Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, more commonly known as Trivandrum Zoo, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia, with roots going back to the 19th century. Set right within the city, alongside the Napier Museum complex, it remains one of Kerala’s most visited family destinations, home to more than 80 species of animals, birds, reptiles and aquatic life across 55 acres of woodland, lakes and lawns. If you’re planning a visit, here is a complete and updated guide to Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Ticket Price, timings and everything else worth knowing for 2026.
Location and Address
Trivandrum Zoo sits right in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, within the same complex as the Napier Museum, making it easy to combine both stops in a single outing.
Address: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695001 (also referenced as LMS Vellayambalam Road, near Museum Police Station)
Given its central location, the zoo is easily reachable by bus, auto rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in the city, and there’s no need for a long drive out to the outskirts like with many other Indian zoos.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Ticket Price 2026
Entry pricing at Trivandrum Zoo has remained genuinely affordable for years, which is a big part of why it continues to be such a popular stop for families and student groups.
| Category | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (above 12 years) | ₹20 |
| Children (5 to 12 years) | ₹5 |
| Family ticket (parents + 2 children below 12) | ₹40 |
| Group ticket (up to 35 students + 2 teachers) | ₹200 |
A few older listings mention lower figures, closer to ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children, along with a smaller family ticket rate of around ₹25, which suggests prices have been revised upward at some point. The most recently updated sources point to the ₹20/₹5/₹40/₹200 structure shown above as the current standard, but it’s always worth confirming the exact rate at the counter on the day of your visit.
Additional Charges
Beyond the general entry ticket, a few optional extras come with their own separate pricing, particularly if you’re carrying a camera or want to use the electric car service inside the park.
| Item | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Still camera | ₹50 |
| Video camera | ₹100 |
| Car parking | ₹150 |
| Electric car (single person) | ₹50 |
| Electric car (family) | ₹350 |
| Electric car (senior citizens) | ₹20 |
| Electric car (specially abled persons) | ₹15 |
Given how large the zoo grounds are, the electric car option is worth considering for elderly visitors or anyone who’d rather not walk the entire 55-acre property on foot, especially in Kerala’s warm and humid climate.
Timings
Trivandrum Zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, and remains closed on Mondays for weekly maintenance. Since the zoo shares its grounds with the Napier Museum, it’s worth noting that the museum may keep slightly different hours, so if you’re planning to visit both in one trip, it helps to check each one’s timing separately.
Best Time to Visit
The cooler months from November to February offer the most pleasant weather for walking through such a large, green property, avoiding both Kerala’s peak summer heat and the heavier stretches of the monsoon season. Within a single day, mornings are generally the best time to catch the animals active, since most species tend to settle into the shade once the midday warmth sets in. Since the zoo is fairly spacious at 55 acres, arriving earlier in the day also gives you more time to comfortably cover the grounds, including the butterfly garden and aquarium sections, without rushing toward closing time.
How to Reach
Being centrally located, Trivandrum Zoo is one of the more convenient attractions to reach in the city.
- By road: A short auto rickshaw or taxi ride from anywhere in central Thiruvananthapuram.
- By bus: The Museum bus stop on LMS Vellayambalam Road is the closest drop-off point.
- By train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is a few kilometres away, with local transport easily available outside the station.
- Ride-sharing apps: Widely available in the city and a convenient direct option for reaching the zoo.
What to See Inside
Trivandrum Zoo’s animal collection is genuinely impressive for its size, and the presence of a rare white tiger alongside the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur, both native to the Western Ghats, makes it a particularly interesting stop for anyone interested in India’s endemic wildlife. The reptile section is another major draw, housing a fantastic collection of snakes, lizards, turtles and alligators, including a king cobra and a group of green anacondas, several of which were originally brought over from Sri Lanka. Bird lovers can look forward to spotting ostriches, pelicans, vultures and a range of exotic species like macaws, toucans and cockatoos scattered through the aviary sections.
The butterfly garden is one of the zoo’s more recent additions and has quickly become a visitor favourite, home to over 100 species including the Southern Birdwing, which holds the title of India’s largest butterfly. The zoo’s aquarium rounds out the experience with more than 15 species of fish, giving the visit a nice mix of land, air and aquatic wildlife within a single ticket.
Facilities Available
Given its age and central location, the zoo has been steadily modernised over the years, with naturalistic, open-style enclosures gradually replacing older, more congested cages since renovation efforts that began in 1995. Basic facilities like restrooms and seating areas are available throughout the grounds, along with the electric car service for visitors who’d prefer not to walk the entire property. Since the zoo is part of the larger Napier Museum complex, nearby attractions and museum facilities are also within easy reach for anyone looking to extend their visit.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Advance booking isn’t required for individual visitors, since tickets are sold directly at the counter, keeping the process quick and simple. If you’re organising a school trip, keep in mind that a permission letter issued by the school is typically required to arrange group visits, so it’s worth sorting that out ahead of time rather than at the gate. Carrying a bit of extra cash for camera fees and parking is a good idea, since these are charged separately from the base entry ticket. Given the size of the property, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the electric car service is a genuinely useful option if you’re visiting with elderly family members or young children who might tire out partway through.
Latest Update
This article was last checked and updated in 2026 to reflect the current entry fee structure, camera charges and electric car pricing at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo. Since ticket prices at Kerala’s state-run zoological parks are periodically revised, and some older listings show noticeably lower figures than the current rate, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest pricing either at the entrance counter or through the official Kerala Museums and Zoos portal before finalising your visit, particularly for school or group bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trivandrum Zoo open every day?
Do I need to book tickets online in advance?
Is there a separate entry fee for the Napier Museum?
What documents are needed for a school group visit?
What is the best time of year to visit?
Conclusion
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo remains one of the most affordable and historically significant wildlife attractions in India, combining a genuinely diverse animal collection with a butterfly garden, an aquarium and a central, easily accessible location within the city. With ticket prices this low and no need for advance planning, it’s an easy addition to any Trivandrum sightseeing itinerary.
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