Zoological Gardens (Calcutta)

Location : Belvedere Road
Time to Visit : 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Admission Fee : Rs.5/- per person.

The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers. The entry in the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the natural history museum and the mountaineering institute & museum.

During the winter season, the migratory birds flock in the zoo for its artificial lake and vegetation. But in recent times the birds do not flock so much as the yester years due to ecological imbalances.

There are some 'Bhawans' or buildings inside the premises of the zoo such as the Reptile-House. Different creatures dwell in these buildings as well. The Zoological Garden is a perfect tourists spot which attraction a lot of people from all over the world.

Within the Garden
Within the Gardens, there is also a Snake House, the white tigers, tigons (cross between lion and tiger), litigon ( a cross between a lion and a tigon) and Children's Park, the lake bristling with birds are all very attractive.

Nearby Attraction
If your plan to go to Zoological Garden, don't miss your another attractions such as Agro Horticultural Garden and National Library.

Nearby places to eat
The Chowringhee-Park Street-Esplanade stretch is by far the most happening place in Kolkata and a wide variety of restaurants are located here where you can truly indulge in mouthwatering Bengali, Mughlai, Chineese, Italian and continental spread. A visit to Tangra, Kolkata's version of Chinatown is especially recommended which is an exclusive Chinese bastion in Kolkata and lots of authentic Chinese restaurants are available here.The Chineese delicacies available at Tangra is lip smacking good.

Nearby shopping venues
Kolkata is a shopper's delight.

The Park Street : Esplanade stretch has all kinds of shops selling everything from Tibetan Thangkas to Ray Ban goggles. The stretch from The Oberoi Grand located in Esplanade to Park Street is one of the most fashionable places to shop. The flea market is especially very popular with tourists. Baluchuri sarees and Vishnupur clay idols vie for attention alongside up market brands like Nike, Addidas, Westside and Pantaloons.

Timings
It's open from sunrise to sunset. Just south to the zoo on Alipore Rd are the pleasant and quiet horticultural gardens. They're open from 8 am to 5 pm.

How to Reach
Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis and cabs are easily available from different parts of the city.