Dehradun Zoo, better known to most locals as Malsi Deer Park, is one of the most peaceful and popular family outings in the city. Set right at the foothills of the Shivalik range, it began decades ago as a sanctuary focused on deer conservation and has since grown into a proper mini zoo with a mix of animals, birds, an aquarium and a reptile section. If you’re planning a visit, here is a complete and updated guide covering Dehradun Zoo Ticket Prices, timings, location and the best time to go in 2026.
Dehradun Zoo Ticket Price 2026
Entry fees at Dehradun Zoo remain genuinely low, which is part of what makes it such a popular spot for families and casual day trippers. That said, different sources list slightly varying figures, so treat the table below as a close working estimate and confirm the exact rate at the counter on the day of your visit.
| Category | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ₹20 to ₹30 |
| Children | ₹10 to ₹15 |
| Senior citizens | ₹10 |
A few listings mention a flat ₹100 entry fee as well, so pricing does appear to vary depending on the source and possibly the season, which makes it worth double-checking at the counter rather than assuming one fixed number.
Additional Charges Inside the Zoo
Beyond the basic entry ticket, a few sections and activities inside the park come with their own small separate charges.
| Item | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Fish aquarium entry | ₹20 to ₹50 |
| Rock garden section | ₹10 |
| Snake and reptile section | ₹30 |
| 3D movie experience | ₹50 |
| Still camera | ₹25 |
Many visitors end up spending only around ₹90 to ₹100 in total even after covering the main zoo entry along with the aquarium and reptile sections, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly wildlife experiences in the region.
Location and Address
Dehradun Zoo sits on the Dehradun-Mussoorie Road, making it a convenient stopover if you’re heading up toward Mussoorie or just looking for a half-day trip within Dehradun itself.
Address: Malsi Deer Park (Dehradun Zoo), Diversion, Mussoorie Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248009
The zoo is located roughly 10 kilometres from Dehradun’s ISBT and railway station, which keeps it easily reachable by car, scooter or local bus without needing a long detour off the main road.
Timings
Dehradun Zoo is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and remains closed on Mondays. During the summer months, roughly from March to October, some listings mention slightly extended hours, with the park opening as early as 8:30 AM and staying open until 6:00 PM. Since timing can shift a little with the season, it’s worth confirming the exact hours before setting out, especially if you’re planning an early morning visit.
Best Time to Visit Dehradun Zoo
March to June is generally considered the most pleasant stretch of the year to visit, with comfortable weather that makes it easy to see the animals out and about in their open enclosures rather than sheltering away. Mornings tend to be the best window within a single day, since the deer, peacocks and other residents are more active before the midday warmth sets in. The monsoon season brings its own charm, with the surrounding valley turning a vivid green, though frequent rain can make walking around the open grounds less convenient, so it isn’t the ideal time if you want to avoid getting caught in a shower mid-visit.
How to Reach
Getting to Dehradun Zoo is straightforward given its location on a major connecting road.
- By road: Roughly a 10 kilometre drive from Dehradun’s ISBT and railway station via Mussoorie Road, easily covered by car, scooter or bus.
- By taxi or cab service: Widely available in Dehradun and a comfortable option for reaching the park directly.
- Parking: Available at the entrance for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
What to See Inside
Despite its modest size of around 25 acres, Dehradun Zoo packs in a good variety of wildlife. It remains best known for its deer population, including the Sambar deer, two-horned deer and the Indian antelope known locally as Nilgai, all of which roam fairly freely within their enclosures. Beyond the deer, visitors can spot peacocks, rabbits, owls, crocodiles and a small collection of snakes and reptiles, along with a relatively recent addition, the fish aquarium, which houses species like the Silver Shark fish, Oscar fish, Jaguar fish and Pufferfish. A tiled pathway winds through the park, past statues of popular cartoon characters and a children’s playground, making it just as appealing for younger visitors as it is for wildlife enthusiasts.
Facilities Available
The park is well maintained, with a strict no-plastic policy in place to keep the grounds clean. A cafeteria is available on-site for snacks and light meals, and clean restrooms are provided throughout the property. Visitors are permitted to bring their own food for a picnic, though littering is strictly discouraged, and the walking paths and greenery are generally kept in good condition, according to most visitor reviews.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
A full visit to Dehradun Zoo typically takes around three hours, so it pairs well with a half-day trip rather than requiring a dedicated full day out. If photography is a priority, keep in mind that still cameras come with their own small separate charge, so it’s worth budgeting for that in advance. Since the park is a popular stopover for tourists travelling toward Mussoorie, combining your zoo visit with the onward drive is an easy way to make the most of a single day trip from Dehradun.
Latest Update
This article was last checked and updated in 2026 to reflect the current entry fee structure and timing details for Dehradun Zoo, also known as Malsi Deer Park. Since ticket rates at this park have been reported with some variation across different sources and may be revised periodically by the local administration, it’s a good idea to confirm the exact price directly at the entrance counter before finalising your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dehradun Zoo open every day?
Is the aquarium included in the main zoo ticket?
How long does a full visit take?
Can I bring my own food for a picnic?
What is the best time of year to visit?
Conclusion
Dehradun Zoo continues to be one of the most affordable and relaxing half-day outings in the city, combining a peaceful deer sanctuary with a small but interesting mix of birds, reptiles and aquatic life, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Shivalik foothills. With ticket prices this low and no need for advance booking, it makes for an easy addition to any Dehradun or Mussoorie itinerary.
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