Pt GB Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital

Pt. G.B. (Govind Ballabh) Pant Zoo in Nainital is unique being the one zoo in Uttarakhand. It lies in the hilly landscape of Sher ka Danda at an high altitude of around 2100 m over sea level about 2 km from Tallital Bus Stand well connected through a motorable road. It may be noted that in 1876, the last mountain quail could be seen here.

The High Altitude Zoo or Nainital Zoo is laden with beautiful flora inclusive of some rare ornamental, horticultural and flowering plants such as hibiscus, roses, acacia, acer and rhododendron. There are plenty of oak plantations too at this place.


The Zoo houses a diverse range of wildlife species inclusive of Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, goral, Himalayan martin and the Siberian tiger. Additionally, Nainital Zoo is a habitat for rich fauna comprising diverse variety of pheasants and rare beautiful birds like hill partridges, woodpeckers and babblers.

The impressive flora and fauna of the Zoo makes it an ideal place to visit in Nainital, the latter being a famous international tourist place. Moreover, Nainital has established itself in the field of research and education, thereby a favorite spot for children and students alike. As per the demands of present times, the Nainital Zoo is kept completely free of polythene, which is a major ecological threat facing mankind today. A trip to the Zoo is educative, enthralling and engaging for everyone, be it a tourist, student, child or anybody else. The Zoo covers approx. 4.693 hectares in area and is thus well spread out.

History of Nainital Zoo

Although the Zoo got established in 1984, it was only from June 1995 that it was formally opened to the general public. Ever since March 2002, the Bharat Ratna Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society Nainital has taken over its management work.

Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Nainital was established and opened with the intent to protect and conserve the biodiversity and wildlife in the hilly areas of Nainital and Uttarakhand.

The main objectives and goals of the Zoo are facilitating research and coordinating breeding of the endangered and endemic Himalayan fauna, educating and extending knowledge in managing animals who are captive, conservation of Himalayan animals and birds which are endangered and endemic, cure and prevention of minor and major diseases among animals, rehabilitation and rescue of endangered and injured species and last, but not the least, make people aware about the rich Himalayan flora and fauna.

Zoo Timings and charges

Entry/Camera Fee - The Zoo earns mainly on account of camera and entry fee paid by the general public.
Fee for Entry
Adult: Rupees Fifty only (Rs.50/-)
Child: Rupees Twenty only (Rs.20/-)
Fee for Camera
Ordinary / General Camera: Rupees Twenty-five only (Rs. 25/-)
Video (Professional) Camera: Rupees Two Hundred only (Rs.200/-)

Entry has been kept free for disabled people and senior citizens.
Furthermore, students are allowed to enter free during the Wild Life Week, on Ozone Day, Zoo Foundation Day and World Environment Day.

Timings: 09:30 am – 04:30 pm (Open all days, except Monday, Holi and Deepawali)

Places to Stay near Nainital Zoo

All the hotels in Nainital are nearby the Zoo. Each and every type of hotel ranging from those providing just the basic amenities to those providing the most luxurious facilities, ranging from 3 star to 5 star ones, are available in Nainital. You can choose accordingly as per your budget.

How to Reach Nainital Zoo

Nainital Zoo is nearly forty kilometers away from Kathgodam Railway Station; it is the nearest railway station. Nainital Zoo is 64 kilometers away from Pantnagar airport. Find the address of Nainital Zoo:

G.B.Pant High Altitude Zoo
Nainital, Uttarakhand -263002
Ph: 91-05942-237927
E-mail: ntlzoo@rediffmail.com, nainitalzoo@gmail.com

Quick Facts about Nainital Zoo

1. Mean Height above sea level: 2075 m - 2125 m.
2. Maximum & Minimum Temperatures: 32⁰ C max. (Summers) ; -2⁰ C min. (Winters).
3. Monsoons: December to February ; July to September
4. Mean Rainfall: 2010 mm.
5. Vegetation: Coniferous cypress and oak- 3 species are found in these Forests.
6. Uniqueness: As mentioned before, the High Altitude Zoo is the only Zoo in Uttarakhand. It’s another uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only Zoo at such a high altitude besides the one in Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Also Read:

• Pangot Bird Sanctuary in Nainital