Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj
Pune's zoo and snake park on the southern edge of the city. A family day out with animals, reptiles, and a rescue centre.
What it is
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, often called Katraj Zoo, is the main zoo in Pune. It sits on the southern edge of the city in the Katraj area. The park combines a zoological garden with a snake park and a rescue centre for wild animals. It is run by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The zoo opened in 1999, replacing the older zoo at Peshwe Park in the city centre. The site covers a large area on a hillside, and the park is named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It is a popular destination for families and school groups, offering a chance to see a range of animals in a naturalistic setting.
The zoo's history is tied to the city's need for a modern facility. The old zoo in Peshwe Park was cramped and outdated. The new location in Katraj allowed for larger enclosures and better conditions for the animals. The rescue centre was added later to care for animals confiscated from illegal trade or injured in the wild. The snake park is a separate section that educates visitors about reptiles. The park is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation's garden department, which oversees maintenance and animal care.
- Run by Pune Municipal Corporation
- Opened in 1999
- Includes a snake park and rescue centre
- Covers a large hillside area
What to see
The zoo has a variety of animals in different enclosures. You can see big cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards in spacious outdoor areas. There are also bears, deer, monkeys, and many species of birds, including peacocks and waterfowl. The reptile section includes snakes, crocodiles, and turtles. The snake park has a collection of both venomous and non-venomous snakes, with information about their habitats and behaviour.
The park also has a rescue centre that houses animals that have been rescued from illegal captivity or injury. These animals cannot be released back into the wild. The zoo has a small lake where you can see water birds such as ducks and cranes. There are landscaped gardens and shaded paths for walking. The enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats, with trees, rocks, and water features. The zoo also has a small children's area with a playground and educational displays about wildlife conservation.
- Big cats: lions, tigers, leopards
- Bears, deer, monkeys, birds
- Snake park with venomous and non-venomous snakes
- Rescue centre for wild animals
- Small lake with water birds
How to get there
The zoo is in Katraj, about 5.5 km from Swargate. From the city centre, take a bus or auto-rickshaw towards Katraj. The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) runs buses to Katraj from Swargate, Shivajinagar, and Pune Station. The bus route numbers vary, so check the current schedule at the bus stand. You can also drive via the Pune–Satara Road, which connects to Katraj. The road is well-maintained, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
From Pune Junction railway station, the distance is about 8 km. From Pune International Airport (PNQ), it is about 15.6 km. A taxi or app-based ride is the most direct option. Parking is available at the zoo for private vehicles. The parking area is near the entrance. If you are coming from other parts of the city, consider using a ride-sharing service for convenience. The zoo is well-signposted from the main road.
When to go and how long to allow
The zoo is open every day except Mondays. It is also closed on national holidays. The best time to visit is in the morning, soon after opening, when animals are more active. The cooler hours of the morning are ideal for walking around the enclosures. Avoid visiting in the afternoon heat, especially from March to May, when temperatures can be high. The monsoon season from June to September brings greenery but also slippery paths.
Allow two to three hours for a full visit. This gives you time to see all the animal enclosures, the snake park, and the rescue centre. The zoo is less crowded on weekdays, so you can take your time. Weekends and school holidays can be busy, especially in the morning. If you visit on a weekend, arrive early to avoid queues at the entrance. The zoo is a popular destination for school groups, so you may encounter large groups on weekdays during term time.
Nearby sights
Katraj is close to the southern edge of Pune. The nearby Katraj Lake is a small water body that offers a quiet spot for a short walk. About 5.5 km away is Swargate, the main bus stand and a commercial area with shops and eateries. The Parvati Hill temple complex is about 7 km away, with views of the city from the top. The hill has a long stone stairway leading to the temples.
The Pataleshwar caves on Jangli Maharaj Road are about 8 km from the zoo. These are 8th-century rock-cut caves dedicated to Shiva. The Sinhagad fort is about 30 km south-west, a popular trekking destination with historical significance. Lonavala and Khandala are about 65 km towards Mumbai, on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. These hill stations offer scenic views and are good for a day trip.
Practical tips
Dress comfortably for walking. The zoo is on a hillside with slopes and steps. Wear closed shoes with good grip. Carry water and snacks, though the zoo has some stalls selling refreshments. Sunscreen and a hat are useful in the dry months from October to May. The monsoon season from June to September can make paths slippery, so be cautious. The zoo has shaded areas, but much of the walk is in the open.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the zoo. Some enclosures may have restrictions on flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Do not use flash near the big cats or reptiles. Feeding the animals is strictly prohibited. Follow the zoo rules and stay on the marked paths. The zoo can be crowded on weekends, so arrive early to avoid queues. The entrance area has a ticket counter and information desk. The zoo also has basic toilet facilities.
