Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
One of Asia's oldest zoos, offering a blend of wildlife, conservation, and lush greenery in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
One of Asia's oldest zoos, offering a blend of wildlife, conservation, and lush greenery in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.
"A wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with wildlife and enjoy a day filled with excitement and learning."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The zoo spans 55 acres, so wear comfy shoes for extensive walking.
💧 Stay Hydrated (No Plastic!)
Bring water, but avoid plastic bottles as they are not allowed inside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Big Cats
Big Cat Enclosures
Witness the power of lions, tigers, and leopards in spacious, naturalistic habitats. A must-see for any wildlife enthusiast.
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Reptile House Wonders
Reptile House
Come face-to-face with anacondas and other fascinating snakes in a dedicated, well-maintained reptile house.
Primate Paradise
Primate Enclosures
Observe native primates like the Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur in their naturalistic surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Plan Your Visit Duration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The zoo spans 55 acres, so wear comfy shoes for extensive walking.
💧 Stay Hydrated (No Plastic!)
Bring water, but avoid plastic bottles as they are not allowed inside.
⏰ Allocate Enough Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see most of the animals.
📸 Capture the Moments
Great photo opportunities, especially for families and animal lovers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The zoo spans 55 acres, so wear comfy shoes for extensive walking.
💧 Stay Hydrated (No Plastic!)
Bring water, but avoid plastic bottles as they are not allowed inside.
⏰ Allocate Enough Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see most of the animals.
📸 Capture the Moments
Great photo opportunities, especially for families and animal lovers.
🚫 Plastic-Free Zone
Help keep the zoo clean by avoiding plastic items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Thiruvananthapuram Zoo for its well-maintained, clean environment, diverse animal collection, and lush greenery, making it a great educational and recreational spot for families. The affordable entry fees and pleasant atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major positives, though some note that certain animals might be missing or difficult to spot.
"The best place to spend quality time with kids while helping them learn about animals and nature. The zoo offers a perfect mix of fun and education — children get to see a wide variety of animals up close and understand their habitats and behaviors. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with wildlife, develop curiosity about the environment, and enjoy a day filled with excitement and learning. A truly enriching experience for families!"
JERIN JOSEPH
"This is one of the best zoos. Entry is ₹40 per person, and children aged 5–12 pay ₹15. You can see lions, tigers, birds, monkeys, leopards and more. There's a tea counter inside. You may bring food, but plastic bottles and other plastic items are not allowed. The place has a lovely atmosphere with lots of trees and greenery — very positive vibes. It's a great spot to spend time with family. Definitely worth a visit.. The zoo is closed on monday but open on all other days.. ❤️"
Bhavya Jayakumar
"Wonderful plenty of explorable places in tvm but zoo is the second one we enjoyed a lot. Whole day is very funny but more animals missing there i cannot see the right way to complete the seen the zoo.you might need at least 2 hours that help you take a glimpse of all the endangered species there.(TVM Zoo) is a 55-acre facility in Kerala, India, that houses over 1,000 animals across 100 species, including lions, tigers, rhinos, and various primates, as well as a reptile house with anacondas. The zoo's goals include wildlife conservation, education, recreation, and research, with a focus on preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. It features lush landscapes with tropical trees, an orchid house, and is one of the oldest zoos in India.
Key Specifications
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India.
Size: 55 acres.
Animals: Over 1,025 animals from approximately 98 species.
Flora: Features tropical trees and an orchid house, along with a variety of indigenous and exotic plant varieties.
Key Features & Highlights
Fauna: Includes large mammals like Asian lions, Indian rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, and Asian elephants, as well as native primates such as the Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur.
Reptile House: A dedicated section for poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, including seven anacondas.
Conservation Focus: A significant portion of its work is dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, especially the endemic and endangered species of the Western Ghats.
Educational & Recreational: Provides opportunities for the public to learn about and appreciate animals and wildlife.
Goals & Vision
Conservation: Focuses on scientific captive breeding programs for endangered fauna.
Education: Fosters curiosity, empathy, and learning about the natural environment.
Research: Contributes to the scientific understanding of animal care, behavior, nutrition, and reproduction.
Visitor Experience: Aims to inspire visitors to support wildlife conservation efforts. 💕🙏🏼"
Sumith Lal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses. It's often mentioned alongside the Napier Museum and Botanical Gardens, making it a central point for exploration.
Yes, parking is available, but it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Ride-sharing apps are widely available in Thiruvananthapuram and can be a convenient way to reach the zoo.
While the zoo has pathways, accessibility for wheelchairs might be challenging in some areas due to its natural terrain. It's advisable to check with the zoo management for specific accessibility information.
For attractions like the zoo, Napier Museum, and Botanical Gardens, walking is feasible if you enjoy exploring on foot. Otherwise, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for short distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are very reasonable. Adults typically pay around ₹40, and children aged 5-12 pay approximately ₹15.
Online ticketing is available, offering a convenient way to purchase your entry passes and avoid queues.
The zoo is open on all days except Mondays. It's best to visit during morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the heat and crowds.
Yes, children aged 5-12 have a reduced entry fee, making it an affordable outing for families.
Information on group or student discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking the official website for any available offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including lions, tigers, rhinos, monkeys, leopards, and various primates like the Lion-tailed macaque. There's also a reptile house with anacondas. +1
To get a good glimpse of all the animals and enjoy the surroundings, plan for at least 2 to 3 hours.
The zoo is considered a great place for kids, offering a mix of fun and education. They can learn about animals and their habitats.
The zoo is generally described as well-maintained, clean, and having a positive atmosphere with lots of greenery.
You can bring food, but plastic bottles and other plastic items are not allowed inside the zoo premises.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a tea counter inside the zoo for refreshments. However, food options are limited, so carrying light snacks is advisable.
The zoo is located in a central area of Thiruvananthapuram, offering numerous dining options nearby, from local eateries to more upscale restaurants. Exploring the streets around the Napier Museum will yield many choices.
While you can bring food, designated picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned. It's best to consume your food in designated spots or outside the main animal enclosures to maintain cleanliness.
Given the variety of restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram, you'll find plenty of vegetarian options both inside and outside the zoo premises.
The tea counter typically offers basic refreshments like tea, coffee, and possibly some light snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a great place to capture wildlife and the lush surroundings.
While general photography is permitted, flash photography might be discouraged in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of signage.
The enclosures of the big cats, primates, and the reptile house offer excellent photographic opportunities. The lush greenery also provides beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around zoological parks and public attractions to ensure safety and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Specific photography tours are not commonly advertised. However, the zoo's natural beauty and diverse animals make it a photographer's delight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include arriving early to avoid crowds and the heat, wearing comfortable shoes for the extensive walking, and bringing reusable water bottles.
+1🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Tips for solo visitors include utilizing public transport or ride-sharing apps for easy access, packing light snacks and water (remembering the no-plastic rule), and dedicating at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the zoo.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Conservation
+1 It was initially established alongside the Napier Museum and Botanical Gardens, forming a significant cultural and scientific hub in the region. Over the years, the zoo has undergone significant upgrades, with enclosures being transformed from traditional barred cages to more spacious and naturalistic habitats, a move supported by the Central Zoo Authority since 1995. The zoo's mission extends beyond mere exhibition; it plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, focusing on scientific captive breeding programs for endangered fauna. Its work is particularly dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.
With a size of approximately 55 acres, the zoo houses over 1,000 animals from around 98 species.
Planning a Budget-Friendly Visit
To keep costs down, consider packing your own snacks and water. While there's a tea counter inside, plastic bottles are prohibited, so bring reusable containers.
Combining your zoo visit with the nearby Napier Museum and Botanical Gardens can also maximize your experience without additional travel costs, as they are all located in close proximity.
+1 This allows for a comprehensive exploration of Thiruvananthapuram's cultural and natural attractions on a single, budget-friendly outing. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit