Katraj Zoo is the familiar name for Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park & Wildlife Research Center, a large green wildlife complex on Pune-Satara Road that was developed as the city’s modern alternative to the old Peshwe Park zoo. The move to Katraj was planned when the earlier city-centre facility had become too small for modern zoo standards. Development of the new site began in the late 1990s, and the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park was inaugurated in 1999. Today, the zoo occupies a broad landscaped area that includes animal enclosures, wooded stretches and the historic Katraj lake, giving the visit a very different feel from a small urban zoo built around rows of cages.
The zoo’s collection and educational work are closely linked with the wildlife of Maharashtra’s Western Ghats and the Deccan region. Visitors can see mammals, birds and reptiles in naturalistic or semi-naturalistic enclosures, while the reptile section remains especially popular because Katraj has long been associated with Pune’s former Snake Park. The Wildlife Research Centre, conservation displays and interpretation boards add an educational side to the visit, so the zoo works well not only for families but also for school groups and children who are beginning to learn about habitats, animal behaviour and wildlife conservation.
A visit needs more planning than the entrance fee may suggest. The grounds are extensive, walking distances can be considerable, and the zoo follows different ticket-counter closing times during the April-to-mid-June period and the rest of the year. Wednesday is the weekly closure. Families who want time for the reptile section, major mammal enclosures, lake-side areas and breaks should arrive well before the afternoon ticket cut-off rather than treating Katraj Zoo as a one-hour stop.
Quick About Katraj Zoo
| Particular | Details |
| Official name | Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park & Wildlife Research Center |
| Location | Pune-Satara Road, opposite Katraj Dairy, Pune 411046 |
| Timing – 1 Apr to 15 Jun | 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM ticketing; gates close at 6:30 PM |
| Timing – 16 Jun to 31 Mar | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM ticketing; gates close at 6:00 PM |
| Weekly closure | Wednesday |
| Adult entry | Rs. 60 |
| Child entry | Rs. 20 |
| Foreign visitor | Rs. 150 |
| Differently abled visitors | Free entry |
| Best time | October to February; morning visit |
Katraj Zoo Opening and Closing Timing
| Period | Ticket Booking | Zoo Gate Closure |
| 1 April to 15 June | 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 16 June to 31 March | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed |
Do not confuse the ticket-booking cut-off with the final gate closure. Entering late may technically be possible, but it will not give you enough time to walk through the main sections comfortably.
Katraj Zoo Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
| Adult – above 4 ft 4 in | Rs. 60 |
| Child – below 4 ft 4 in | Rs. 20 |
| Foreign visitor | Rs. 150 |
| Still camera | Rs. 50 |
| Video camera | Rs. 200 |
| Differently abled visitor | Free |
School-group concessions are available under separate rules. Schools should contact the zoo in advance rather than assuming the normal child ticket applies to an organised educational visit.
Can Katraj Zoo Tickets Be Booked Online?
Yes. Pune Municipal Corporation provides an online zoo ticketing portal. Online booking is useful on weekends and school holidays when the entrance queue can be longer.
Visitors should still arrive with enough time for security checks and walking. A booked ticket does not reduce the size of the park or the time needed to cover the route.
What to See at Katraj Zoo
The zoo represents wildlife from the Western Ghats and Deccan region along with other species, and includes mammals, birds and reptiles. The reptile collection is one of the reasons many visitors still informally associate the place with the old Katraj Snake Park.
The landscape is broad and green, so a relaxed visit works better than trying to rush from enclosure to enclosure. Information boards and conservation displays are useful for school-age children, and the Wildlife Research Centre gives the zoo a stronger educational role than a simple recreation park.
How to Reach Katraj Zoo, Pune
By Road: The entrance is on Pune-Satara Road opposite Katraj Dairy. App cabs, taxis, autos and private vehicles are convenient from most parts of Pune.
By Bus: PMPML buses serve Katraj from different parts of the city. Get down in the Katraj area and use the nearest practical stop for the zoo entrance.
From Pune Railway Station: Road travel is the practical option. Allow extra time during office-hour traffic because the route crosses busy city corridors.
From Pune Airport: A taxi or app cab is the simplest choice. Travel time varies significantly with traffic conditions.
Best Time to Visit Katraj Zoo
October to February is the easiest season for walking. Pune summers can be hot, and the zoo’s large area makes midday visits tiring.
If visiting from April to June, enter at 9:30 AM rather than relying on the later seasonal closing time. Early entry gives more comfortable walking conditions and more flexibility for breaks.
Visitor Facilities at Katraj Zoo
The zoo provides drinking-water points, toilets, resting sheds, information signage and wheelchairs. Battery-operated vehicles are also available to help visitors cover the premises.
Families with elderly members should ask about vehicle availability near the entrance before beginning the full walking circuit. Wheelchairs are available under the zoo’s stated conditions, including a refundable deposit arrangement.
Important Rules Visitors Should Know
Pets are not allowed. Visitors must not enter restricted areas or cross safety railings around animal enclosures. Damaging zoo property is an offence.
Plastic use is restricted. The zoo states that visitors carrying permitted plastic bottles or similar items may have to pay a refundable deposit and show the item and receipt while exiting. Follow the current gate instructions because implementation can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Katraj Zoo closed on Wednesday?
Yes. Wednesday is the weekly holiday.
Q. Is the old Katraj Snake Park separate from the zoo?
The present Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park developed from the older Katraj wildlife facilities and includes a reptile section within the larger zoo experience.
Q. What is the difference between ticket closing time and gate closing time?
Ticket sales stop earlier. Visitors already inside are given additional time before the final zoo gates close.
Q. Is a battery-operated vehicle available inside the zoo?
Yes, the zoo lists battery-operated vehicle service among visitor facilities. Availability can depend on demand.
Q. Can I carry plastic bottles inside?
Plastic use is controlled. The zoo publishes a refundable-deposit rule for permitted plastic items, so follow the current instructions at entry.
Q. How much time should I keep for Katraj Zoo?
Around three to four hours is sensible for most families, and longer if you take frequent breaks or use the visit as an educational outing.
