Chattbir Zoo, also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, is a large zoological garden situated close to Zirakpur, around 17 kilometers from Chandigarh. Established in the 1970s, the zoo sprawls over 202 acres of land and houses a wide variety of fauna, including approximately 103 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
The zoo is designed to provide the animals with open enclosures that resemble their natural habitat. This allows the animals to roam more freely and exhibit natural behaviors.
One of the major attractions of the Chhatbir Zoo is the lion safari. Here, visitors can take a tour in a minibus through an enclosure where Asiatic lions and deer roam freely. This provides a thrilling and close encounter with these majestic creatures.
Another interesting feature of the zoo is the mini-dinosaur park. This section features models of various dinosaurs, which is a fun and educational experience for children.
Here are some additional details that you might find helpful when planning your visit to Chhatbir Zoo:
- Timings: The zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It remains closed on Mondays.
- Entry Fee: The entry fee for adults is ₹100 and ₹50 for children.
- Lion Safari: The lion safari costs ₹75 per person.
- How to Get There: The Chhatbir Zoo is located around 30 minutes from Chandigarh city center. You can take a taxi, rickshaw, or bus to get to the zoo.
Here are some tips for your visit to Chhatbir Zoo:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Carry a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring your own water bottle as there are limited options inside the zoo.
- Pack some snacks if you are planning to spend a longer time at the zoo.
- Be responsible and avoid littering inside the zoo premises.