As of July 2026, visitors should verify the current operational status directly at patnazoo.bihar.gov.in or by calling +91-06122217455 before planning a visit. The information below reflects the zoo’s standard operating status and the revised fee structure effective April 1, 2025, which applies when the zoo is open.
Patna Zoo Ticket Price 2026 — Official Entry Fee (Revised from April 1, 2025)
The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar, revised Patna Zoo entry fees effective April 1, 2025:
| Category | Price (from April 1, 2025) | Previous Rate |
| Adults | ₹50 per person | ₹30 |
| Children | ₹20 per person | ₹10 |
| Students (group of minimum 25, with ID) | ₹10 per person | — |
| Children below 5 years | Free | Free |
New Year’s Day (January 1) special rate:
- Adults: ₹40 per person
- Children: ₹20 per person
Note — this is higher than some standard days at comparable zoos, reflecting the traditionally high footfall on January 1 at Patna Zoo.
Additional Activity Charges
Boating, toy train rides, aquarium entry, and camera fees are charged separately from the standard entry ticket. Specific rates — verify at the counter as these are also subject to revision.
Morning Walk Passes
| Pass Type | Detail |
| Annual Pass | Available; 50% discount for senior citizens |
| Half-Yearly Pass | Available |
| Morning Walk Hours | 5:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
Morning walk passes allow access before the general visitor opening time and are popular with Patna residents for exercise. The pass system runs independently of the standard visitor ticket.
Patna Zoo — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan) |
| Address | Bailey Road, Raj Bhavan, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar – 800001 |
| Contact | +91-06122217455 |
| Official Website | patnazoo.bihar.gov.in |
| Established | 1972 (opened to public as zoo 1973) |
| Area | 153 hectares (one of India’s largest zoos by area) |
| Total Species | 110+ species |
| Total Animals | 800+ |
| Open Days | Tuesday to Sunday (closed every Monday) |
| Standard Timings | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (ticket entry) |
| Adult Entry (from 01.04.2025) | ₹50 |
| Children Entry | ₹20 |
| Students (25+ group) | ₹10 |
| Avian Influenza Notice | Zoo was closed until 07-03-2026 — verify current status before visiting |
| Nearest Railway | Patna Junction (~5 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Airport (~1 km) |
| Annual Visitors | ~20+ lakh (when fully operational) |
Patna Zoo Timings 2026
| Season | Opening | Closing |
| March to October | 5:00 AM (morning walk) / 8:30 AM (general entry) | 6:00 PM |
| November to February | 6:00 AM (morning walk) / 8:30 AM (general entry) | 5:00 PM |
| Closed | Every Monday | |
| New Year | Special timing — verify on the day |
Ticket counter timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (general visitor entry window). Morning walk access for pass holders begins earlier.
Re-entry with the same ticket is not permitted. Once exited, a new ticket is required.
History of Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Foundation
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park was established in 1972 and opened to the public in 1973. It was named after Sanjay Gandhi, the son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Situated adjacent to Raj Bhavan (the Governor’s residence) on Bailey Road, one of Patna’s main arteries, the zoo was developed on 153 hectares of land making it among the largest zoos in India by area.
The zoo’s mandate, from its earliest years, extended beyond simple animal display. It was conceived as a biological park — combining zoo, botanical garden, and conservation function — with a role in public environmental education as well as in-situ and ex-situ conservation work for Bihar’s and Eastern India’s wildlife.
Significance in Bihar’s Wildlife Conservation
Patna Zoo plays a specific conservation role for several species with particular relevance to Bihar’s ecosystem:
Gangetic River Dolphin Conservation: The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) — India’s national aquatic animal — was historically abundant in the Ganga and its tributaries but is now classified as endangered. Patna Zoo’s position in Bihar, at the heart of the Gangetic plain, makes it a natural centre for awareness and conservation work for this species.
Indian Rhinoceros: Patna Zoo famously celebrated two rhinoceros births during the COVID-19 lockdown period — rhinos Gauri and Rani gave birth to calves Gudiya and Yuvraj. These births are significant for the captive population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, which is restricted in the wild primarily to Kaziranga (Assam) and Chitwan (Nepal).
White Tiger: Patna Zoo maintains white tigers (leucistic Bengal tigers) — a rare colour morph with historical association with princely Bengal. The white tiger is consistently the zoo’s most-visited exhibit.
Animals and Wildlife
Big Cats
Royal Bengal Tiger: The national animal of India. Patna Zoo’s tiger enclosures are among the most visited sections. Morning hours (before 10 AM) and late afternoon (after 4 PM) see the most visible animal activity.
White Tiger: The rare leucistic form of the Bengal tiger — white with dark stripes. Patna Zoo maintains a white tiger population and the white tiger enclosure routinely draws the largest crowds.
Lion: Asian lions in an open enclosure.
Leopard: Both spotted and melanistic (black panther) individuals present at various times.
Clouded Leopard: A smaller, tree-dwelling big cat species native to Southeast Asian and Himalayan foothills forests. Rarely kept in Indian zoos — Patna’s population is notable.
Striped Hyena: A scavenger of the Indian plains ecosystem, often overlooked but ecologically critical.
Large Herbivores and Megafauna
Indian Rhinoceros (Greater One-Horned): The zoo’s most significant conservation animal. The recent successful births demonstrate Patna Zoo’s capability as a breeding centre.
Hippopotamus: Relatively rare in Indian zoos — Patna’s hippo pool is a distinctive exhibit.
Giraffe: The most visually striking animal at the zoo for first-time young visitors.
Elephant: Indian elephants maintained in the zoo’s elephant section.
Camel: Single-humped (dromedary) camels in the zoo’s herbivore section.
Primates
Chimpanzee: The only great ape (aside from humans) native to Africa — Patna Zoo’s chimpanzees are among its most behaviourally complex residents, exhibiting social dynamics, tool use, and communication worth extended observation.
Various macaque and langur species: Multiple Indian primate species including rhesus macaque, bonnet macaque, and langur.
Deer and Antelope
Spotted Deer (Chital): India’s most abundant deer species — large herds in naturalistic enclosures.
Blackbuck: India’s fastest land animal; a critically important grassland species reduced by hunting before legal protection.
Sambar Deer: India’s largest deer.
Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) and Nilgai (Blue Bull): Both common across Indian grasslands; both visible at the zoo.
Birds
Peacock: India’s national bird; multiple individuals roaming semi-freely through the zoo’s green spaces.
Flamingo: A popular crowd attraction, particularly for children.
Hornbill: Multiple hornbill species including the Great Pied Hornbill.
Hill Myna: Famous for vocal mimicry — the zoo’s hill myna exhibit produces reliably entertaining vocalisations.
Eagle, Crane, Stork, Swan: Multiple species across raptors, waterbirds, and waders.
The zoo lists 200+ bird species across its campus — a significant birdwatching site within Patna city for species not directly associated with wildlife enclosures.
Reptiles
Gharial: The critically endangered long-snouted fish-eating crocodilian native to the Gangetic system. Patna Zoo maintains a Gharial breeding and conservation programme — fitting given the Ganga’s ecological proximity.
Mugger Crocodile: The most widespread Indian crocodile.
Indian Python and Rock Python: Large constrictors; the snake house draws substantial visitor interest.
Indian Cobra, King Cobra: Venomous snakes in secure enclosures.
Monitor Lizard (Bengal Monitor): India’s largest lizard.
Botanical Section
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park’s botanical component is substantial — 300+ plant species across a dedicated botanical section including a glass house with tropical plants, an orchid house, a nursery, and systematic planting across the 153-hectare campus. The tree cover throughout the zoo is mature and genuinely forest-like in character — reflecting the park’s biological park designation rather than a conventional urban zoo.
Other Attractions Inside the Zoo
Boating Lake: A lake within the zoo campus offering pedal boat and rowing boat experiences — separate charge from entry ticket. One of the most popular non-animal activities, particularly for families and young couples.
Toy Train: A miniature railway circuit covering sections of the zoo — useful for covering the 153-hectare campus without excessive walking, particularly for families with young children or elderly visitors.
Aquarium: An aquarium section showcasing freshwater fish species, exotic varieties, and aquatic life relevant to Bihar’s river ecosystem — separate charge applies.
Love Garden (Couple Garden): A dedicated landscaped garden section within the zoo campus that has become one of Patna’s most popular spaces for couples and young visitors — open within the zoo.
Children’s Play Area: Dedicated playground equipment for young children.
Online Ticket Booking
The official Patna Zoo online booking portal (patnazoo.bihar.gov.in) is under development for general visitors as of 2026. Some ticket booking has been available through the official website — verify current online booking availability before visiting, as this is being progressively implemented.
Walk-in tickets are purchased at the counter outside the main entrance on Bailey Road.
How to Reach Patna Zoo
Address: Bailey Road, Raj Bhavan, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna – 800001, Bihar.
By City Bus: Multiple Patna city bus routes service Bailey Road, with stops near the zoo entrance — the most affordable public transport option.
By Auto/Cab: Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are available throughout Patna. Set destination “Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Bailey Road.”
From Patna Junction Railway Station: Approximately 5 km — 15 to 20 minutes by cab or auto.
From Airport: The Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Airport is approximately 1 km from the zoo — making it one of the few Indian zoos within very short distance of the city’s airport. A taxi from the airport to the zoo takes under 5 minutes.
Parking: Paid parking for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and buses available at the zoo premises.
Best Time to Visit
October to March: The ideal visiting season. Patna’s winter (8°C to 25°C) makes the 153-hectare walking experience comfortable. Animals are more active in cooler conditions — tigers, lions, and bears particularly.
Morning visits (8:30 AM – 11:00 AM): The best animal activity window. Large cats, rhinoceros, and most mammals are most visible and active in morning hours before afternoon heat reduces movement (even in winter).
Avoid: May and June when Patna’s heat (regularly exceeding 42°C) makes the outdoor walk extremely demanding and most animals retreat into shelter, limiting visible activity.
Visitor Rules
- No teasing, feeding, or disturbing of animals — strictly enforced
- Plastic bags, alcohol, and smoking prohibited inside the premises
- Children must be supervised at all times near animal enclosures
- Follow all safety signage and barriers
- Re-entry not permitted with the same ticket
- Photography permitted for personal use; movie/high-end cameras charged separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Patna Zoo ticket price in 2026?
A: ₹50 for adults; ₹20 for children (revised from April 1, 2025). Students in groups of 25 or more with ID: ₹10. Children below 5: free. New Year’s Day special: adults ₹40, children ₹20.
Q2. What are Patna Zoo timings?
A: General visitor entry: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Seasonal park hours vary: March–October open until 6:00 PM, November–February until 5:00 PM. Closed every Monday. Morning walk for pass holders: from 5:30 AM (summer) or 6:00 AM (winter).
Q3. Was Patna Zoo closed in 2026?
A: Yes — the official patnazoo.bihar.gov.in confirmed Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park was closed until March 7, 2026, due to Avian Influenza precautions. Verify current operational status at patnazoo.bihar.gov.in or call +91-06122217455 before planning your visit.
Q4. What is the most famous animal at Patna Zoo?
A: The White Tiger is the zoo’s most iconic resident and consistently draws the largest crowds. The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (two calves born during COVID-19 lockdown — Gudiya and Yuvraj) is the most significant conservation species in residence.
Q5. How far is Patna Zoo from Patna Junction railway station?
A: Approximately 5 km — about 15 to 20 minutes by auto or cab. The zoo is also only approximately 1 km from Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Airport.
