Covering over an area of about 34 acres land the Siddharth Garden and Zoo is located in the centre of Aurangabad city, near central Bus stand in the Indian State of Maharashtra. Aurangabad officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is the administrative headquarters of Aurangabad district. The zoo was established in 1984 by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation and was named Siddharth Garden Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Zoo.
The zoo has a variety of animal and bird species such as jackal, monkey, hyena, wolf, white tiger, Asian tiger, lion, leopard, blackbuck, sambar, nilgai, peacock, civet cats, etc. Additionally, there is an aquarium in the park area with various species of fish. The Hyderabad Liberation War Museum and a grand bronze statue of Gautam Buddha in a meditative posture are also located in Siddharth Park and Zoo.
History of Siddharth Garden and Zoo
Siddharth Garden and Zoo were established in 1984 as a small zoo covering an area of about 14 acres of land by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The main objective of establishing this zoo was to rescue local wild animals and provide an exhibition space. With these objectives in mind, the zoo began by housing small and local wild animals such as jackal, monkey, hyena, wolf, blackbuck, sambar, nilgai, peacock and civet cats.
In its Master Plan of 2014 and in accordance with the approval in the General Body Meeting of Aurangabad Municipal Corporation vide resolution no.574 and dated 18.08.2009, the area of Siddharth Garden and Zoo was expanded to 34 acres from the land of the garden side to provide adequate space for enclosures of animals housed in the zoo.
From the 1990s onward, the zoo underwent a transformation focusing on preserving endangered species showcasing wild animals, promoting their conservation and raising public awareness through education. As part of this progress, lions, tigers, leopards, white tigers, elephants and bears were brought to the zoo. The ongoing development of the zoo has been guided by the esteemed Central Zoo Authority in New Delhi.
In 1995, Siddharth Garden and Zoo took steps to enhance education and awareness by setting up a small 35mm cinema theatre named ‘Vasundhara.’ The purpose was to showcase various wildlife films.
That same year, the zoo established a “Snake Park” with the proper approval from the Central Zoo Authority. This park features 10 species of snakes including rat snakes, pythons, Russell’s vipers, cobras, common kraits, trinkets and earth boas. It serves as an excellent educational center for snake enthusiasts. In 2017, approximately 518,300 visitors explored the snake park.
In 1995, Aviary was also developed for birds and water birds featuring displays for species like the painted stork, Indian peacock, egret and spoonbill.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Photos : Painted stork bird
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Boundaries
The zoo has a spacious campus covering about 34 acres, surrounded by roads and residential areas on all sides. There is mixed land use around the zoo. The central bus station is a prominent landmark situated to the east of the zoo. The land is owned by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation and is free from encumbrances.
The Kham River flows from the north to the western side and a city sewage drain runs along the southern side of the zoo. Public amenities are available at three different locations. On the western side of Siddharth Garden there is a food kiosk.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo: Location, Area, Administration and Name
Address: Siddharth Garden AMC Zoo, Near Central Bus Station, Aurangabad-431001
State: Maharashtra, India
Area: 34 acres
Administration: Director, AMC Zoo, Municipal Corporation Aurangabad
Name of the Zoo: Siddharth Garden Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Zoo
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Photos: Siddharth Garden and Zoo Map
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Location (Geography)
The geographical location of Siddharth Garden and Zoo is 190 52’46 N, 750 18’ 57 E. The area’s geological formation is marked by the Deccan traps, occurring from the upper Cretaceous to the lower Eocene period. Granite rocks in the region have led to the development of both red and black cotton soils. The majority of the area has deep black soil originating from the trap rock. In the eastern part, a mix of laterite and black soils is present, along with sandy soil along the riverbank.
Climate of Siddharth Garden and Zoo
The weather of Siddharth Garden and Zoo is generally dry and extreme with daytime temperatures from 27.7°C to 38°C and nighttime temperatures from 26.9°C to 20°C. Summer peaks at 43.3°C and winter nights drop to 6°C. Humidity is low (35% to 50%) reaching 85% in the monsoon. Rainy season is mid-June to September followed by sultry days until mid-November. Winter is mid-November to January, then a dry, hot summer from February to mid-June with dusty winds. Average yearly rainfall is around 90 cm but varies.
Siddharth Park and Zoo: A Prime Attraction in Marathwada Region
As Aurangabad is the largest city in the Marathwada region and the fifth-most populous urban area with a population of 1,175,116 ranking after Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Nashik in Maharashtra, the number of visitors to Siddharth Garden and Zoo typically ranges from 800 to 1,000 per day. Since it is the only zoological park in Marathwada many people like school students and citizens come to visit the park especially on auspicious days. During summer holidays, the number of zoo visitors hugely increases.
The city is famous for producing cotton textiles and beautiful silk fabrics. Prominent educational institutions like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University are situated in the city. The city is also a popular tourism hub with well-known tourist destination like the Ajanta and Ellora caves located nearby. These caves have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983.
What will You See at Siddharth Garden and Zoo?
Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a place where you can see lots of animals, birds, snakes and fish. There is also a big garden for kids to play. The zoo is divided into three parts: 1) a basic garden where children can play and have a picnic, 2) the zoo, and 3) an aquarium (fish Museum. Toy train price is ₹50 for adults and ₹ 25 for children. Pay and use toilets are also available in the park.
1. Water Fall
After just entering the Siddharth Garden and Zoo, you’ll see a large waterfall on the left side.
2. Hyderabad Liberation War Memorial
Siddharth Garde houses a museum dedicated to the memory of the Hyderabad Liberation War. The history of the liberation war is sketched in it. Statues, oil paintings, informational articles, Marathi Sanskriti Nigdit Babi are in the museum. In front of the museum, a grand pillar has been raised in honor of the revolutionary who fought in the Hyderabad Liberation War. There are many sculptures of revolutionary heroes on it and on top of the pillar there is Ashok Stambh. Every year on 17th September, people gather to pay homage to them.
3. Marble and cartoon Characters Statues
There are many cartoon characters and marble statues of Chacha Choudhury, Iron Man, Spider Man, Thanos, Hulk in the garden area of Siddharth Garden and Zoo. The garden is equipped with various play materials for children such as swings, slides, climbing structures, educational play panels, interactive gardens, sports equipment, etc. There is a building for shoe design that you might want to visit, but currently it is closed. Statues of some more movie characters are there, some have been posted which are related to cricket, some are from police and some are from doctors. There is also a fountain with elephant trunk waterfalls.
4. Buddha Statue
In Siddharth Garden and Zoo, there is a large bronze statue of Gautam Buddha in a meditative pose on the memorial side. The garden is given its name after Siddharth. The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation approved the resolution to install this statue on August 19, 2002. The Buddha statue stands 15 feet tall, placed on a 10-foot-high platform and the weight of the effigy is 3.50 tonnes. The garden is that too given its name of Siddharth.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Photos : Statue of Gautam Buddha
5. Animals
There are variety of animals in Siddharth Garden and Zoo such as Sambar (deer), black buck, porcupine with many spikes on its body, jackal, monkey, emu (belonging to a group of flightless running birds known as ratites), Nilgai (blue cow), spotted deer, tiger, leopards, white tigers, lion, bears and rabbits.
6. Snake Park (Snake Museum)
In the Snake Park, there are crocodiles, turtles and various snake species including pythons, Russell vipers, grass snakes, rat snakes, Indian cobras, and tusker snakes. It serves as an excellent educational center for snake enthusiasts.
7. Birds
Different types of birds and water birds also in this zoo are the painted stork (a large wader in the stork family found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia south), Indian peacock, egret and spoonbill.
8. Fish Museum (Aquarium)
The entry fee for Fish Museum is Rs.10 for adult and Rs.5 for children. Inside the Fish Museum (Aquarium) you get to see different types of beautiful fishes such as Texas fish, Tin Foil Fish, Milki Koi Fish, Koi Fish, Catostomidae (Suckers Fish), Shark Fish, Tilapia Fish, Thai Magur Fish (catfish), Shubunkins Fish, Turtles, Gold Fish, Cyprinus Fish, Angelfish, Silver Doller Fish, Rosy barb Fish, Scat Fish, Tiger Fish, White Shark, Red Fin Shark, Pacu Fish, Average Koi Fish, Pearl Gourami Fish, Jewel fish, Green Tiger Fish, Widow Tetra Fish, Blue Gourami Fish, Black Moor Fish, Black Molly Fish, Binoj Tetra Fish and Silver Molly Fish.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Photos :Â Fish Museum (Aquarium)
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Tickets Price
The ticket counter for Siddharth Garden and Zoo is located just in front of the entry gate. The entry fee for Siddharth Udyan is Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children. As for the zoo, the fee is Rs 50 for adults and Rs 20 for children. For the aquarium the fee is Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo Timings
Siddharth Garden and Zoo are open for visits from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except for Tuesdays when the zoo takes a break. Tuesday is the weekly closure day for the zoo.
Best time to visit Siddharth Garden and Zoo
The best time to comfortably visit Siddharth Garden and Zoo without many others is at 10 o’clock in the morning. In the evening, the number of visitors, including city residents is significant. During holidays and summer vacations, the number of people visiting the garden greatly increases creating overcrowding. The best month to visit the garden is from mid-November to February during the winter season. Winter starts in mid-November and ends in January followed by a dry and hot summer from February to mid-June. Summers are generally windy and dusty.
How to Reach Siddharth Garden and Zoo
Siddharth Garden and Zoo are centrally situated in the city of Aurangabad, near the central bus stand, 3 km from the railway station and 14 km from Chikkalthana Airport. The Jalna-Nagar-Pune highway is located 0.5 km away from the zoo.
Conclusion
Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a good place for spending quality time with family and friends. The garden has variety of animals, Fish Museum (Aquarium), Snake Museum, Garden, Toy Train, etc. and walking paths. The toy train ride is especially enjoyable for children. The extensive garden provides ample play materials for kids. The white tiger, yellow tigers in the zoo is really cool to see. From the Hyderabad Liberation War Memorial Pillar to the variety of animal species, it serves as a great destination for both educational and recreational activities.
FAQ
a.) What are the special features of Siddharth Garden?
The Siddharth Garden and Zoo in Aurangabad, covering 34 acres is home to a variety of animals, birds, snakes, and fish. It also features attractions such as a fish museum (aquarium), Snake Park, garden, Hyderabad Liberation War Memorial Pillar, Buddha Statue, waterfalls, fountains and more.
b.) Siddharth Garden and zoo tickets?
Siddharth Garden and zoo has a zoo, aquarium, toy train, garden, etc. All these have different entry tickets. Entry for the garden is ₹ 20 for adults and Rs ₹ for children. Aquarium price is ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children. Toy train price is ₹50 for adults and ₹ 25 for children.
c.) What are the Siddharth Garden and Zoo timings?
The visit timing of Siddharth Garden is from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except for Tuesdays when the zoo takes a break. Tuesday is the weekly closure day for the zoo.
d.) What is the Siddharth Garden and Zoo animals list?
There are variety of animals in Siddharth Garden and Zoo such as Sambar (deer), black buck, porcupine, jackal, monkey, emu, Nilgai, spotted deer, tiger, leopards, white tigers, bears and rabbits.
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