Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as Darjeeling Zoo, is designated as India’s largest high altitude zoo. At the height of about 7,000 ft. and spread over an area of about 68 hectare, the zoo is home to many endangered species of Eastern Himalayas. Red panda, snow leopard, clouded leopard, black leopard, slow loris, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear and Bengal tiger are among the top attractions of the zoo, which also features musk deer, blue sheep, yak, sambar, goral and many other animals. Located on the Birch Hill (also called Jawahar Parbat), the zoo has exotic birds as its exhibits, some of the most notable ones being golden and silver pheasants, Himalayan monal, ring-necked pheasant, Lady Amherst, red jungle-fowl, rose-ringed parakeet, hill myna, grey turaco and blue gold macaw. Indian star tortoise and Himalayan salamander are other conserved species at the park. A member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park attracts millions of visitors every year and is also known for offering animal adoption program.

March-June and October-December