Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park or Rajiv Gandhi Udyan is a city zoo displaying a variety of animals and reptiles found all over the country. It is located at Katraj, Pune.
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Its idea was first conceived by Shri Neelamumar Khaire and was brought into light in the form of Katraj Snake Park in 1986.
Being a ardent snake lover, Mr Khaire decided to make the general people aware about this misunderstood reptile called the snake.
For the same, the organization conducts awareness programmes and provides information about snakes in general. Mr Khaire has even translated this information into braile for the benefit of the blind.
Later a small zoo and a botanical garden was also created alongside to provide additional attractions to the park.
In 1999 with the government help the zoo expanded with animals from the Peshwe park being transferred here.
Today the park has around a hundred and six varieties of snakes and reptiles.
Today the park has around a hundred and six varieties of snakes and reptiles.
One of the major attractions of the par are the white royal Bengal tiger and a nine feet long king cobra.
Besides these there are some rare brown palm civets, tigers, leopards,elephants,bear,deer,chinkaras,wild buffaloes, birds,turtles,porcupines,moneys,crocodile,antelope,wolf,hyenas,jackals, etc.
The zoo timings are between 10 am- 5.30pm, from Mondays to Sundays (except Wednesdays).
The entry fee is Rs 15/- per person (Rs 5/-p.child).On Wednesdays, the zoo is closed. It takes around 2-3 hours to see this sprawling par in detail.
The entry fee is Rs 15/- per person (Rs 5/-p.child).On Wednesdays, the zoo is closed. It takes around 2-3 hours to see this sprawling par in detail.
There are vehicles that take people around the park, but it is always preferable to see the same on foot. The park also has a artificial lake where boating is made available for the enthusiasts. Also outside the park there are several joyrides, carousel,merry go rounds, horse rides etc which the kids enjoy, while the parents can have a quic snack at the food joints alongside.
Rajiv Gandhi Udyaan is one of the major attractions of Pune and a treat for the children and adults alike.
Additional Photographs :
Pic: Black buck, chinkara
Pic: A surprise visitor outside the tigers cage .... A white throated kingfisher bird
Pic: Sloth bear
Pic: Red faced monkeys
Pic: Neelgai
Pic: Royal Bengal Tiger sharpening his claws
Pic: A watchful leopard
Pic: A distracted tiger
Pic: Indian bison
Pic: Barking deer
Pic: Chinkara
Pic: white tiger
Text and Photographs: Abhijit Rajadhyaksha
