Chhatbir Zoo (Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park)
Explore diverse wildlife, including lions and tigers, at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, a budget-friendly zoo near Chandigarh.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active.
Chhatbir Zoo (Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park)
Best Time
Animals are most active.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife, including lions and tigers, at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, a budget-friendly zoo near Chandigarh.
"A delightful mix of education, entertainment, and nature's beauty within a budget-friendly package."
🎯 Book Safari Tickets Early
Safari rides can get popular; book your tickets in advance to secure a spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lion Safari Adventure
Safari Zone
Experience a thrilling ride for an up-close encounter with majestic lions in their natural habitat.
Diverse Animal Collection
Various Enclosures
Marvel at a wide array of animals, from the rare white tiger to ostriches, bears, and reptiles.
Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park Section
Step back in time with impressive dinosaur models, a hit with kids and adults alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Sightings
Comfortable Footwear is a Must
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Safari Tickets Early
Safari rides can get popular; book your tickets in advance to secure a spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of exploration.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water bottles or purchase refreshments; drinking water coolers are available.
👨👩👧 Consider Strollers/Carts
Rent a stroller or electric cart for kids to manage the long distances easily.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Safari Tickets Early
Safari rides can get popular; book your tickets in advance to secure a spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of exploration.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water bottles or purchase refreshments; drinking water coolers are available.
👨👩👧 Consider Strollers/Carts
Rent a stroller or electric cart for kids to manage the long distances easily.
📸 Capture Wildlife Moments
Bring your camera to photograph the diverse species and enjoy the natural beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chhatbir Zoo offers a diverse collection of animals, including a popular Lion Safari and a fun Dinosaur Park, making it a good value for families and budget travelers. While some visitors find the number of animals limited and maintenance could be improved, the zoo provides an enjoyable day out with opportunities for picnics and close encounters with wildlife.
"The zoo offers an exciting experience for wildlife lovers, housing a diverse range of animals that one would typically encounter in the wild. From the tall and graceful ostrich to the powerful bears, majestic tigers, and regal lions, the collection here is truly impressive. Visitors can also spot many other fascinating species, making it a great place for both learning and leisure.
One of the main highlights is the safari experience. For just ₹75 per person, guests can enjoy a thrilling lion and deer safari, which gives a closer and more immersive view of these magnificent animals in a semi-natural environment. Watching a lion in its territory or observing deer moving gracefully in open spaces adds a touch of adventure to the visit.
The general entry ticket to the zoo is reasonably priced at ₹100, making it affordable for families, school trips, or casual outings. The pathways are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of spots to pause and watch the animals at your own pace. Whether you are an animal enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a pleasant day out, this zoo offers a delightful mix of education, entertainment, and nature’s beauty—all within a budget-friendly package."
MD YASIR BASHIR
"Ticket price is ₹100 per person, but honestly not worth it. Very few animals to see, most of the enclosures are empty, and the place looks poorly maintained. Feels more like walking in an empty park than a proper zoo."
Vikky Kumar
"I often visit this place. It’s quite cozy and pleasant. They provide a ferry service for those who have difficulty walking, and the fare is ₹60 per person.
The zoo entry fee is ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children.
Additionally, if you wish to go on the Lion and Deer Safari, the charge is ₹75 per person." Along with that they have dinosaur and reptile house section which is totally free.
Currently, they don't have enough animal's."
Meenu B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chhatbir Zoo, also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, is located about 20 km from Chandigarh on the Chandigarh-Zirakpur-Patiala Road. You can reach it by car, taxi, or local bus services.
Yes, the zoo has a large parking space, but it can get busy during peak times, so you might need to self-park.
For those who find walking difficult, the zoo offers a ferry service for ₹60 per person and electric carts for travel and sightseeing, typically costing around ₹100 per person.
Yes, it's situated on a major route and accessible by local buses connecting Chandigarh, Zirakpur, and Patiala.
Hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing service from Chandigarh is a convenient option for a day trip, offering flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general entry ticket is ₹100 for adults and around ₹50 for children. Children below 2 years enjoy free entry.
The Lion and Deer Safari is an additional charge of ₹75 per person.
Yes, the Dinosaur Park and Reptile House sections are free to enter.
The zoo is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Yes, the zoo is closed on Mondays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including lions, tigers (including white tigers), deer, ostriches, bears, elephants, owls, crocodiles, and many more birds and reptiles.
The Lion Safari offers a unique opportunity to see lions up close in a semi-natural environment for a small fee, which many visitors find thrilling.
Yes, there is a large garden area with good carpet grass, suitable for picnics.
Early mornings and late afternoons are best as animals are more active during cooler parts of the day.
While some visitors mention areas needing maintenance, the animals appear healthy and well-cared for, with well-maintained pathways and drinking water coolers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, refreshments are available for purchase at various points inside the zoo.
Absolutely, the zoo has a large garden area perfect for picnics, so bringing your own food is a great option.
Typically, you'll find snacks, beverages, and light meals suitable for a day out.
While there are refreshment stalls, dedicated restaurants might be limited. It's best to check on-site for current offerings.
Bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular and budget-friendly choice, but refreshments are available if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a great place to capture wildlife.
The safari zones, aviaries, and enclosures with active animals offer excellent photography opportunities.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture animals from a distance.
Yes, the Dinosaur Park is a popular spot for photos, especially for families.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife at Chhatbir Zoo
The Lion Safari is a standout attraction, where visitors can embark on a thrilling ride in a bus to see lions roaming freely in a large, dedicated area. This experience is often highlighted as a must-do for its proximity and the sense of adventure it provides. Beyond the safari, the zoo features a Dinosaur Park, which is particularly popular with children, offering a fun and educational journey back in time with life-sized dinosaur models.
While the zoo boasts a variety of species, some visitors have noted that certain enclosures may appear less populated or that animals might be resting during certain hours. However, the overall experience is enhanced by the zoo's commitment to conservation and providing a naturalistic environment for its inhabitants. The well-maintained pathways and available amenities like drinking water coolers contribute to a comfortable visit for all guests.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timings, and Tips
Given the zoo's expansive grounds, comfortable footwear is highly recommended, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. For families with young children or those who prefer a less strenuous exploration, renting strollers or electric carts is a practical option. The zoo also provides a ferry service for a nominal fee. To ensure you see the animals at their most active, plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon, as they tend to rest during the midday heat.
Visitors can also enjoy the free-to-enter Dinosaur Park and Reptile House. While refreshments are available for purchase within the zoo, many visitors opt to bring their own food for picnics, utilizing the spacious garden areas. Photography is encouraged, so bring your camera to capture the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit