India GOZoos and wildlife parks in Chandigarh
The zoo people mean when they say Chandigarh zoo is Chhatbir, officially the Mohendra Chaudhry Zoological Park: a large Punjab government zoo near Zirakpur, about 17 km from the city, best known for its drive-through lion safari. Inside the city, the smaller Chandigarh Bird Park by Sukhna Lake lets you walk under flying macaws. Chhatbir closes on Mondays, the Bird Park on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Chhatbir Zoo in brief
The zoo was first proposed in 1973 and established on 13 April 1977. It is run by Punjab's forest and wildlife department, covers 505 acres and holds 1,241 animals of 103 species, which places it in the large category under Central Zoo Authority guidelines. It lies outside the union territory, near Zirakpur, about 17 km from the city, so plan a taxi; see getting around Chandigarh.
The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm and closes every Monday, and also on 26 January, 15 August and 2 October.
What to see at Chhatbir
The zoo lists these as its main attractions.
Wildlife safari: lions, then deer
The signature ride. A safari vehicle takes visitors through the Asiatic lion enclosure, where the lions move freely around it, and then on to the deer safari with herds of several wild deer species. The trip lasts about half an hour and needs its own ticket on top of entry.
Walk-in aviary
The zoo calls its bird park the longest and largest walk-in aviary in India: seven themed habitats with around 60 bird species, from the North Indian plains and South Indian rainforest to Amazonian and Australian birds, seen from a protected walkway in about 30 minutes. It is included in the entry ticket.
Nocturnal, reptile and otter houses
A nocturnal house with six species kept in darkness so they behave as at night; a reptile house with pythons, cobras, rat snakes and monitor lizards; and a glass-sided pool for smooth-coated otters, the species of Punjab's Beas river.
Dinosaur Park
Life-size robotic dinosaur models with information boards, built with a private partner as an education exhibit.
Chhatbir tickets
Approximate prices from the zoo's own tariff:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (over 12) | about ₹100 |
| Child (3 to 12) | about ₹50 |
| Under 3 | free |
| Wildlife safari (lion and deer) | about ₹75 per person, extra |
| Battery cart | about ₹60 per person |
| Still or video camera | about ₹500 |
Chandigarh Bird Park, by Sukhna Lake
If Chhatbir is too far, the Chandigarh Bird Park is inside the city, in the Nagar Van woodland in Sector 1, about ten minutes' walk behind Sukhna Lake. The forest department opened it in 2021. Around 550 birds of some 48 species live here, macaws, cockatoos, pheasants and black swans among them, and the point is the walk-through aviaries, netted spaces up to 58 ft high where the birds fly around you. Entry is about ₹50 for Indian adults, ₹30 for children and ₹100 for foreign visitors, with a separate Winged Wonders ticket. By the forest department's figures it opens 10 am to 6 pm and closes on Mondays and Tuesdays; check before you go.
Animals outside the cages
Behind Sukhna Lake the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary opens two forest trails, Nepli and Kansal, where sambar, wild boar and peafowl are possible; entry is by e-permit from the forest department, about ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹100 for foreigners. The Butterfly Park in Sector 26 is free and has around 35 species from March to October. The state animal of Chandigarh is the Indian grey mongoose, an animal active by day, and the state bird is the Indian grey hornbill. More on animals and birds around the city.
Tips for a zoo day
A few things that make the visit easier.
- Go between October and March — Chhatbir is mostly outdoors, and May and June average highs of 38–39°C. See Chandigarh weather.
- Check the day — Monday closes both Chhatbir and the Bird Park; Tuesday closes the Bird Park too.
- Budget for the safari — The lion and deer safari is the reason most people come, and it is a separate ticket.
- With children — Pair the zoo or the Bird Park with other family stops from Chandigarh with kids.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Chhatbir Zoo?
9 am to 5 pm. It is closed every Monday and on 26 January, 15 August and 2 October.
What is the ticket price at Chhatbir Zoo?
About ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children aged 3 to 12; under-3s are free. The lion and deer safari costs about ₹75 per person extra.
Where is the Chandigarh zoo located?
Chhatbir Zoo is near Zirakpur in Punjab, about 17 km from Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Bird Park is inside the city, in Sector 1 near Sukhna Lake.
What animals can be seen at Chhatbir Zoo?
Asiatic lions and deer on the safari, about 60 bird species in the walk-in aviary, nocturnal animals, pythons, cobras and monitor lizards, and smooth-coated otters: 103 species in all.
Which is the state animal of Chandigarh?
The Indian grey mongoose. The state bird is the Indian grey hornbill.
Sources (5)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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