Planning a visit to Chhatbir Zoo near Chandigarh? One of the first things visitors want to know is the Chhatbir Zoo timings so they can make the most of their trip. Officially known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir Zoo is one of North India’s most popular wildlife attractions, offering everything from majestic lions and tigers to a famous lion safari, walk-in aviary, and dinosaur park.

Whether you’re traveling with family, children, friends, or planning a school excursion, this guide covers everything you need to know about zoo timings, ticket prices, attractions, safari details, travel tips, and more.

Chhatbir Zoo Overview

Particulars	Details
Official Name	Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
Popular Name	Chhatbir Zoo
Location	Chhat Village, Zirakpur, Punjab
Established	1977
Famous For	Lion Safari, Walk-in Aviary, Dinosaur Park
Suitable For	Families, Students, Tourists, Wildlife Lovers

Spread across a large green area, Chhatbir Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals, birds, and reptiles in spacious enclosures.

Chhatbir Zoo Location

Address

Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
Chhat Village, Zirakpur, Punjab

The zoo is located on the Chandigarh–Patiala Highway, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

How to Reach Chhatbir Zoo

By Air

Nearest Airport:

Chandigarh International Airport

Distance: Around 12 km

By Train

Nearest Railway Stations:

• Chandigarh Railway Station
• Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar Railway Station

By Road

The zoo is well connected through:

• Chandigarh
• Mohali
• Panchkula
• Zirakpur
• Patiala

Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles can easily reach the zoo.

Google Maps Location

Chhatbir Zoo Timings

One of the most important details for visitors is the zoo’s opening and closing schedule.

Day	Timings
Tuesday to Sunday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday	Closed

Last Entry

Visitors should ideally enter before 3:30 PM to comfortably explore the entire zoo.

Best Time During the Day

Time Slot	Experience
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Best animal activity
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM	Moderate activity
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Comfortable but animals may rest

Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing experience.

Chhatbir Zoo Ticket Price

The zoo offers affordable entry fees.

Visitor Category	Ticket Price
Adults	₹100
Children (3–12 Years)	₹50
Below 3 Years	Free
Differently-Abled Visitors	Free

Ticket rates may be revised periodically by zoo authorities.

Lion Safari Charges

The Lion Safari is one of the biggest attractions at Chhatbir Zoo.

Activity	Charges
Lion Safari	₹75 Per Person

Separate tickets are usually required for safari rides.

Battery Operated Cart Charges

For visitors who prefer not to walk long distances:

Service	Charges
Battery Cart	₹60 Per Person

This is especially useful for senior citizens and families with small children.

Animals and Attractions

The zoo houses a rich collection of wildlife.

Big Cats

• Asiatic Lion
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Jaguar

Herbivores

• Deer
• Nilgai
• Blackbuck
• Hippopotamus

Bears and Other Mammals

• Sloth Bear
• Himalayan Black Bear
• Hyena
• Wolf

Birds

• Ostrich
• Emu
• Peacocks
• Cranes
• Pelicans

Reptiles

• Crocodiles
• Pythons
• Cobras
• Tortoises

Walk-In Aviary

One of the most unique attractions at Chhatbir Zoo is its walk-in aviary.

Highlights

• Free-flying birds
• Natural habitat design
• Excellent photography opportunities

Children especially enjoy this section.

Dinosaur Park

The dinosaur park features life-sized dinosaur models and educational displays.

Why Kids Love It

• Realistic dinosaur sculptures
• Fun learning experience
• Great photo spots

Lion Safari Experience

The Lion Safari remains the zoo’s star attraction.

What to Expect

• Guided safari ride
• Lions in semi-natural habitat
• Close wildlife observation
• Safe viewing environment

Duration

Approximately 10–15 minutes.

Facilities Available

Facility	Available
Parking	Yes
Washrooms	Yes
Drinking Water	Yes
Battery Cart	Yes
Seating Areas	Yes
Wheelchair Access	Available
Security Staff	Yes
Food Counters	Limited
First Aid	Yes

Best Time to Visit Chhatbir Zoo

Winter (October to February)

The ideal season to visit.

Benefits

• Pleasant weather
• Better animal activity
• Comfortable walking

Temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C.

Summer (March to June)

Can be quite hot.

Tip

Visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Monsoon (July to September)

The zoo becomes greener and more scenic.

Advantage

Beautiful natural surroundings.

Rules and Regulations

Visitors should follow zoo guidelines:

• Do not feed animals.
• Avoid littering.
• No loud music.
• Stay behind barriers.
• Follow safari safety instructions.
• Respect wildlife habitats.
• Follow instructions from zoo staff.

Parking Information

The zoo offers dedicated parking facilities.

Vehicle Type	Parking Available
Cars	Yes
Bikes	Yes
School Buses	Yes
Tourist Coaches	Yes

Parking is usually sufficient except on major holidays.

Nearby Places to Visit

You can combine your zoo visit with other attractions nearby.

Attraction	Distance
Sukhna Lake	Around 20 km
Rock Garden	Around 22 km
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden	Around 22 km
Elante Mall	Around 18 km
FunCity Waterpark	Nearby

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

Time	Activity
9:00 AM	Enter Zoo
9:15 AM	Lion Safari
10:00 AM	Big Cat Enclosures
11:00 AM	Walk-In Aviary
12:00 PM	Dinosaur Park
1:00 PM	Lunch Break
2:00 PM	Reptile House
3:00 PM	Photography & Relaxation
4:30 PM	Exit

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Famous Lion Safari
• Affordable ticket prices
• Large wildlife collection
• Family-friendly destination
• Walk-in aviary
• Educational for students

Cons

• Can be crowded on weekends
• Summer afternoons can be very hot
• Long walking distances
• Limited food options inside

FAQs

Q: What are Chhatbir Zoo timings?

A: Chhatbir Zoo is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays.

Q: What is the ticket price for Chhatbir Zoo?

A: Adult tickets are generally ₹100, while children’s tickets are around ₹50.

Q: What are Lion Safari timings?

A: The safari usually operates during zoo opening hours, subject to weather and operational conditions.

Q: Is Chhatbir Zoo open on Monday?

A: No, the zoo remains closed every Monday.

Q: How much time is needed to explore the zoo?

A: Most visitors spend 3–5 hours exploring the zoo and safari attractions.

Q: Is online ticket booking available?

A: Visitors can check the official website for the latest booking options.

Q: Which is the best time to visit Chhatbir Zoo?

A: Winter mornings between October and February provide the best experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a visit and searching for Chhatbir Zoo timings, remember that the zoo is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Arriving early gives you the best chance to see active animals, enjoy the Lion Safari, explore the walk-in aviary, and experience the dinosaur park without large crowds. With affordable ticket prices, excellent wildlife attractions, and family-friendly facilities, Chhatbir Zoo remains one of the top zoo destinations near Chandigarh and Punjab.