Six kilometres from Charminar, near the historically significant Mir Alam Tank on the outskirts of Bahadurpura, Nehru Zoological Park has been part of Hyderabad’s public life since 6 October 1963. At 380 acres, it is one of India’s largest urban zoos, housing over 1,500 specimens across 140+ species. It was India’s first zoo to keep animals in zoological order — grouping them by taxonomic classification rather than random display — a curatorial philosophy that was progressive for 1963 and still shapes how visitors experience the animal collections today.
All prices below reflect the revised tariff effective 1 March 2025, approved during the 13th Governing Body meeting of the Zoo and Parks Authority of Telangana. This is the current price structure for 2026.
Nehru Zoological Park Ticket Price 2026 — Official Entry Fee
| Category | Price (All Days — Uniform Rate) |
| Adults | ₹100 per person |
| Children (3–12 years) | ₹50 per person |
| Children below 3 years | Free |
Uniform pricing: The zoo previously charged different rates for weekdays and weekends. From 1 March 2025, pricing is the same every day of the week.
Attraction-Wise Charges (Inside the Zoo)
| Attraction / Service | Price |
| Safari Park — Non-AC Bus (20 min ride) | ₹100 per person |
| Safari Park — AC Bus (20 min ride) | ₹150 per person |
| Toy Train Ride (20 minutes) | ₹80 (Adult) / ₹40 (Child) |
| Battery Operated Vehicle (BOV) — Non-Exclusive | ₹120 (Adult) / ₹70 (Child) |
| BOV Exclusive — 11-seater (60 minutes) | ₹3,000 per vehicle |
| BOV Exclusive — 14-seater (60 minutes) | ₹4,000 per vehicle |
| Fish Aquarium | ₹20 per person |
| Reptile House | ₹30 (Adult) / ₹10 (Child) |
| Nocturnal Animal House | ₹20 (Adult) / ₹10 (Child) |
Photography Charges
| Equipment | Charge |
| Still Camera | ₹150 |
| Professional Video Camera | ₹2,500 |
| Commercial Movie Shooting | ₹10,000 |
Smartphone photography carries no additional charge.
Parking Charges
| Vehicle Type | Parking Fee |
| Bicycle | ₹10 |
| Motorcycle / Two-Wheeler | ₹30 |
| Auto-Rickshaw | ₹80 |
| Car / Jeep | ₹100 |
| Tempo | ₹150 |
| Mini Bus | ₹200 |
| Bus (Above 21-seater) | ₹300 |
Nehru Zoological Park — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo / Zoo Park) |
| Operated By | Zoo and Parks Authority of Telangana |
| Address | Near Mir Alam Tank, NH-44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad – 500064 |
| Phone | 040-2447 7355 / 040-2447 3253 |
| Website / Online Booking | nzptsfd.telangana.gov.in |
| Established | 1959 (opened to public 6 October 1963) |
| Total Area | 380 acres |
| Species | 140+ species; ~1,500 total specimens |
| Open Days | Tuesday to Sunday (6 days) |
| Closed | Every Monday (weekly holiday) |
| Distance from Charminar | ~4 km |
| Distance from Nampally Station | ~7 km |
| Adult Entry | ₹100 |
| Child Entry (3–12 years) | ₹50 |
| Children below 3 | Free |
Timings 2026
| Day | Session 1 | Session 2 |
| Tuesday to Sunday (Summer: April–October) | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday to Sunday (Winter: November–March) | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Monday | Closed (weekly holiday) |
Note: Timings may vary slightly by season. Verify current session timings on nzptsfd.telangana.gov.in before visiting, as the zoo closes for a midday break during peak summer.
About the Zoo — History and Significance
Nehru Zoological Park was conceived in 1959 when the original zoo enclosures in Hyderabad’s Public Gardens were relocated to the present 380-acre site near Mir Alam Tank. The tank itself — a 200-year-old multi-arch masonry dam — is considered the world’s first dam of its kind and adds a heritage dimension to the zoo’s setting.
The zoo was named after Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and opened on 6 October 1963. Over the decades, significant additions shaped its identity:
- 1974: Lion Safari Park established — one of India’s earliest drive-through safari experiences
- 1982: Nocturnal Animal House opened — the first in India to present night-active wildlife in simulated darkness
- 1988: Butterfly Park established — India’s first zoo butterfly park, a milestone in wildlife education
The zoo’s 380 acres provide a fundamentally different animal-keeping philosophy from smaller urban zoos. Open enclosures replicating natural habitats allow animals considerable space, which contributes to the zoo’s record of successful breeding of several endangered species — including the Indian Rhinoceros, sloth bears, and various big cats — that has drawn international scientific attention.
What to See at Nehru Zoological Park
Safari Park
The zoo’s most exciting feature for children and adults alike. Four distinct safari formats operate on scheduled runs throughout the day:
Lion Safari — The most popular. Visitors board a bus (AC or non-AC) that enters the lion enclosure directly. Lions roam within visible distance of the vehicle; an authentic predator sighting, not a distant observation from a fence.
Tiger Safari — Similar bus-format entry into the tiger enclosure. Tigers at Nehru Zoo are one of the zoo’s conservation successes.
Bear Safari — Sloth bears in a drive-through format; one of the few zoos in India with this specific bear safari option.
Bison Safari — Large Indian Bison (Gaur) in an open habitat format.
Safari prices: ₹100 per person (Non-AC bus) / ₹150 per person (AC bus). Children ₹100 / ₹150.
Safaris run on scheduled departures throughout the day. Arrive early as queues build quickly, especially on weekends and school holidays. Wait times can reach 45 to 60 minutes during peak periods.
Toy Train
A 20-minute circuit around the zoo’s main sections aboard a miniature train. At ₹80 for adults and ₹40 for children, the toy train offers the most comprehensive overview of the 380-acre zoo without walking — particularly useful for elderly visitors, children with limited walking stamina, or first-time visitors mapping out which animal sections to focus on.
Battery-Operated Vehicle (BOV)
Available in non-exclusive shared format (₹120 adults / ₹70 children) or exclusive hire formats (₹3,000 for 11-seater / ₹4,000 for 14-seater for 60 minutes). The exclusive BOV is ideal for family groups wanting a private, self-paced zoo tour without sharing with strangers. Online booking available through nzptsfd.telangana.gov.in — note that BOV and toy train bookings are not available on specific days (check the official site for blackout dates).
Major Animal Exhibits
Nehru Zoological Park’s 380 acres and 140+ species encompass all major Indian wildlife categories:
Big Cats: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard (seasonal), Cheetah (when present)
Pachyderms: Asian Elephant (an elephant point with separate BOV excursion), Indian Rhinoceros
Bears: Sloth Bear (safari), Himalayan Black Bear, Sun Bear
Primates: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, multiple Indian macaque and langur species
Ungulates: Indian Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer (Chital), Blackbuck, Nilgai, Barasingha
Birds: Peafowl (India’s national bird; roams semi-freely), flamingos, pelicans, multiple crane and stork species, Indian roller, hornbills, Alexandrine parakeets
Reptiles: Saltwater Crocodile, Mugger Crocodile, King Cobra, Indian Python, Monitor Lizard (separate Reptile House — ₹30 adult entry)
Endangered Species Programme: The zoo has successfully bred Indian Rhinos, Snow Leopards, and various other species; some offspring have been transferred to other Indian and international zoos.
Butterfly Park
Established in 1988 — India’s first zoo butterfly park. An enclosed garden area with flowering plants attracting resident butterfly species throughout the year. Educational exhibits explain butterfly life cycles, migration, and conservation. Particularly popular with school groups.
Jurassic Park
Life-size animatronic models of various dinosaur species — Brontosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and others — in a themed walk-through environment. Each exhibit includes information panels on the species. An unambiguous hit with children; the animatronics in motion are a genuinely impressive display.
Nocturnal Animal House
India’s first nocturnal animal exhibit (established 1982). The interior replicates night conditions — dim red lighting with inverted day-night cycles for the resident animals. Visitors observe animals active during their natural nighttime hours: owls, bats, civets, lorises, and other species rarely seen alert in conventional zoo conditions. Entry: ₹20 (adult) / ₹10 (child).
Fish Aquarium
Freshwater and marine aquarium with multiple tanks housing Indian and exotic fish species. Entry: ₹20 per person.
Children’s Park
A dedicated playground area within the zoo grounds with slides, swings, and standard children’s equipment alongside animal-themed installations.
Dining at Nehru Zoological Park
Rhino Canteen — Located near the Rhinoceros enclosure; snacks, beverages, and light meals.
Maharaja Canteen — Near Parrot World; offers snacks and bakery items alongside beverages.
Vijaya Dairy — Dairy products exclusively; located inside the zoo grounds.
Outside food is permitted within the premises if packed in paper or paper bags. Plastic bottles and plastic bags are strictly not allowed inside the zoo — carry beverages in steel or reusable bottles.
Online Ticket Booking
Book Nehru Zoological Park tickets online at nzptsfd.telangana.gov.in. The official portal allows booking for zoo entry, safaris, BOV (exclusive and non-exclusive), and the toy train. Online booking is strongly recommended on weekends and school holidays to avoid counter queues.
Important: BOV Non-Exclusive (Elephant Point), BOV Exclusive, and Road Train (Toy Train) bookings are occasionally unavailable on specific dates due to maintenance or special events — check the official portal before finalising your visit.
How to Reach Nehru Zoological Park
Address: Near Mir Alam Tank, NH-44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad – 500064.
By Metro: The nearest Hyderabad Metro station is Bahadurpura or Chaitanyapuri on the LB Nagar–Miyapur corridor (Green/Orange Line). From the nearest station, take an auto-rickshaw to the zoo (5 to 15 minutes).
By Road: The zoo is 4 km from Charminar and approximately 7 km from Nampally Railway Station. Well-signed and accessible by cab, auto, and TSRTC city buses.
By Bus: Multiple TSRTC city bus routes serve the Bahadurpura/Zoo area from across Hyderabad. Bus numbers 222A and other routes connect from different city zones — verify current routes at the TSRTC app or enquiry.
By Cab: Ola and Uber available throughout Hyderabad. Set destination as “Nehru Zoological Park, Bahadurpura.” Journey from Hitech City: approximately 25 km / 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. From Secunderabad Railway Station: approximately 12 km / 25 to 35 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
October to February (Winter): The ideal season. Hyderabad’s winter is pleasant (15°C to 28°C) and animals are noticeably more active outdoors. The 380-acre campus is comfortable to walk without summer heat. Most recommended period for a comprehensive visit.
Summer (March to June): High-footfall season driven by school holidays. Book safaris and BOV online in advance. Arrive at opening (8:00 AM) to complete safari queue before midday heat. The zoo’s midday break (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM in summer) means many visitors cannot stay through the full day.
Avoid Mondays — closed for weekly maintenance.
Weekday mornings are consistently the least crowded and most comfortable.
Visitor Tips
- Book online at nzptsfd.telangana.gov.in for safari and BOV to avoid counter queues
- Carry water in steel bottles — plastic not permitted
- Start with the Lion Safari immediately after opening — queues are shortest in the first 30 minutes
- The toy train is the fastest way to cover the full 380 acres and identify priority animal sections
- Wear comfortable shoes — the zoo requires significant walking even with partial BOV use
- Photography: Smartphones free; still camera ₹150 additional
- Allow 4 to 5 hours minimum for a thorough visit; a full day for families with young children who want safari, train, Jurassic Park, and multiple sections
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad ticket price in 2026?
A: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children (ages 3–12). Children below 3 enter free. Uniform pricing applies all 7 days. Safari: ₹100 (non-AC) / ₹150 (AC) per person. Toy train: ₹80 adult / ₹40 child. BOV: ₹120 adult / ₹70 child.
Q2. What are the Hyderabad Zoo timings?
A: Tuesday to Sunday; closed every Monday. Summer: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM. Winter: 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00 PM–6:00 PM. Verify current session timings before visiting.
Q3. Which safaris are available at Nehru Zoo Park?
A: Four safaris operate: Lion Safari, Tiger Safari, Bear (Sloth Bear) Safari, and Bison Safari. Non-AC bus: ₹100 per person; AC bus: ₹150 per person. Book online to avoid long queues.
Q4. Is outside food allowed at Hyderabad Zoo?
A: Food packed in paper bags or wrapping is allowed. Plastic bags, plastic bottles, and polythene covers are strictly prohibited. Baby food is permitted. Carry water in steel or reusable bottles.
Q5. How far is Nehru Zoological Park from Charminar?
A: Approximately 4 km from Charminar. 7 km from Nampally Railway Station. Well-connected by TSRTC buses and available by auto-rickshaw and cab from across Hyderabad.
