Gopalpur Zoo Dhauladhar Nature Park
A wooded zoo nestled in the Dhauladhar foothills, offering diverse Asian animals and stunning Himalayan views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Animals are more active
Gopalpur Zoo Dhauladhar Nature Park
Best Time
Animals are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wooded zoo nestled in the Dhauladhar foothills, offering diverse Asian animals and stunning Himalayan views.
"A worthy experience with surreal surroundings and a decent variety of animals."
🎯 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry fees are reasonable at ₹50 for adults, with camera fees also affordable.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as there are long walking pathways throughout the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Asiatic Lions & Leopards
Enclosures
Observe majestic lions and elusive leopards in spacious, well-maintained enclosures.
Himalayan Black Bear
Enclosure
Spot the iconic Himalayan black bear, a highlight for many visitors.
Children's Play Area
Near Entrance
A dedicated space for kids to play and have fun, making it family-friendly.
Dhauladhar Mountain Views
Throughout the park
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountain range.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Animal Activity
Enhancing Your Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry fees are reasonable at ₹50 for adults, with camera fees also affordable.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as there are long walking pathways throughout the park.
💧 Carry Water Bottles
Water coolers are limited; bring your own water, especially during warmer days.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The park offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountains, perfect for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry fees are reasonable at ₹50 for adults, with camera fees also affordable.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as there are long walking pathways throughout the park.
💧 Carry Water Bottles
Water coolers are limited; bring your own water, especially during warmer days.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The park offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountains, perfect for photos.
📅 Check Opening Days
The zoo is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gopalpur Zoo is praised for its beautiful Dhauladhar mountain setting and well-maintained, spacious enclosures that seem to keep animals happy. Visitors appreciate the affordable entry, family-friendly play area, and overall clean environment. However, some feel the variety of animals could be expanded, and information boards could be better placed.
"Last week, I visited a nature park with my family, and while we appreciated many aspects of the park, I'm anticipating a future visit where we might see some exciting improvements.
Positive Aspects:
Children’s Play Area: One of the highlights of our visit was the play area for children. It offered a variety of activities that kept the kids entertained and engaged, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves in the future!
Improvement Areas:
Information Boards: Although the park features boards describing each bird and animal, I'm hopeful that future enhancements will place these boards closer to their respective enclosures. This change would allow visitors to easily identify and learn about the species they are observing.
Animal Variety: Currently, the diversity of animals and birds is somewhat limited. I’m looking forward to a time when we might spot snow leopards, black panthers, wolves, foxes, crocodiles, or different snake species—enriching the visitor experience significantly.
Water Availability: With long walking pathways throughout the park, I hope to see more water coolers installed during our next visit. Currently, only one cooler is available at the beginning of the park, so adding 2–3 more would really help ensure visitors stay hydrated.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: I'm eager to see improvements in cleanliness, particularly regarding dustbin clearance and the maintenance of rain shelters. A focus on hygiene and regular upkeep will certainly enhance visitor comfort.
Infrastructure Enhancements: Overall, it would be great to see upgrades to the park’s infrastructure, creating an even more pleasant and enjoyable environment for guests during our next visit.
I’m eagerly looking forward to my next visit to the zoo, as I know it will be truly remarkable once again. The breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar mountains will undoubtedly enhance the natural beauty of the experience, making it something to anticipate with excitement!"
Arun Kumar
"A worthy experience!!
I reached zoo on my bike. There was separate parking area and fare prices for entry and parking are reasonable.
Secondly, the surroundings are surreal with proper infrastructure and maintenance of nature park. Washrooms and children park are also provided near the entrance area.
Information boards are provided against each species and almost every creature can be found here. Loved the part where most crowd are gathered in front of lions and leopards for capturing snapshots😂."
Abhay Rana
"The nature park cum zoo offers a decent variety of animals. It has a lush green environment, making it a pleasant place to visit. You can spot animals like leopards, bears, and lions. There's a dedicated play area for kids, and the toilets are clean and well-maintained. A small canteen is available for snacks and refreshments.
Parking inside the zoo is quite limited, but there is ample space in the outside parking area. However, both the zoo parking and the outside parking are chargeable.
Overall, it’s a nice spot for a family outing or a day trip with children."
Anuj Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gopalpur Zoo is conveniently located on the Palampur-Dharamshala road. It's about 6.8 km from Palampur and approximately 13-20 km from Dharamshala. Taxis or personal vehicles offer easy access with smooth roads.
Yes, there is parking available. While parking inside the zoo can be limited, there's ample space in the outside parking area. Both are chargeable.
You can hire a taxi from Palampur or Dharamshala. Local buses might also be an option, though less direct for reaching the specific park entrance.
The roads leading to the zoo from Palampur and Dharamshala are generally well-maintained, making for a smooth journey.
While direct public transport to the zoo entrance might be limited, you can take a bus to Palampur or Dharamshala and then hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately ₹50 for adults. Children often get in for free, and there's a separate camera fee of around ₹50.
The park is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, it remains closed on Mondays.
Advance booking is generally not required for Gopalpur Zoo. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Children often have free entry, but it's advisable to confirm the exact policy at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely available, but the general entry fee is quite affordable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including Asiatic lions, leopards, Himalayan black bears, sambar and barking deer, wild boar, and various birds like monal and cheer pheasant.
Yes, it's considered a very good zoo for kids, featuring a dedicated play area with swings and slides, and a decent variety of animals to see.
Enclosures are noted to be spacious and well-maintained, with some visitors observing that animals appear happy and active here compared to urban zoos.
Facilities include clean washrooms, a children's play area, a small botanical garden, a bird aviary, and a reptile house. A small canteen is also available for snacks.
A leisurely visit to explore the zoo, aviary, and gardens typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small canteen inside the park where you can enjoy snacks and refreshments.
Bringing your own food is generally permitted, making it a good option for a picnic lunch.
The canteen typically offers basic snacks and refreshments suitable for a short visit.
You can find more dining options in nearby Palampur or Dharamshala if you prefer a wider selection.
It's a convenient option for quick bites, but for a full meal, exploring options in Palampur might be better.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dhauladhar mountain range offers stunning backdrops. Also, try capturing the animals in their enclosures, especially lions and leopards.
Yes, there is a separate camera fee, typically around ₹50.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in and around wildlife parks and zoos to avoid disturbing the animals.
Lighting varies throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for wildlife photography.
While general photography is allowed, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid startling animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon when animals are more active and the weather is pleasant. The park's scenic setting also adds to the enjoyment, making it a memorable outing for the whole family. Pack some snacks to enjoy a picnic, or grab a bite at the small canteen on-site.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider packing your own snacks and water. The park is easily reachable by taxi from nearby towns, and the overall experience provides a good return on investment for a few hours of exploration. It's a great option for a half-day excursion that won't break the bank.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
The zoo is set amidst diverse Himalayan flora, offering a tranquil and scenic environment. While observing the animals, you can also immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Kangra valley. Visit during the cooler parts of the day to enjoy the scenery and potentially spot more active wildlife. The park's setting provides a peaceful escape, making it ideal for those seeking a connection with nature away from crowded tourist spots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
The zoo aims to provide a naturalistic habitat for its residents. Many enclosures are designed to be spacious and well-maintained, allowing animals to exhibit more natural behaviors. This approach is often contrasted with more cramped urban zoos, with visitors noting that the animals here appear happier and more active.
While the current variety of animals is appreciated, some visitors express a desire for more diverse species in the future, such as snow leopards, black panthers, wolves, or crocodiles.
The Scenic Setting of Dhauladhar Nature Park
+1The park itself is spread across approximately 12.5 hectares and is surrounded by a rich diversity of Himalayan flora. You'll find native trees like oak, maple, deodar, and bamboo, alongside fruit trees such as apple and raspberry. This natural environment contributes to the tranquil atmosphere and provides a fitting habitat for the resident wildlife.
The combination of well-maintained animal enclosures and the spectacular mountain vistas makes Dhauladhar Nature Park a unique destination. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and families looking for a relaxed outing amidst beautiful landscapes. The serene environment, coupled with the presence of wildlife, offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Visitor Experience
Beyond the play area, the park offers several amenities to enhance visitor comfort. Clean and well-maintained washrooms are available, and a small canteen provides snacks and refreshments. Information boards are placed near enclosures to help visitors identify the animals, though some suggest these could be positioned closer for better viewing.
Overall, the visitor experience is generally positive, with many praising the park's cleanliness, maintenance, and the pleasant atmosphere. The reasonable entry fees and the opportunity to observe animals in a scenic setting contribute to its appeal as a worthwhile destination for a few hours of exploration.
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