If you’re searching for a family-friendly tourist place in Uttar Pradesh, look no further than the Kanpur Zoological Park – a green haven that blends education, recreation, and conservation. Also known as the Allen Forest Zoo, this is one of the most popular and well-maintained zoological parks in India.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a weekend getaway, or a student eager to learn more about nature, the Kanpur Zoo ticks all the right boxes. In this blog, we’ll walk you through full details of Kanpur Zoological Park, including its attractions, facilities, ticket prices, timings, nearby tourist spots, and tips to make your visit unforgettable!
🐘 Introduction to Kanpur Zoological Park
Located in Nawabganj, Kanpur, this lush park was established in 1971 and spreads across 76 hectares. What sets it apart? It’s one of the few forest zoos in India, which means animals live in spacious enclosures set amidst natural forests – not cages!
This green oasis attracts thousands of visitors every week who come to enjoy the diverse wildlife, boating lake, picnic zones, and nature trails. It is also one of the top tourist attractions in Kanpur.
📍 Location and How to Reach Kanpur Zoo
- 🏞️ Address: Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208002
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Kanpur Central (approx. 8 km)
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Kanpur Civil Airport (approx. 15 km)
- 🚌 By Bus: Regular local buses connect all major parts of the city to the zoo.
- 🚕 By Cab/Auto: Taxis and autos are readily available throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Use Google Maps and type Kanpur Zoological Park for accurate navigation.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Kanpur Zoological Park
- 🧣 October to March: Pleasant weather, perfect for walking and exploring
- ☀️ Avoid May-June: Kanpur can get extremely hot, making outdoor visits uncomfortable
- 🌧️ July to September: Monsoon season – the park looks lush, but heavy rains might affect outdoor activities
🦁 What to Expect Inside the Zoo: Top Attractions
🐯 Big Cat Enclosures
Want to hear a lion’s roar or see a tiger pacing majestically? This section is home to:
- Royal Bengal Tigers
- White Tigers
- Leopards
- Asiatic Lions
These enclosures are among the most visited zones inside the zoo.
🐘 Herbivores Section
Meet nature’s gentle giants and grazers:
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Blackbucks
- Spotted Deer (Chital)
Each animal has a dedicated space replicating their natural habitat.
🦜 Bird Aviary
Bird lovers are in for a treat with species like:
- Peacocks
- Parrots
- Cranes
- Ducks
- Cockatoos
You’ll hear birds chirping long before you reach this colorful section!
🐍 Reptile House
A well-lit and secure area where you’ll see:
- Crocodiles
- Turtles
- Monitor Lizards
- Indian Pythons
Not everyone’s favorite, but still fascinating!
🌊 Boating Lake & Picnic Zones
There’s a small boating lake where paddle boats are available. Surrounding this area are shaded lawns ideal for picnics and family gatherings. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for lazy afternoons.
🎡 Family-Friendly Features and Activities
🚂 Toy Train Ride
The mini toy train is a crowd-puller, especially among children. It takes visitors on a quick loop around the park, making the journey fun and less tiring.
🧒 Children’s Play Area
With swings, slides, and seesaws, the kids’ corner lets young visitors have fun while adults rest under shaded trees.
🚴 Walking and Cycling Paths
You can rent a bicycle and roam around or just enjoy a long nature walk. The green paths are calming and refreshing.
📸 Photography Opportunities
For Instagrammers and wildlife photographers, this place is gold! You can:
- Capture tigers lazing in the sun 🐅
- Snap parrots mid-flight 🦜
- Photograph the lake during sunset 🌅
Note: Photography is allowed, but there’s a small fee for DSLRs or video cameras.
🍴 Food and Refreshments
Inside the zoo, you’ll find food stalls selling:
- Chips and cold drinks
- Ice creams 🍦
- North Indian fast food like samosas, chole-bhature, and sandwiches
You can also bring your own food and enjoy it at the designated picnic spots.
⏰ Kanpur Zoo Timings and Entry Fee (2025)
| Category | Fee |
| Adults | ₹50 |
| Children (5–12 years) | ₹20 |
| Students (with ID) | ₹20 |
| Camera | ₹20 |
| Video Camera | ₹100 |
Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM- Closed: Every Monday
🧳 Travel Tips for Visitors
- Wear walking shoes – you’ll need them!
- Bring sunscreen and a cap 🧢 if visiting during summer.
- Keep your trash in dustbins – the zoo is a plastic-free zone.
- Don’t tease or feed the animals 🚫.
- Carry a water bottle – drinking water is available inside.
🌱 Conservation & Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Kanpur Zoo isn’t just about sightseeing – it also plays an active role in wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. Some of its green steps include:
- Solar-powered lights 🌞
- Water recycling and rain harvesting
- Tree-planting drives
- Wildlife rescue and breeding programs
It’s more than a tourist spot – it’s a place teaching us how to live responsibly with nature.
🏞️ Nearby Tourist Attractions in Kanpur
While you’re in town, don’t miss these other famous places in Kanpur:
🌊 Moti Jheel
Just 3 km from the zoo, this tranquil lake is a favorite spot for boating and evening strolls.
🌳 Nana Rao Park
Named after a hero of the 1857 uprising, this historical park is ideal for a short walk and history exploration.
🛕 JK Temple
A marvel of architecture and spirituality. Its serene ambiance and stunning marble design are worth seeing.
🏨 Hotels Near Kanpur Zoological Park
Staying the night? Try these nearby options:
- The Landmark Hotel – Luxury stay near the city center
- Hotel Mandakini Plaza – Budget-friendly with great amenities
- Hotel Royal Cliff – Mid-range with excellent service
Make sure to book early during weekends or holidays.
✅ Why You Should Visit Kanpur Zoo
Here’s a quick summary of why Kanpur Zoological Park should be on your Uttar Pradesh travel list:
- 🌿 Nature + Wildlife in one destination
- 🎟️ Affordable entry fees
- 🧒 Perfect for families and kids
- 📸 Excellent photography opportunities
- ♻️ Promotes conservation and green tourism
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend plan or a tourist exploring Uttar Pradesh tourist places, this zoo offers something for everyone.
❓ FAQs About Kanpur Zoological Park
1. Can we book tickets for Kanpur Zoo online?
Yes, tickets can be booked on the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department website or bought at the gate.
2. Are food items allowed inside the zoo?
Yes, you can carry food, but littering is strictly prohibited. Use the picnic zones for meals.
3. What is the best time to see animals?
Early morning (8–10 AM) is ideal, especially during winter, as animals are more active.
4. How far is Kanpur Zoo from the city center?
It’s approximately 8 km from Kanpur Central and takes about 20–25 minutes by car or auto.
5. Does the zoo have wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, most pathways are flat and wide enough for wheelchair access.