Planning a trip to Kolkata’s most iconic wildlife destination? Before you pack your bags and head to South Kolkata, knowing the Alipore Zoo ticket price in 2026 will save you time, confusion, and last-minute surprises at the gate. Whether you’re visiting with family, bringing school kids, or exploring the city solo, Alipore Zoo offers one of the most affordable and enriching wildlife experiences in India.
Established in 1876, the Alipore Zoological Garden is India’s oldest officially recognised zoo. Spread across nearly 47 acres of green space, it houses hundreds of species — from the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to exotic birds, reptiles, and a separate aquarium. And the best part? The entry fee won’t dent your pocket at all.
This complete guide covers the Alipore Zoo entry fee, aquarium ticket price, zoo timings, photography rules, facilities, and everything else you need to plan a smooth visit in 2026.
Alipore Zoo Ticket Price — Official Entry Fee
The entry fee at Alipore Zoo is set by the West Bengal Zoo Authority and remains one of the most pocket-friendly rates among major Indian zoos. Here is the current official ticket price structure:
|
Category |
Entry Fee |
|
Visitors above 5 years of age |
₹50 |
|
Children up to 5 years of age |
₹20 |
|
Aquarium entry – above 5 years |
₹20 |
|
Aquarium entry – up to 5 years |
₹10 |
|
Video Photography |
₹250 per session |
|
Still Camera (personal use) |
Free |
Zoo and aquarium tickets are sold separately at the counter. For a family of two adults and two young children visiting both the zoo and the aquarium, the total entry cost works out to around ₹140. That’s exceptional value for a full half-day experience.
Third-party travel websites sometimes list different prices or add convenience fees. Always rely on the official zoo website or the counter ticket for accurate pricing.
Alipore Zoo Aquarium Ticket Price
The aquarium at Alipore Zoo is a separate, self-contained attraction located within the zoo premises. It houses a fascinating range of freshwater and marine species and is particularly popular with younger visitors.
|
Aquarium Ticket |
Price |
|
Adults (above 5 years) |
₹20 |
|
Children (up to 5 years) |
₹10 |
The aquarium opens later than the main zoo — at 10:30 AM — so if you’re planning to visit both, head to the main enclosures first and make your way to the aquarium mid-morning. It closes at 4:30 PM, in line with the main ticket counter.
Online Ticket Booking for Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo now offers online ticket booking through the official West Bengal Zoo Authority portal (wbza.org). This is especially useful during peak tourist season from October to February, when weekend queues at the counter can be long.
How the online booking process works:
- Visit the official WBZA e-ticket portal
- Select your visit date and number of visitors
- Complete payment online
- Receive a ticket download link via SMS and email
- Present the ticket — printed or on your phone — along with a valid photo ID at the main gate
Important rules for online tickets:
- ID proof is mandatory at entry
- Tickets are non-refundable
- Rescheduling and cancellation are not available
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your entry slot
If you’re visiting during school holidays, Durga Puja, or Republic Day weekend, online booking is strongly recommended.
Alipore Zoo Timings
Knowing the correct zoo timings is just as important as knowing the ticket price. Many visitors miss the aquarium or feel rushed simply because they didn’t plan around the closing schedule.
|
Schedule |
Timing |
|
Ticket Counter Opens |
9:00 AM |
|
Ticket Counter Closes |
4:30 PM |
|
Zoo Garden Opens |
9:00 AM |
|
Zoo Garden Closes |
5:00 PM |
|
Aquarium Opens |
10:30 AM |
|
Aquarium Closes |
4:30 PM |
|
Weekly Holiday |
Every Thursday |
Pro tip: Arrive by 9:15 AM. The early morning hours are quieter, the animals are more active, the light is better for photography, and the pathways aren’t yet crowded with school groups.
Weekly Closure — Thursday
Alipore Zoo remains closed every Thursday. However, if a public holiday falls on Thursday, the zoo stays open that day and shifts the weekly closure to the next available working day. Always verify this before planning your visit, especially during long festive weekends.
Alipore Zoo Quick Overview
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Official Name |
Zoological Garden, Alipore |
|
Popular Names |
Alipore Zoo, Calcutta Zoo, Kolkata Zoo |
|
Location |
2, Alipore Road, Kolkata – 700 027, West Bengal |
|
Year Established |
1876 |
|
Inaugurated By |
Edward VII (1 January 1876) |
|
Total Area |
18.81 hectares (approx. 46.5 acres) |
|
Governing Body |
West Bengal Zoo Authority |
|
Phone |
+91 6292336682 / +91 6292336683 |
|
|
director@kolkatazoo.in |
|
Weekly Closing |
Every Thursday |
|
Best Time to Visit |
October to February |
|
Nearest Metro |
Jatin Das Park / Rabindra Sarobar |
Animals and Attractions at Alipore Zoo
Royal Bengal Tiger
The Royal Bengal Tiger enclosure is the undisputed highlight of any Alipore Zoo visit. These magnificent animals are alert and visible in the morning hours — far more so than during the heat of the afternoon. Position yourself near the viewing area early and you won’t be disappointed.
Elephants, Hippos, and Large Mammals
The Indian elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and zebra enclosures are spread across the central section of the zoo. The giraffe enclosure, in particular, tends to surprise visitors — seeing a giraffe against a Kolkata skyline backdrop is a genuinely odd and memorable sight.
Reptile House
The Reptile House is one of the most well-organised sections in the zoo. It houses a variety of crocodilians, monitor lizards, pythons, and smaller reptile species. Informational boards accompany most enclosures, making it educational for children and adults alike.
Primate House and Panther House
The chimpanzee and primate enclosures are consistently entertaining — especially for children. The Panther House, though smaller, draws steady visitor attention throughout the day.
Aviary and Bird Enclosures
The birdlife at Alipore Zoo is genuinely underrated. Painted storks, pelicans, hornbills, and several species of parakeets populate the aviary section. Birders and wildlife photographers tend to linger here far longer than the average visitor.
Aquarium
The aquarium functions as a separate paid attraction within the zoo. It houses both freshwater and marine species and works perfectly as an hour-long add-on. Given the ₹20 entry price, it’s well worth including in your visit plan.
Facilities at Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo is reasonably well-equipped for a full half-day visit. Here’s what you can expect:
- Drinking Water: Multiple kiosks are placed across the zoo grounds. Packaged water is also available for purchase.
- Food: Outside food is allowed inside. Many families bring packed meals and picnic on the open lawns — a common and completely accepted practice here. There is also a restaurant inside the zoo serving basic meals at affordable prices.
- Toilets: Available across the zoo, though cleanliness can be inconsistent depending on footfall. Carrying hand sanitiser is advisable.
- Seating Areas: Benches and shaded rest spots are dotted throughout, essential if you’re visiting with elderly family members or young children.
- Golf Cart: A golf cart service is available for mobility-impaired visitors and elderly guests, though availability may vary during peak season.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking inside the zoo premises. Visitors arriving by private vehicle need to find parking on nearby streets or use public transport.
How to Reach Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo is well-connected by multiple modes of transport from across Kolkata.
By Metro: The nearest metro stations are Jatin Das Park and Rabindra Sarobar on the North-South line. From either station, an auto-rickshaw or app-based cab takes around 10 minutes.
By Bus: Several WBTC bus routes pass through the Alipore area. Buses on routes AC-12D and S-45 stop directly near the zoo gate.
By Taxi or App Cab: Uber and Ola are available throughout Kolkata. The zoo is well-known to drivers — just mention “Alipore Zoo” or “Kolkata Zoo” and navigation handles the rest.
By Car: Enter via Alipore Road from the Hazra crossing side. Street parking is available in the surrounding lanes, though it fills up quickly on weekends.
Best Time to Visit Alipore Zoo
October to February is the ideal window. Kolkata winters are mild and pleasant, animals are more active in cooler temperatures, and the tree-lined zoo grounds look their best. Avoid mid-summer visits — temperatures between April and June can make an outdoor zoo walk genuinely uncomfortable.
Weekday mornings are the best time for a relaxed visit. Weekends and public holidays see heavy footfall, particularly from school groups and families, which can make popular enclosures crowded around midday.
Photography Rules at Alipore Zoo
- Personal still cameras: Free, no separate charge
- Video cameras / professional equipment: ₹250 per session
- Mobile phones: No restriction for personal photography
- Flash photography near enclosures: Not advisable — it stresses the animals
- Drone photography: Not permitted without prior official permission
Tips for a Great Visit
- Carry cash for tickets if you’re not booking online — the zoo counter is cash-friendly
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the zoo covers a large area
- Bring a reusable water bottle — refill points are available
- Carry light snacks; the internal restaurant is an option but can get crowded
- Visit the aquarium between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM before it gets crowded
- Don’t feed or tease any animal — it’s prohibited and carries a penalty
- Children under 5 get a significantly reduced ticket price, so keep age proof handy if needed
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit
Alipore Zoo sits in one of Kolkata’s most historically rich neighbourhoods. A few places worth pairing with your zoo trip:
- Victoria Memorial — 15 minutes away; a must-visit landmark
- Netaji Bhawan — Dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; historically significant
- Princep Ghat — Ideal for a calm evening walk along the Hooghly
- St. Paul’s Cathedral — Peaceful Gothic architecture a short drive away
- Birla Industrial and Technological Museum — Adds a science and education angle, great for school-age children
Final Thoughts
At just ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children, Alipore Zoo offers one of the best value-for-money outings in Kolkata. It’s not a flashy modern wildlife park — and that’s precisely part of its appeal. The old trees, heritage enclosures, and the sheer variety of species create an experience that feels unhurried and genuinely connected to nature. Whether you’re a first-time visitor from outside the city or a Kolkata local revisiting a childhood favourite, the zoo delivers every time.
Plan your visit on a weekday morning between November and January, book your ticket online if the date falls close to a holiday, and give yourself at least three to four hours. You’ll need them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the ticket price for Alipore Zoo in 2026?
The entry fee is ₹50 for visitors above 5 years of age and ₹20 for children up to 5 years. The aquarium requires a separate ticket — ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children under 5.
Q2. Is Alipore Zoo open on Sundays?
Yes, the zoo is open on Sundays and all days except Thursday. If a public holiday falls on Thursday, the closure is observed on the next working day instead.
Q3. Can I book Alipore Zoo tickets online?
Yes. Online tickets are available through the official West Bengal Zoo Authority portal. A valid ID proof is mandatory at the entrance along with your downloaded ticket.
Q4. What is the timing of Alipore Zoo?
The zoo opens at 9:00 AM and the garden closes at 5:00 PM. The ticket counter closes at 4:30 PM. The aquarium operates from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Q5. Is photography allowed inside Alipore Zoo?
Yes. Personal still cameras and mobile phones are allowed free of charge. Video cameras require a fee of ₹250. Flash photography near animal enclosures is not recommended.
