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A Bliss Of Natural Wilderness
The Delhi Zoo, close to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959
and is spread over an area of 214 acres. It is regarded as one of the
finest zoo in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural
habitat to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and
birds species from places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia.
There is a lot of greenery around the zoo and it is an ideal picnic spot
especially in winters.
The
National Zoological Gardens is one of the most serene environs the city of
Delhi could offer. Visitors are welcomed at the entrance by the Mughal Kos
Minar and while climbing up the red sandstone gate, one gets a chance to
admire the vast expanse of the Zoological Park too.
The Pathway
The winding pathways here are laid with the red Badarpur gravel, and the
green shrubs differentiate the red with the undulating brown-green vast
stretches of grass. After a walk of over a kilometre, the pathway diverges
into two different directions. On the right side lies the administrative
building with a library, which is a storehouse of information on animals,
birds, plants and other popular and rare zoological species in India.
The Fauna
The pathway to the right leads to the cages of the animals such as
Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, the Gir
Lion and Zebras etc. On the left hand one can enjoy the water animals.
There are swamps made for the water birds, which looks better during the
migratory season, when Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis deer, Fallow
deer, Peafowl, Hog Dear and the Jaguar take refuge over here. In the
centre of the zoo, is the underground Reptile Home complex for the
nocturnal animals including the King Cobra, Pythons and many other
species.
What
keeps the National Zoological Park apart from the other zoo is the concept
of maintaining more than 200 varieties of trees that are properly
displayed along with their respective descriptions. The boards notify and
interest the non-botanist with complete knowledge of the hanging deep
yellow Alamtas or the Phulahi hedges or the drought resistant Lahura
trees. The well-trimmed natives of Delhi bistendu are the ones easily
identifiable lined up along the pathway.
Facilities
There are open-roofed mobile vans available at affordable charges within
the zoo and is the best option for tourists to avoid the exertion and heat
of Delhi's summer season. This place is also a good picnic spot as there
are a number of parks in the complex. There are ample numbers of water
points and drinking water facility, still its better to carry your own
water bottle. A cafeteria is also available outside the zoo.
Timings: Summer 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Winter 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday closed.