Lucknow Zoo, also known as Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, is the largest zoo in Lucknow. The zoo is located near the River Bank colony. The zoo is quite large and covers about 71.6 acres of land.
At Lucknow Zoo, you can see various animals, including tigers, bears, lions and rare white Bengal tigers. Lucknow Zoo brings you a wide range of activities, like toy trains, a butterfly garden, paddle boating and a museum to view fascinating items from the Awadh region and much more.
The Lucknow Zoo also provides you with informative displays and signs to help you understand the animals and their habitats through its Nature Learning Centre. A canteen and food court are also available for visitors to the zoo.
Lucknow Zoo is not just a simple place for animals to live; it’s also a delightful destination to take your family and friends if you enjoy visiting wildlife and natural areas.
The Zoo is open on all days of the week from 8 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays. The zoo is closed every Monday.
History
In honor of the Prince of Wales’s visit to Lucknow, the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, better known as Lucknow Zoo, was founded on November 29, 1921.
The zoo was constructed between 1921 and 1926 for Rs. 2,08,800. There are 26 structures and animal cages at the zoo. The concept to build this zoo came from Sir Harcourt Butler, the State’s Governor during that time.
In 1936, “Sir Ludovic Porter Gate”, the primary entrance to the zoo, was built, which faces the Narahi side.
Many generous individuals, including wealthy landowners and influential locals, donated vast sums of money to aid in the construction of cages and animal shelters. The zoo’s exhibit animals were also provided by the wealthy.
As a result, Lucknow Zoo has a long history, has been supported by the local community, and has received significant contributions from numerous people. Lucknow Zoo has always been the place to enjoy and learn about animals since 1921.
Special attractions/ things to do in Lucknow zoo
1. Toy train
The well-known toy train in the Lucknow Zoo has been a big hit for a long time. It started operating on November 14, 1969. It takes visitors on a safari-style tour with the entire facility. Not only is it a good ride, but it’s also a great place for photos. The train just got an upgrade, making it more appealing. The newly renovated toy train has 4 coaches and 1 engine. Eighty-four people can ride on it together and have fun.
2. Butterfly park
It is the first butterfly park in the state. It was inaugurated on April 9, 2018, and it occupies a 2-acre plot of ground. There are around 80 different kinds of butterflies in this park. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Additionally, you can discover intriguing facts about these vibrant species. But keep in mind that entering the butterfly park can require you to pay a little extra.
3. State museum
One of the most fascinating things here in Lucknow Zoo is the State Museum. You can find sculptures, bronze works of art, paintings, artifacts relating to people and nature, old coins, lovely linens, and decorative goods here. Even ancient artifacts discovered during archaeological excavation can be found there, dating back to the time of Lord Buddha.
They have an Egyptian mummy and a wooden coffin, a unique wine jar with the name of Aurangzeb Alamgir on it, precious jade Chamakali with the name Jahangir and the date 1036 AD. They also have a beautiful 16th-century painting that shows a scene from the Kalpasutra, an old Indian text.
4. Nature Learning Center
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a smaller version of a nature museum in 2017 in Lucknow Zoo. At this museum, people can learn about the natural world and Uttar Pradesh’s protected forests. It contains various wildlife-related items, including skins, horns, and embryos. They also have posters that provide plenty of information on the animals.
One exciting feature is the preservation of various uncommon and endangered animal footprints, particularly those of various tigers. Additionally, they display other kinds of skin and fur from various animals, including lions, tigers, deer, pandas, snakes, and more. It’s like a unique location to learn about nature and animals.
5. Paddle boating
You can have a fun boating experience in Lucknow Zoo as they have six paddle boats there. So, you can enjoy a nice boat ride there.
6. Souvenir shops
Lucknow Zoo has Souvenir shops, known as “Memento”, where you can purchase various items related to wildlife.
Exhibits at Lucknow Zoo
There are many animals in the zoo. There are 298 birds, 72 reptiles, and 463 mammals. There are just two zoos in India having orangutans, the other being in Kanpur.
You can find a variety of animals here,
- Herbivores: Indian Rhino, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Zebra and swamp deer.
- Carnivores: Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Wolf Indian, Leopard, Hyena and Fox.
- Birds: White peacock, Hill Myna, Indian Griffon, Spoonbill and many more
- Reptiles: Python, crocodile, gharial, Indian cobra etc.
- Aquarium: Albino Tiger Shark, Albino Walking Catfish and alligator are few
- Nocturnal House: Owlet jungle, eagle owl, barn owl, etc.
Interesting Facts
- Sir Harcourt Butler was the person who came up with the concept for the Lucknow Zoo which was previously referred to as “ Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens”
- Lucknow Zoo also gained the name of “ Banarasi Bagh” due to the presence of various peculiar plants that were originally brought in from Banaras.
- Lucknow Zoo is spread over an area of 71.6 acres of land.
- In 2001, the Uttar Pradesh government changed the name of Lucknow Zoo from Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens Trust Lucknow to Lucknow Prani Udyan.
- Lucknow Zoo’s name was changed from Lucknow Prani Udyan to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, in 2015.
- A Parijaat tree ( Adansonia digitata) is standing in front of the museum entrance. Its letters, floral roots, seeds and bark are all considered very useful. The wax of the tree is helpful in diseases of bile and kidneys. It is said that branches of this tree, instead of drying out, tend to fade upon shrinking.
Timing and Entry Fee of the Lucknow Zoo
The Lucknow Zoo is open all days from 8 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays. The zoo is closed every Monday.
The entry fee for children between 5 to 12 years is INR 40 per head and for adults it is INR 80 per head. You can also book your tickets online here.
| Ticket type | For children (5-12 years) | For adults (above 12 years age and more) |
| Includes (Entry +Aquarium + Nocturnal House + Interpretation Center) | INR 40 per head | INR 80 per head |
- Video Camera tickets (optional) INR 100 charged
- On booking tickets online, you get 10 % discount on total amount
- For School Students: 10% concession on groups above 50 students.
- INR 25 per head charged for Aquarium visit in the zoo
- INR 470 charged for 1 hour round of the zoo through Battery vehicle. Booking needs to be done.
Nearby Famous places
- Imambara (5.5 km)
- Hazratganj (0.6 Km)
- British Residency (3 Km)
- Husainabad Clock Tower (6 Km)
- Janeshwar Mishra Park (5.6Km)
- Lohia Park (4.3 Km)
How to Reach
- By Railway: Distance between Lucknow Railway Station and Lucknow zoo is 4.2 km and it will take approx 18 min to reach there.
- By Airport: Distance between Lucknow Airport (Amausi) and Lucknow zoo is 17.6 km and it will take 40 min to reach there.
- By Bus: Distance between Charbagh Bus Stand and Lucknow zoo is 3.6 km and it take almost 15 min to reach there.
FAQs
Q1: What is the price of a Lucknow Zoo ticket?
Ans. Lucknow zoo ticket price for Adults (above 12 yrs) is Rs 80, and for Children (5-12 yr) is Rs 40.
Q2: What is special about Lucknow Zoo?
Ans. The main attraction of the zoo is the toy train, butterfly park, state museum and nature learning center. Besides that the zoo houses thousands of animals of hundreds of different species.
Q3: Is bringing our own food allowed in Lucknow?
Ans. Yes, you can carry your own food. The zoo has a food court and canteen inside for all the visitors.
Q4: Which Metro is near to Lucknow Zoo?
Ans. Hazratganj Metro Station is the nearest metro station.