India GOZoo in Pune: Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Katraj)
Pune's zoo is the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, usually called Katraj Zoo, run by the Pune Municipal Corporation on the Pune-Satara Road opposite Katraj Dairy. Its 130 acres hold three parts: the zoo around Katraj Lake, the Katraj Snake Park and a rescue centre for injured and orphaned animals. Tickets are sold from 9:30 am to 5 pm (5:30 pm from 1 April to 15 June), and the zoo is closed every Wednesday.
What you will see
The animals on display are almost all Indian species. Big mammals include Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, an Indian elephant, gaur, the Indian wolf and the striped hyena; among hoofed animals there are blackbuck, chinkara, four-horned antelope, nilgai, sambar, spotted and barking deer. Look out for the Malabar giant squirrel: the shekru is Maharashtra's state animal, and in the wild it is most closely tied to the Bhimashankar sanctuary on the Ghat crest north-west of Pune.
The Katraj Snake Park is the part most people remember. The official list includes the Indian cobra, Russell's viper, bamboo pit viper, Indian rock and reticulated pythons, banded racer and rat snake, plus gharial, marsh crocodile, monitor lizard and star tortoises. Wikipedia counts over 22 snake species there, with information also in Braille.
Animals are most active in the morning, so arrive close to opening.
Tickets and zoo rules
From the official zoo site. Prices are approximate and can change.
- Tickets — Approximately ₹60 for adults, ₹20 for children under 4 ft 4 in (132 cm) and ₹150 for foreigners. A still camera is about ₹50 extra, a video camera about ₹200. Online booking is available on the zoo website.
- Hours — Ticket counters close at 5 pm (5:30 pm from 1 April to 15 June) and the gates an hour later. Closed on Wednesdays. No entry after ticket sales close.
- No plastic — Plastic is banned: carry food in paper bags. A plastic bottle needs a refundable deposit of about ₹10 at the gate.
- Leave at home — Balloons, balls and rackets, pets, music players, tobacco and alcohol. Feeding or disturbing animals is an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- One entry, on foot — A ticket is valid for one entry. Private vehicles are not allowed inside; a battery-operated vehicle runs when available, about ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children.
From Peshwe Park to Katraj
Pune's first zoo was Peshwe Park at the foot of Parvati Hill, opened by the municipality in 1953 on the site of a private menagerie that Madhavrao Peshwa had kept from 1770. The new park at Katraj opened in 1999, built to Central Zoo Authority guidelines; by 2005 all animals had moved from Peshwe Park, which then closed.
Plan a family half-day
The zoo works as a cheap family half-day; Shivsrushti is nearby and fills out the rest of it. For transport options, see getting around Pune. More ideas in Pune with kids and animals around Pune.
FAQ
What are the Pune zoo timings?
Tickets are sold from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and to 5:30 pm from 1 April to 15 June; the gates close an hour after ticket sales end. The zoo is closed on Wednesdays.
What is the Pune zoo ticket price?
Approximately ₹60 for adults, ₹20 for children under 4 ft 4 in and ₹150 for foreigners, with extra fees for cameras.
What are the opening hours of Katraj Snake Park?
The snake park is part of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, so it keeps the zoo's hours and one ticket covers both. It is closed on Wednesdays.
Is the Pune zoo worth visiting?
For a cheap family half-day, yes: Indian species such as lions, tigers, leopards and sloth bears, and one of India's best-known snake parks. Mornings are when the animals are most active.
Where is the zoo in Pune?
In Katraj, on the Pune-Satara Road opposite Katraj Dairy, in the south of the city.
Sources (5)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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