Alipore Zoo Ticket Price 2026: Entry Fee, Timings, Online Booking and Complete Visitor Guide

Some city zoos feel like a quick walk. Alipore Zoo in Kolkata feels more like stepping into a piece of history. It is widely described as India’s oldest formally recognised zoo, and it has been welcoming families, school groups and tourists for well over a century.

The good news for your wallet is that the Alipore Zoo ticket price is very low. The less obvious part is that different websites quote slightly different amounts, and there are small rules about closed days, online booking and ID proof that can catch you off guard at the gate.

This guide sorts all of that out in simple language, so you know what to pay, when to go and what to expect once you are inside.

Alipore Zoo Ticket Price at a Glance

Visitor type	Reported price
Adults and children above 5 years	About Rs 50
Adults on weekends and government holidays	Rs 30 on one listing
Children under 5 years	Rs 10 on all days on one listing
General range in a recent guide	Rs 25 to Rs 50

As you can see, the figures do not match perfectly. The Kolkata Tourism page lists Rs 50 for children above 5 years and adults, while another listing shows Rs 30 for adults on weekends and holidays and Rs 10 for children under 5. A December 2025 guide simply says the ticket is usually between Rs 25 and Rs 50.

A safe way to plan is to keep about Rs 50 per person in mind and confirm the final rate at the counter or on the official booking page.

Extra Charges

Item	Cost or note
Aquarium	Separate attraction with a small entry fee
Video photography	Rs 250 per hour on one older listing
Golf cart	Availability changes, so check on the day

Since the golf cart was not available for a period in early 2026 because of heavy rush, do not count on it during the winter peak.

Alipore Zoo Timings

The zoo follows the same daily schedule through the year.

Detail	Information
Opening time	9:00 AM
Closing time	5:00 PM
Ticket counter	9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Weekly closed day	Thursday
Special period	Open all 7 days from 15 December to 31 January

If a public holiday falls on a Thursday, the zoo stays open that day and closes on the next working day instead. The aquarium follows the same holidays and weekly off.

Reach the gate before the ticket counter closes at 4:30 PM, since latecomers cannot buy tickets after that.

How to Book Alipore Zoo Tickets Online

Booking online saves time, especially in winter when queues grow long.

1. Open the official Alipore Zoological Garden ticket page.
2. Choose your visit date and the number of visitors.
3. Enter your mobile number and complete the payment.
4. Wait for the SMS or email that carries your ticket download link.
5. Save the ticket on your phone or print it.
6. Carry a valid ID proof, because it is mandatory at the main gate.

Use the same mobile number you used during booking if you need to view or download the ticket again later. Treat only the official site as the safe route, and avoid anyone offering tickets outside the gate.

Location and Address

Address: No. 2, Alipore Road, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India.

Phone: +91 33 2439 9391, as listed on a travel portal, so confirm before relying on it.

The zoo sits in South Kolkata and is easy to reach by taxi, bus, metro plus a short ride, or private car.

Mode	Notes
Bus	Routes such as AC-12D and S-45 stop near Alipur Zoo
Taxi or app cab	The most convenient option for families
Private car	Parking gets tight on weekends and holidays
Metro plus a short ride	Useful if you are staying in another part of the city

Places to Combine With Your Visit

People often pair the zoo with Shaheed Minar and St. John’s Church. Victoria Memorial is also a short distance away in South Kolkata, which makes a good pairing for a full day of sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit

Season: Winter is the peak tourist season in West Bengal, and the zoo is at its most crowded then. The weather is pleasant, but expect queues.

Time of day: Arrive right at 9 AM. Animals tend to be more active in the morning, and you avoid the midday heat.

Day of the week: Weekdays are calmer. Weekends and government holidays are busy, so go early if you have no choice.

Goal	Suggested plan
Fewer crowds	Weekday morning outside winter
Comfortable weather	November to February, arrive at opening
Photography	Morning light, and ask about rules first
Visiting with children	Early start with a break for snacks

You can easily spend half a day here, and many families stay longer.

What You Will See Inside

The zoo covers about 46.5 acres, or roughly 18.81 hectares, and houses mammals, birds and reptiles from many parts of the world.

• Tigers. Recent renovation brought glass walled tiger enclosures, described as the first of their kind in India, which give a much clearer view.
• Birds. A rare white peacock and the Great Indian hornbill are among the crowd pleasers, and the aviary section adds new spaces.
• Snow leopard. A quiet, elusive animal that fascinates wildlife lovers.
• Kangaroos. A favourite with children and first time visitors.
• Elephants and deer. Classic zoo sights that suit all ages.
• The aquarium. An extra attraction inside the grounds, with its own small ticket.

A Little History

The zoo has an unusual origin story. It began around 1800 as a private menagerie kept by Richard Wellesley, the Governor General of India, at his summer home in Barrackpore. An early attempt to create a public zoological garden in Calcutta in 1842 did not attract much attention. The zoo finally opened to the public in 1876.

The most famous resident in its past was Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise said to have lived for about 250 years before dying in 2006.

Rules to Follow

1. Do not feed or tease any animal.
2. Never try to enter an enclosure.
3. Keep plastic and food waste in the bins.
4. Carry a valid ID if you booked online.
5. Follow staff instructions, especially in crowded areas.
6. Check photography rules before using a camera or shooting video.

Practical Tips

• Book online during winter so you skip the longest queue.
• Carry water, a hat and comfortable shoes, since you will walk a lot.
• Reach the gate before 4:30 PM if you plan to buy tickets there.
• Plan around Thursday, the usual closed day.
• Time your visit around feeding time if you want to watch the animals up close.
• Keep small change for snacks and extras.
• Arrive early on weekends and public holidays.

Sample Half Day Plan

Time	Activity
9:00 AM	Enter with your ticket and ID
9:15 AM	Walk to the tiger and big cat area
10:30 AM	Bird section and aviaries
11:30 AM	Snack break
12:00 PM	Aquarium visit
1:00 PM	Deer and kangaroo enclosures
2:00 PM	Exit and head to lunch or another attraction

Is Alipore Zoo Worth Visiting?

Yes, mostly because it costs so little. For the price of a snack you get a long, green outing with history, big cats, birds and an aquarium. It works well for families, school trips and anyone curious about Kolkata’s heritage.

Keep expectations realistic on peak days. Crowds and heat can wear people down, so pace yourself and start early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated Information for 2026

Guides and official booking notices from 2026 continue to show the same core details: a 9 AM to 5 PM schedule, a Thursday closure, extended opening from 15 December to 31 January, and online booking with mandatory ID. The main point of confusion is the exact ticket amount, which varies across sites. Because rates, golf cart availability and holiday closures can change, look at the official page shortly before you leave.

Conclusion

The Alipore Zoo ticket price is easy on the pocket, with adults typically paying somewhere between Rs 30 and Rs 50 and young children paying less. Add the aquarium fee if you plan to go in, carry ID for online tickets, avoid Thursdays, and arrive early. Do that, and you get a relaxed, affordable day out at one of India’s oldest and best known zoos.

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