Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The Katraj zoo and snake park, with a reptile collection that is the reason to go.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The zoological park at Katraj, on the southern edge of Pune, is a municipal wildlife facility built around a lake, and the part that distinguishes it is the reptile collection — the Katraj snake park was established as a separate institution and later absorbed into the wider zoo, and it remains the strongest reason to visit. The rest is an animal orphanage and a mammal section, set in hilly ground that makes for a reasonable walk. It is used heavily by families from the city, particularly in winter and at weekends, and like most Indian municipal zoos it is at its best early in the day when the animals are active and the grounds are quiet.
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What to see
Three parts on one site, and one of them is the point.
The snake park
- The reptile collection, which is what the site was originally known for.
- Interpretation on snakebite and on the species found across Maharashtra.
The rest of the site
- The animal orphanage and the mammal section.
- The lake and the hilly grounds, which make the circuit a genuine walk.
Getting there
Katraj, on the southern edge of the city.
Arriving
- App cabs and auto-rickshaws reach the gate; it is a drive from central Pune.
- City buses serve the Katraj corridor.
- It combines with the Sinhagad road direction rather than with the old city.
Best time
Winter mornings, and not on a Sunday.
When to go
- Morning, when the animals are active and the ground is cool.
- October to February is the comfortable season and also the busiest.
- Weekends and public holidays are very busy with family visitors.
Visitor intelligence
Practical points for a municipal zoo on hilly ground.
Practical
- Check the weekly closing day before planning around it.
- The site is hilly and the circuit is longer than it looks — comfortable shoes matter.
- Feeding animals is prohibited, and single-use plastic is restricted at many Indian zoos; check at the gate.
Nearby
Southern Pune.
Frequently asked
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