |
| Battery Cart | Yes |
| Seating Areas | Yes |
| Food Stalls | Limited |
| Security Staff | Yes |
| Information Boards | Yes |
Best Time to Visit Chhatbir Zoo
Winter (October to February)
This is the best season to visit.
Benefits
- Pleasant weather
- Animals are more active
- Comfortable walking conditions
Summer (March to June)
The weather can become very hot during afternoons.
Recent reports show the zoo takes special measures to protect animals from extreme summer heat.
Monsoon (July to September)
The zoo becomes greener, but occasional rain may affect sightseeing.
Weekdays vs Weekends
| Day Type | Crowd Level |
| Weekdays | Low |
| Saturday | Moderate |
| Sunday | High |
| Public Holidays | Very High |
For peaceful exploration and better photographs, weekdays are recommended.
Parking Information
Parking facilities are available outside the zoo.
| Vehicle Type | Parking Available |
| Bike | Yes |
| Car | Yes |
| School Bus | Yes |
| Tourist Bus | Yes |
Arriving early helps during weekends and holidays.
Nearby Places to Visit
You can combine your zoo trip with nearby attractions.
| Place | Distance |
| Sukhna Lake | Around 20 km |
| Rock Garden Chandigarh | Around 22 km |
| Elante Mall | Around 18 km |
| Zakir Hussain Rose Garden | Around 22 km |
| FunCity Water Park | Nearby |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable ticket prices
- Famous Lion Safari
- Huge wildlife collection
- Large walk-in aviary
- Family-friendly destination
- Educational for students
- Good parking facilities
Cons
- Can get crowded on weekends
- Long walking distances
- Summer afternoons can be uncomfortable
- Limited food choices inside
FAQs
Q: What is the Chhatbir Zoo ticket price for adults?
A: The adult ticket price is generally ₹100 per person.
Q: What is the ticket price for children?
A: Children between 3 and 12 years usually pay ₹50.
Q: Is Lion Safari included in the zoo ticket?
A: No. Lion Safari usually requires a separate ticket of around ₹75 per person.
Q: What are Chhatbir Zoo timings?
A: The zoo is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
Q: How much time is needed to explore the zoo?
A: Most visitors spend around 3–4 hours exploring the entire zoo.
Q: Is online ticket booking available?
A: Yes, online booking information is available through the official zoo website.
Q: Is Chhatbir Zoo worth visiting?
A: Yes. The combination of wildlife, Lion Safari, aviary, dinosaur park, and family-friendly facilities makes it one of the best zoo experiences near Chandigarh.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for the latest Chhatbir Zoo ticket price, expect to pay around ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children, and an additional ₹75 for the Lion Safari. With its exciting wildlife collection, India’s famous walk-in aviary, dinosaur park, and safari experience, Chhatbir Zoo offers a full day of fun and learning for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a school excursion, or a weekend trip from Chandigarh, Mohali, or Panchkula, Chhatbir Zoo is a destination that rarely disappoints.






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