Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park: Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, often called Katraj Snake Park, is one of India’s most well-known zoos. It is located near Katraj, a short distance from Pune. As a result, both locals and visitors to Pune find it to be a favorite. Established in 1999, this vast park bears the name of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. In addition to being a popular destination for enjoyment, it is a vital hub for environmental awareness and wildlife protection.
There are three sections to it: a lake, a snake park, and a zoo. All of these locations allow you to visit and observe the animals receiving care in a secure setting.
Lake: The lake is located in the center of the zoo and is home to a variety of birds, including ducks, geese, and swans. The lake also has a boat ride that visitors can take to get a closer look at the birds and other wildlife.
Snake Park: The snake park is located next to the zoo and is home to a variety of snakes, including cobras, vipers, and pythons. The snake park also has a small museum where visitors can learn more about snakes and their conservation.
Zoos: The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, apes, bears, deer, reptiles, and birds. The zoo also has a special enclosure for the endangered Indian gaur, which is one of the largest bovines in the world.
In addition, it features a wildlife research center that functions as a care facility, rescue facility, and orphanage for animals.
History of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
In 1953, the tiny Peshwe Park gave rise to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo Park Katraj that you see today. Pune Municipal Corporation was behind its creation. It later aided in the establishment of Katraj Snake Park in 1987. A new zoo that included Snake Park was planned for 1997. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre Katraj also opened its doors in 1999. Up until 2005, it was just a snake park with some deer and monkeys. After that, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo in Pune received all of the animals from Peshwe Park. Peshwe Park was closed as well.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park additionally included the nearby Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center sometime in 2007–2008. In order to capture and rehabilitate snakes, the service was established in 1992. However, it developed into a rescue facility for all wounded and abandoned birds and animals. Since 2010, the zoo has also offered an animal adoption program.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Timings and Entry Fees
Day | Timing | Entry Fees |
Monday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | 10 per person for Children and Students40 per person for Adults100 per person for Foreign Nationals 50 for Still Camera Charges 200 for Video Camera Charges Free for Handicapped and Blind (upon showing proof ID) |
Tuesday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | |
Wedesday | Closed / Holiday | |
Thursday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | |
| Friday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | |
| Saturday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | |
| Sunday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm |
Note: Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Pune is Closed on Wednesday
Things to do at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Pune
- Observing animals in their natural environments: The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is home to more than 389 species of animals. Among those animal species are sambhars, crocodiles, and leopards. In addition to White and Bengal tigers, the zoo also has giant squirrels, foxes, and wild dogs. A variety of birds, such as eagles, vultures, and peacocks, can also be seen.
- Studying the snakes: The zoo is well-known for having a sizable collection of reptiles and snakes. Poisonous snakes, including pythons and vipers, are on show in the enclosures. A thirteen-foot-long king cobra is also visible here. Additionally, you can learn more about those snakes.
- Taking an electric vehicle for a ride: It is advisable to explore the Pune Zoo region on foot. To learn more about the local wildlife, you can also hire a guide. However, this zoo park offers battery-operated cars for folks who have trouble walking.
- Engaging in learning activities: The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park’s animal care and research branch conducts a variety of behavioral studies and research. In order to teach people about animals, it also holds a variety of workshops and events. Additionally planned are snake festivals, guided tours, and awareness campaigns.
- Botanical Garden: The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park also features a botanical garden where visitors can explore a variety of plant species.
Biodiversity and Conservation efforts
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (also known as Katraj Zoo) is a 130-acre zoo located in Katraj, Pune, India. It is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation and it consisting rich biodiversity of about 389 animals in their ecisystem.
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is actively involved in conservation efforts. The zoo has a number of breeding programs for endangered animals, including the Indian gaur, the snow leopard, and the red panda. The zoo also has a rescue center for injured and orphaned animals.
The zoo also conducts a number of educational programs for visitors to raise awareness about wildlife and conservation. The zoo offers guided tours, educational talks, and workshops for visitors of all ages. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a valuable asset to Pune and is an important center for wildlife conservation and education.
The Ideal Time to Visit Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoo Park
The monsoon season (July through September) is the ideal time to visit Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune. It’s still a cool and beautiful day for you to visit. However, while you visit the zoo, you can be disturbed by the unexpected downpour.
Thus, go to this tourist destination in the winter, from November to February. Pune’s winters are just as wonderful for travel as the monsoon.
Duration for Visiting Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The 130-acre Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park features an animal orphanage, a zoo, and a snake park. And it will take you three to four hours to fully explore this location. There’s Katraj Lake at this zoo as well.
How to reach Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Pune?
Situated around 7 kilometers from Pune on the Pune-Satara Highway, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is located at Katraj. It is easily accessible from any section of the city and has good road connectivity. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is roughly 10 kilometres from Pune station. Additionally, the zoo is roughly 5 km from the Pune Swargate bus stop. Around eighteen kilometers separate you from the airport.
