Few zoological parks in eastern Uttar Pradesh have a setting as naturally varied as Gorakhpur Zoo. Officially known as Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park, it was developed beside the vast Ramgarh Tal landscape as the first full-scale zoological park of Purvanchal and the third in Uttar Pradesh. Its 121-acre campus is not simply a collection of animal enclosures: large wetland and woodland portions were retained in the design, so water, tree cover, landscaped paths and open habitat zones remain an important part of the visitor experience.
The zoo was planned with conservation and rescue work at its core. Its animal collection includes major species such as Asiatic lions, tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, zebra, hippopotamus, bears, deer, primates, reptiles and birds, while dedicated rescue and quarantine facilities support wildlife coming from eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas. A veterinary hospital, butterfly house, aquarium and interpretation facilities add an educational layer that makes the zoo particularly useful for families and school groups rather than only a place to see big cats.
For visitors, Gorakhpur Zoo is also unusually well equipped. Battery-operated sightseeing vehicles help elderly visitors and families cover the long internal route, a cloakroom is available for luggage, and attractions such as the 7D theatre are ticketed separately. The current Uttar Pradesh ecotourism booking system lists public entry from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday kept as the weekly closure. Because the grounds are large, an early arrival gives a far better experience than entering close to the final ticketing period.
Quick About Gorakhpur Zoo
| Particular | Details |
| Official name | Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park |
| Location | Near Ramgarh Tal, Gorakhpur-Deoria Bypass Road, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh 273016 |
| Zoo significance | First zoological park of Purvanchal; third in Uttar Pradesh |
| Campus area | About 121 acres |
| Current visiting time | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Weekly closure | Monday |
| Indian adult entry | Rs. 50, above 12 years |
| Indian child entry | Rs. 25, age 6 to 12; below 6 free |
| Basic ticket includes | Aquarium, Butterfly House and Interpretation facilities |
| Best time | November to February; morning entry |
| Distance from rail/bus station | About 8 km |
Gorakhpur Zoo Opening and Closing Timing
| Day / Season | Opening | Closing / Details |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
| Monday | Closed | Weekly holiday |
| Recommended arrival | 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM | Best for a relaxed half-day visit |
The live Uttar Pradesh ecotourism booking system currently lists 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM as the visitor window. Seasonal or special-event changes can still be announced, so a same-day check is useful during major holidays.
Gorakhpur Zoo Ticket Price
| Ticket / Facility | Category | Price / Details |
| Zoo entry | Indian visitor above 12 years | Rs. 50 |
| Zoo entry | Indian child 6 to 12 years | Rs. 25 |
| Zoo entry | Indian child below 6 years | Free |
| Foreign visitor | Above 6 years | Rs. 400 |
| Sightseeing vehicle | Indian adult / child 6-12 | Rs. 20 / Rs. 10 |
| 7D Theatre | Child 6-12 / above 12 | Rs. 100 / Rs. 150 |
| Photography | Per day | Rs. 100 |
| Videography | Per day | Rs. 500 |
| Cloakroom | First 4 hours | Rs. 10; extra hourly charge thereafter |
Student discounts and group discounts are available under the zoo tariff, subject to the required ID and group size. The normal entry ticket already includes the aquarium, Butterfly House and interpretation facilities; the 7D theatre and sightseeing vehicle are separate.
Can Gorakhpur Zoo Tickets Be Booked Online?
Yes. Tickets can be booked through the official Uttar Pradesh Forest Department / ecotourism booking system. The booking information requires visitors to carry valid identification when applicable, particularly for discounted categories.
Online zoo tickets are non-refundable. Once booked, they cannot be cancelled, modified or transferred, so the date and visitor category should be checked carefully before payment.
What to See at Gorakhpur Zoo
The zoo has a broad animal collection built around large mammals, native wildlife, reptiles and birds. Asiatic lions, tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, zebra and hippopotamus are among the major visitor draws, while deer, primates and crocodilians add variety along the walking route.
The Butterfly House is designed with larval and nectar-host plants, while the aquarium and interpretation facilities add indoor educational stops. Landscaped lawns, animal sculptures and the Ramgarh Tal-side environment make the campus feel more like a planned wildlife park than a tightly packed city zoo.
How to Reach Gorakhpur Zoo
From Gorakhpur Junction: The zoo is about 8 km from the railway and main bus-station area. Auto-rickshaw, taxi and app cab are convenient.
From Gorakhpur Airport: The airport is about 11 km from the zoo. A direct taxi is the simplest option.
From Ramgarh Tal: The zoo sits beside the broader Ramgarh Tal tourism area, making it easy to combine with the lake side if time permits.
By Private Vehicle: Parking is available at separate vehicle rates. Weekend and holiday arrival is easier if you reach early.
Best Time to Visit Gorakhpur Zoo
November to February is the easiest season for a long walk because Gorakhpur is cooler and less humid. Winter mornings are pleasant, though fog can sometimes delay travel in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
During warmer months, enter close to opening time. The zoo has significant walking distance, and completing the major animal sections before the strongest afternoon heat makes the visit much more comfortable.
Visitor Facilities at Gorakhpur Zoo
Visitor facilities include restaurants or cafes, restrooms, seating and resting shelters, parking, a cloakroom, ATM access, souvenir facilities, wheelchairs and baby prams. Battery-operated vehicles are useful for elderly visitors and anyone who cannot comfortably cover the full internal route on foot.
The 7D theatre is an optional attraction and carries a separate ticket. The zoo itself advises that the experience is not preferable for pregnant women and visitors with heart or spinal-cord conditions.
Important Rules Visitors Should Know
Do not feed animals, cross barriers or carry prohibited materials such as liquor, pets or plastic items. Adults should supervise children and follow instructions around indoor exhibits and animal-viewing zones.
Keep ticket and identification proof available. Visitors denied entry for violating zoo rules are not eligible for a refund on an online ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does the normal Gorakhpur Zoo ticket include the aquarium and Butterfly House?
Yes. The published entry tariff specifically includes the aquarium, Butterfly House and interpretation facilities.
Q. Can I cancel or change an online Gorakhpur Zoo ticket?
No. The zoo’s published policy says online tickets cannot be cancelled, modified, transferred or refunded.
Q. Is there a cloakroom for luggage?
Yes. A paid cloakroom is available. The listed charge is Rs. 10 for the first four hours, followed by an additional hourly fee.
Q. Is there an easier way for senior citizens to cover the zoo?
Yes. Battery-operated sightseeing vehicles run on a designated internal route, and wheelchairs are also listed among visitor facilities.
Q. Is the 7D theatre included in the entry ticket?
No. It has a separate ticket. The zoo also advises that it is not preferable for pregnant women and visitors with heart or spinal-cord conditions.
Q. Are there discounts for students or large groups?
Yes. The tariff provides a student concession with valid ID and percentage discounts for qualifying groups of 20 or more visitors.
