Delhi Zoo sits in a part of the capital where major landmarks are surprisingly close together. India Gate is only a short distance away, Purana Qila rises beside the zoo precinct, and yet once visitors enter the tree-filled grounds, the traffic and monumental scale of central Delhi begin to feel farther away. The result is a family attraction that can fit naturally into a broader day of sightseeing without feeling like a minor stop.
The official name is National Zoological Park, New Delhi. Its visitor system is more structured than many city zoos, with seasonal opening hours, online ticketing, separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors, battery-operated vehicles and a Friday closure. In September 2026 the zoo has also issued temporary closure notices on specific dates, so checking the official homepage before travel is especially important.
Quick About Delhi Zoo
| Particular | Details |
| Official name | National Zoological Park, New Delhi |
| Popular name | Delhi Zoo |
| Address | Mathura Road, New Delhi 110003 |
| Summer timing | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 1 April to 15 October |
| Winter timing | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 16 October to 31 March |
| Weekly closure | Friday |
| Adult entry | Rs. 80 for normal Indian ticket |
| Child entry | Rs. 40 for ages 5 to 12; below 5 free |
| Best time | October to March; weekday morning |
| Official website | nzpnewdelhi.gov.in |
Opening and Closing Timing
| Particular | Days | Opening | Closing / Details |
| Summer: 1 April to 15 October | Saturday to Thursday | 8:30 AM | 5:30 PM |
| Summer booking closes | Saturday to Thursday | — | 5:00 PM |
| Winter: 16 October to 31 March | Saturday to Thursday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Winter booking closes | Saturday to Thursday | — | 4:30 PM |
| Weekly closure | Friday | Closed | Closed |
The National Zoological Park can also announce temporary closures for maintenance, animal-care or administrative reasons. Check the official homepage on the morning of travel, particularly around special events or unusual weather.
Ticket Price
| Ticket / Facility | Category | Price |
| Normal entry | Adult | Rs. 80 |
| Normal entry | Child, 0 to 5 years | Free |
| Normal entry | Child, 5 to 12 years | Rs. 40 |
| Normal entry | Senior citizen, 60+ | Rs. 40 |
| Foreign visitor, non-SAARC | Adult | Rs. 400 |
| Foreign visitor, non-SAARC | Child, 5 to 12 | Rs. 200 |
| Foreign visitor, SAARC | Adult | Rs. 200 |
| Foreign visitor, SAARC | Child, 5 to 12 | Rs. 100 |
School and educational groups have separate concessional rates. Battery-operated vehicle charges are additional. Still and amateur photography are currently listed as free, while professional filming has separate charges.
Can Delhi Zoo Tickets Be Booked Online?
Yes. Delhi Zoo operates an official online ticketing website. Booking online is strongly recommended on weekends and during the cooler tourist season because the zoo attracts large family crowds.
Use the National Zoological Park’s official site or its linked ticket portal. Do not rely on an unrelated travel site for admission, especially when the zoo has published temporary closure notices that may not appear immediately on third-party pages.
What to See at Delhi Zoo
The National Zoological Park is a large, landscaped zoo with mammals, birds and reptiles spread across an extensive walking route. Big cats, elephants, deer, primates and water birds are among the sections that attract the most visitors.
The grounds themselves are part of the experience. Mature trees and broad internal roads make the zoo feel calmer than the Mathura Road approach suggests. Families with limited stamina should use the map strategically rather than trying to cover every path.
Purana Qila stands immediately beside the zoo precinct, making the two attractions a natural pairing. India Gate is also only about 2 km away, so travellers can build a central Delhi sightseeing plan without long cross-city transfers.
How to Reach Delhi Zoo
By Metro: The official zoo guide lists Supreme Court, Khan Market and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium-side metro access points at roughly 2 km from the zoo. The final stretch can be covered by auto, taxi or app cab.
From New Delhi Railway Station: The zoo is about 6 km from New Delhi Railway Station according to official visitor information. Taxi, app cab or DTC bus is convenient.
From Sarai Kale Khan: Sarai Kale Khan bus terminal is about 5 km away, making the zoo relatively easy to reach for intercity bus travellers.
By DTC Bus: Several DTC routes serve the Mathura Road and zoo corridor. Check current route numbers before travel because city bus patterns can change.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best season for most visitors. Delhi’s winter and early spring weather make the long outdoor walk far more comfortable than peak May-June heat.
A weekday morning is ideal. Animals are generally easier to observe before the hottest part of the day, and crowd levels are lower than on Sundays or school holidays. In winter, remember that the zoo opens at 9:00 AM rather than the summer 8:30 AM time.
Visitor Facilities
Battery-operated vehicles are available at authorised rates and can be useful for senior citizens, young children and anyone unable to cover the full route on foot. Wheelchairs for physically challenged visitors are listed as free of cost.
The zoo also provides a cloakroom at a nominal per-piece charge and designated parking with separate rates for buses, cars, two-wheelers and cycles.
Important Rules Visitors Should Know
Do not feed animals, cross enclosures, shout to provoke animals or throw litter. Follow all security instructions and keep children close in crowded viewing areas.
Carry only essential bags. Delhi’s summer heat can be severe, so hydration and sun protection matter. In winter, morning fog and cold can affect comfort, especially for young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Delhi Zoo closed on Friday?
Yes. Friday is the regular weekly closing day.
Q. Does Delhi Zoo have different summer and winter timings?
Yes. Summer hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, while winter hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Q. Are children below 5 charged?
No. Children up to 5 years are listed as free under the normal ticket tariff.
Q. Is a battery vehicle available?
Yes. Battery-operated vehicles are available at separate authorised rates.
Q. Which metro station is nearest to Delhi Zoo?
The official guide lists Supreme Court, Khan Market and Jawaharlal Nehru-area metro stations at around 2 km from the zoo.
Q. Can I keep luggage at Delhi Zoo?
Yes. The official tariff page lists a cloakroom at a nominal charge per piece of luggage.
