Animals have always been close to me, and watching and learning more about them gives me happiness and satisfaction.
heypuneofficial believes that although animals can’t express themselves, it’s our priority to create a healthy, safe, and secure environment for them.
We all know Pune has one of the best animal parks, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and we are all set for another entertaining experience to the place.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park was built in 1997, also known as Katraj Snake Park, as it was before a snake zoo, and time after time, more animals were brought in, and now it’s among the most popular zoos in India.
The Park is divided into three sections: a snake park, the blue lake and the zoo; the officials here understand animal sentiments as the Park is also a rescue point, orphanage and care centre for animals.
Apart from animals, Pune locals love to visit the place with their family and loved ones as the entire place is full of greens with a forest theme, and visitors can enjoy the scenery as well as the wildlife creatures.
So, without wasting much time, let’s start the journey to the Park.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Address
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is located on Satara Road, opposite Katraj Dairy, Pune, Maharashtra 411046
- The Park is at a distance of 10 km from Pune station and 7 km from Pune.
- If you can reach the Swargate bus stand, it’s only 5 km away.
- Katra Bus Stand is just a km away from the Park, and from there, you can get an auto direct to the Park.
- You can also book a cab or travel to the zoo with your four-wheeler or bike.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological park Timings
- Monday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- 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
*The Park is closed every Wednesday*
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Parking area
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park has decent parking facilities for tourists.
There is a separate parking for buses – cars and bikes are parked together. Also, do not park the vehicle in a no-parking spot. In that case, the police would get your wheelers in custody.
- Separate Parking for bus
- Separate Parking for car and bike
Don’t park your wheelers in no parking spot
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Entry fees
- 10 per person for Teenagers
- 40 per person for Adults
- 100 per person for Foreigners
- 50 for professional camera photography charges
- 200 for professional videography charges
- No charges for Handicapped and Blind
- Children below 3 years free of cost
If you want to book an online ticket, scan the QR code, enter your email name, and book your ticket after paying online.
Don’t while visiting the Park.
- Plastic Usage is band
- Carrying pets is not allowed
- Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is banned
- Do not feed animals
- Playing loud music is prohibited
- Be mindful of your things and belongings
- Keep yourself hydrated and carry a bottle of water
- Get some snacks as per need
- Stay on the visitor’s line and don’t care to cross it
- Keep your children near and always closer to you
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Monkey Encounter
I saw a big gate in the main entry section, showing a complete overview picture of the Park. After watching, visitors will have a clear idea of the park.
The first animal I saw was a monkey. They were flying up from one tree to another cheerfully, playing and enjoying.
I tried to be friendly with them and offered them Bananas, which they loved the most.
Kids love monkeys. If you travelling with kids, it’s the section they’ll enjoy the most.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Snake House
The Park is famous for its amazing venomous snakes, as before it was a snake zoo, it then made an all-animal park after reconstruction.
The first snake I saw was a rattlesnake! It was a crazy experience; I loved its movements and carefully tried to observe and learn more about the Rattlesnake through the information board.
The next snake was The Big Python; it was so big, and it scared the hell out of me. Pythons are so strong that if they caught someone, they would roll him out and choke anyone to death.
I saw Russel Viper – the snake is so venomous that if it bites someone, no one in the world can save you; the person would die in seconds. “One of the deadliest snake in the world”
I also saw other varieties of snakes and crocodiles. They were so dangerous and adrenaline rushing.
In the snake house, you’ll see iguanas, turtles, snakes and crocodiles and then move to the other areas.
Big Lake and Peacock
The Big Blue Lake takes the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park’s beauty to the next level.
The beautiful greenary and the smooth lake breeze was a surreal experience.
Visitors love to take pictures and videos of the lake and collage them for an amazing photo frame. In front of the lake their is a peacock house, people can watch the colourful Peacocks take photos there and enjoy the lake view.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Tigers
After watching all the animals like Bears, Black bugs, FOX, Elephants, Giraffes, Lions and other animals, I went on to watch the Tigers.
These enormous animals are placed in bigger lands so they can live freely as they are supposed to live in the jungles.
Watching Tigers was amazing. Their loud roar scared me and made me move backwards. Their furious nature and the fierce attitude were impressive and horrific.
The Park is also famous for the white tigers, a rare sight to see, and I was among the luckiest. I got my chance to watch it and instantly took cinematic videos and photos as a memorable experience to keep.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Other information
- At the entry gate, there is a stall where you can get some snacks, and if you want a wider variety of food, you can pack it from the nearest restaurant or home.
- For people who need help watching and touring the Park comfortably, you can book the battery-operated vehicle, which costs around 40 per person.
- The operated vehicle travels only to the animal section, not the snake house.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved visiting the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and enjoying the beautiful lake, greenery and the animals.
Watching a variety of different snakes and the white tiger was the experience I craved the most, and thanks to the Park for fulfilling my wish.
Also, remember that animals can’t express themselves, and no matter how big and fierce they are, don’t hurt and try to understand them.
With this article we heypuneofficial also spreading the awareness that animals are as precious as our family so as you want to make your family smile do the same with the animal’s.
So stay tuned as a lot of exploration and experience is coming in wepuneofficial.