Covering an area of 55 acres of woodland, lakes and lawns, the Trivandrum Zoo is located in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India. It is also known as Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and is one of the oldest zoos in India. The entire zoo and museum are well maintained zoo with variety of wild animals, birds. It has beautiful landscaped and covered with lofty trees, towering bamboos making it most beautiful zoo. The main objectives of the zoo are: A. Wildlife conservation with a special emphasis on species endemic and endangered in the Western Ghats, B. Education and Nature Awareness, C. Wildlife Research, D. Eco-tourism.
Trivandrum Zoo: A Historical Overview
Trivandrum Zoo is one of the oldest in India along with the Museum and Botanical Gardens. Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the ruler of Travancore from 1830–1846, envisioned the establishment of the Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Zoo. Initially, he had a broad variety collection of animals including elephants at his horse breeding centre. He also kept tigers, panthers, cheetahs, deer, bears, and a lioness. His brother, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the British Resident General Cullen played important roles in founding the Napier Museum and Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram after he had left.
In 1855, a committee was formed with the Maharaja of Travancore as Patron, General Cullen as president and Mr. Allen Brown as Secretary resulting in the opening of the Museum to the public in September 1857. To attract more visitors, a Zoo and a park were established in 1859, initially designed for recreation.
Over time, the Zoo’s goal shifted from recreation to conservation due to increased forest and wildlife loss from human development. A modernization project initiated in 1995 aims to replace old enclosures with spacious naturalistic ones supported by the state government of Kerala with assistance from the Central Zoo Authority.
Trivandrum Zoo location
The geographical coordinates of Trivandrum Zoo are as follows:
- Latitude: 8° 30′ 42.23″ N
- Longitude: 76° 57′ 18.01″ E
These coordinates indicate the location of Trivandrum Zoo in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. The zoo is situated in the southern part of India near the southwestern coast and is positioned at approximately 8.5117 degrees North latitude and 76.9550 degrees East longitude.
Kerala is renowned for its lush green landscapes and diverse ecosystems, providing an ideal setting for a zoo focused on the conservation and display of various animal species.
Trivandrum Zoo Map
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Map is a helpful guide for visitors, outlining the layout of exhibits, key attractions and facilities. It assists in efficient navigation ensuring visitors don’t miss any highlights. The map also highlights landmarks, feeding sessions and amenities enhancing the overall zoo experience.
Trivandrum Zoo Address: Location, Area, Administration and Name
Address: Museums and Zoo Compound,
Vikas Bhavan (P.O.) Thiruvananthapuram – 695033 Kerala State
Area: 55 acres (22 ha)
Administration: Superintendent, Zoological Garden
Name of the Zoo: Zoological Garden, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Photos: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Map
What will you see at Trivandrum Zoo?
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo houses a variety collection of animals having 82 species from across the globe.
1. Mammals:
Among the indigenous species on display are Lion-Tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs. The zoo is home to Indian Rhinoceroses as well as various deer species including Sambar, Spotted, Barking and Hog deer. Other notable inhabitants include Hippopotamus, Asian Bison, Nilgai and Black Buck. The zoo houses big cats like Asiatic Lions, Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tigers, Leopards and Asian black bear.
Trivandrum Zoo Photos: Bison
2. Birds:
The zoo is home to various birds such as emus a large flightless bird native to Australia, peacocks, green-winged macaws, ostriches, scarlet macaws, Indian peafowls, white spoonbills, greater flamingos, cassowaries, sulfur-crested cockatoos, common cranes, white-necked cranes, black-necked cranes, grey herons, white ibises, blossom-headed parakeets, rose-ringed parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mustached parakeets, gray pelicans, rosy pelicans, silver pheasants, ring-necked pheasants, rock doves, adjutant storks, painted storks, white storks, white-necked storks, black-necked storks, cinereous vultures, king vultures, white-backed vultures, turkey vultures, pariah kites, and Brahminy kites, a medium-sized raptor with striking plumage.
3. Reptiles:
The zoo also has a snake area called ‘The Reptile House,’ displaying both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes including Anacondas. The reptile section includes reticulated pythons, gharials, mugger crocodiles, spectacled caimans, monitor lizards, bamboo pit vipers, Indian cobras, Indian rock pythons, rat snakes, Russell’s vipers, checkered keelbacks, king cobras, red sandboas, green tree snakes, Indian flapshell turtles, Indian black turtles, crowned river turtle and Travancore tortoises, a species native to the Western Ghats region in India.
Trivandrum Zoo Photos: King Cobra
Best time to visit Trivandrum Zoo
The most favorable period for visiting Trivandrum Zoo is from November to February when nature generously bestows a pleasant climate. During this season, the weather features comfortable temperatures and a refreshing atmosphere enhancing the overall experience of exploring the diverse wildlife at the zoo. Summers in Trivandrum can be hot and humid making the visit uncomfortable.
How to Reach Trivandrum Zoo?
Thiruvananthapuram city is well connected by road, rail and air. As the zoo is in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by bus, cabs and auto rickshaws. You can hire a bicycle or scooter to travel within the city. The zoo is 3 km from KSRTC, Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (5.7 Km) and the nearest Railway Station is Thiruvananthapuram (3km),
Trivandrum Zoo Photos: Peacock
Trivandrum Zoo Tickets Rate
Visitors are required to pay both car parking charges and entry tickets. Additionally, water bottles are not allowed inside and must be deposited at the entrance.
- ₹ 30 per person for adults above 12 years old.
- ₹ 10 per person for Children between 5 to 12 years old.
- ₹ 70 for a family ticket (Father, mother, and children below 12 years old).
- ₹ 400 for Group A Ticket for Higer Secondary School/ College Students (35 or fewer students and two teachers).
- ₹ 300 for Group B Ticket for Lower Primary/Upper Primary/ and High School Students (35 or fewer students and two teachers).
- ₹ 50 for a still camera.
- ₹ 200 for a video camera.
- ₹ 2000 for Professional Photo & Videography
Trivandrum Zoo Electric Car Price
Electric car services are available for visitors and the rates are charged on a per-person basis.
- ₹50 for an electric car inside the zoo (single person).
- ₹350 for an electric car inside the zoo (family).
- ₹20 for an electric car inside the zoo (senior citizens).
- ₹15 for an electric car inside the zoo (specially-abled persons).
Trivandrum Zoo Photos : showing Raja Ravi Verma Art Gallery
Trivandrum Zoo Timings
Trivandrum Zoo welcomes visitors throughout the week with the exception of Mondays when it remains closed for maintenance or designated holidays. The zoo operates from Tuesday to Sunday offering a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and families to explore its diverse exhibits.
| Day | Timing |
| Monday | Closed/Holiday |
| Tuesday | 9.00 am – 5:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 9.00 am – 5:15 pm |
| Thursday | 9.00 am – 5:15 pm |
| Friday | 9.00 am – 5:15 pm |
| Saturday | 9.00 am – 5:15 pm |
| Sunday | 9.00 am – 5:15 pm |
Trivandrum Zoo Holiday
Trivandrum Zoo remains closed on Mondays. On all other days of the week, the zoo is open for visitors. The operational hours allow for a leisurely exploration of captivating exhibits making it an ideal destination for individuals, families and nature enthusiasts.
Trivandrum Zoo Parking
Visitors are required to pay ₹150 for car parking at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo. This nominal charge contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the parking area, guaranteeing a well-organized and clean environment for all patrons.
Trivandrum Zoo Photos
Trivandrum Zoo extends photo opportunities for visitors eager to capture the beauty of its various wildlife. Besides the captivating animal exhibits, there are other picturesque spots adorned with lofty trees and towering bamboos that make for excellent photography opportunities. To engage in photography, visitors are required to pay charges as per the following camera usage
- ₹50 fee for the use of a still camera.
- ₹200 fee for the use of a video camera.
- ₹2000 fee for Professional Photo & Videography.
These nominal charges contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the zoo, ensuring a picturesque and well-maintained environment for all visitors.
Conclusion
Trivandrum Zoo is a must-visit place for anyone visiting the city. With a well-maintained environment, this zoo has a variety collection of animals including lions, tigers, leopards, monkeys and more. The beautifully landscaped grounds make a wonderful atmosphere for appreciating the various animals. Additionally, the zoo also has a numerous educational exhibits offering a great opportunity to learn about habitats, trees and animals.
FAQ
1.) Which day is holiday for Trivandrum Zoo?
Trivandrum Zoo remains closed on Mondays. On all other days of the week, the zoo is open for visitors.
2.) How much time needed to visit Trivandrum Zoo?
You can complete to visit the Trivandrum Zoo in 2 hours but if there are children in your team, it will take 3 to 4 hours. The initial part of the zoo has a lot of birds and most of the inhabitants are inside cages. However, the second part of the zoo which has wild animals is interesting.
3.) What is the Speciality of Trivandrum Zoo?
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo houses a variety collection of animals having 82 species from across the globe. Among the indigenous species are lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, Indian rhinoceroses, Asiatic lions, royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, and leopards.
4.) Is photography allowed in Trivandrum Zoo?
Photography is allowed in Trivandrum Zoo. The charges for a still camera are ₹50, ₹200 for a video camera and ₹2000 for professional photo and videography.
You May Also Like
- Amirthi Zoological Park
- Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden
- Etawah Safari Park
- Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
References
- Zoological Garden – Thiruvananthapuram-https://cza.nic.in/
- Thiruvananthapuram Zoo- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
- The Zoological Park, Thiruvananthapuram-https://www.keralatourism.org/
