High Altitude Zoo Nainital
A unique high-altitude zoo on a steep hillside, home to Himalayan wildlife like tigers and red pandas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are more active
High Altitude Zoo Nainital
Best Time
Animals are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique high-altitude zoo on a steep hillside, home to Himalayan wildlife like tigers and red pandas.
"Worth every rupee, but be prepared for a serious workout on the hills!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the steep climbs! You'll be doing a lot of walking uphill. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Consider a Taxi
Vehicles can take you closer to the entrance, saving you a long uphill walk from the parking area. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Tigers & Leopards
Various enclosures
Witness the power and beauty of Bengal tigers and leopards up close. These are often cited as the zoo's main attractions.
Adorable Red Pandas
Red Panda enclosure
Meet the incredibly cute and charismatic red pandas, a definite crowd-pleaser for many visitors.
Himalayan Aviary
Bird enclosures
Discover a variety of Himalayan birds, adding a colorful and diverse element to your zoo experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Climb!
Altitude Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the steep climbs! You'll be doing a lot of walking uphill. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Consider a Taxi
Vehicles can take you closer to the entrance, saving you a long uphill walk from the parking area. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude and climbing can be tiring. Carry water bottles. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Hiking
It's more like a trek than a typical zoo visit. Not ideal for those with mobility issues. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the steep climbs! You'll be doing a lot of walking uphill. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Consider a Taxi
Vehicles can take you closer to the entrance, saving you a long uphill walk from the parking area. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude and climbing can be tiring. Carry water bottles. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Hiking
It's more like a trek than a typical zoo visit. Not ideal for those with mobility issues. :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Views
The climb offers great views of Nainital lake. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the High Altitude Zoo in Nainital to be a well-maintained and clean facility offering a good variety of animals, including popular tigers and red pandas. However, the significant uphill climb is a recurring theme, making it challenging for some, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues. Despite the strenuous nature, many feel it's worth the effort for the unique wildlife and scenic views.
"Well maintained zoo , if coming by foot be prepared for the good work out for legs. Tough for elderly people and heavy person. Very steep climb take car. Once you reach you have nice view of lake."
Ajeet Kumar
"Frankly, the zoo is nice, if you like climbing hills. I found it strenuous. You have to walk uphill quite a lot to reach the tickets counter and then inside the zoo more climbing. I enjoyed watching the tigers, leopards and red pandas and some mountain goats and deers. But many of the cages were empty. Sometimes only after a steep climb to an enclosure you realise that there is nothing there. Still I liked what I saw though I was really tired with all that climbing up."
Sajeev Jose
"Beautiful place but be ready for hiking. It is almost like trekking. Would not suggest for people above 40 years. Involves alot of walking and hill climbing but the place is well managed and beautiful. Animals are well kept. Met the cutest red panda ♥️ Must visit for anyone who can 👍🏻"
Ridhi Sharma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located on Sher Ka Danda hill. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Nainital town to get as close as possible to the entrance. Be prepared for a steep uphill walk from where vehicles are stopped. Some visitors suggest taking a taxi directly to the ticket counter to minimize the climb.
Parking is available, but it's often a significant distance from the zoo entrance, requiring a substantial uphill walk. Taxis can drop you closer, making it a more convenient option.
While walking is an option, many visitors recommend taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw to get as close as possible to the ticket counter to avoid an overly strenuous climb.
Yes, you can walk, but it's a considerable uphill trek. It's recommended for those who are fit and enjoy hiking.
Local buses might not go directly to the zoo entrance. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are the most common and convenient modes of transport for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is quite affordable, often cited as around 100 INR, making it a great value for the experience.
The zoo is typically open from morning to late afternoon. It's advisable to check the official timings before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Information on online ticket booking is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the zoo.
Due to its steep hillside location and extensive climbing, the zoo may not be easily accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
While specific discounts aren't frequently mentioned, the entry fee is generally considered very reasonable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, red pandas, bears, various mountain goats, deer, and many species of Himalayan birds. +1
Allow at least 2-3 hours, especially considering the walking and climbing involved. You'll want time to enjoy the animals and the views.
Reviews consistently praise the zoo for being well-maintained and clean, with animals appearing to be well-kept.
The zoo offers scenic views of Nainital lake and the surrounding hills as you ascend.
Some visitors have noted that certain enclosures might be empty, which can be disappointing after a strenuous climb.
📸 📸 Photography
The enclosures of the tigers, leopards, and red pandas are popular for photography. The scenic views of Nainital lake from higher points are also great photo opportunities. 
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions within animal enclosures.
A zoom lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be great for the scenic views.
Look out for the Bengal Tiger, especially the new introductions, and the charming red pandas.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around zoos and wildlife sanctuaries to avoid disturbing the animals. Check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Steep Terrain
To make the ascent more manageable, many recommend taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw as close to the ticket counter as possible. This can save considerable energy for exploring the zoo itself.
Wildlife Encounters at Altitude
The star attractions are undoubtedly the Bengal tigers and leopards, which visitors frequently mention as highlights of their visit. The zoo also boasts a collection of Himalayan birds, adding to the biodiversity on display.
While the enclosures are generally well-kept, some visitors have noted that certain cages might be empty, which can be a minor disappointment after a climb. The G.B. Pant Legacy
+1 It is situated on the Sher Ka Danda hill at an impressive altitude of 2,100 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level and covers an area of 4.6 hectares (11 acres). +2 The zoo holds the distinction of being the only High Altitude Zoo in North India, making it a significant conservation and educational center for the region. The zoo plays a role in conservation efforts, housing endangered species and contributing to awareness about wildlife.
It was officially named in honor of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, a prominent figure in Indian politics and the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The zoo's establishment reflects a commitment to showcasing and protecting the unique fauna of the Himalayan region. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit