Top 10 Largest Zoos in India – Complete List by Area
Published: 1 Apr 2026
India is home to some of the largest zoos in Asia, offering incredible wildlife experiences across vast landscapes.
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupati is the largest zoo in India by size, covering 5,532 acres and featuring expansive enclosures, safari zones and diverse wildlife.
Explore our updated ranking of India’s biggest zoological parks, with exact areas, states and key wildlife attractions ideal for anyone who loves wildlife or wants a memorable zoo trip.
Largest Zoos in India Ranked by Area (Comparison Table)
Here is a detailed comparison of the largest zoos in India by area, location and key features to help you quickly understand their size and importance.
| Rank | Zoo Name | Location (State) | Area (Acres) | Established | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park | Andhra Pradesh | 5,532 acres | 1987 | Largest zoo in India, expansive natural habitat |
| 2 | Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo) | Tamil Nadu | 1,490 acres | 1855 | One of the oldest and largest zoos in India |
| 3 | Nandankanan Zoological Park | Odisha | 1,080 acres | 1960 | Safari zones, white tiger conservation |
| 4 | Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | Andhra Pradesh | 625 acres | 1977 | Forest-based zoo near Eastern Ghats |
| 5 | Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden | Assam | 432 acres | 1957 | Largest zoo in Northeast India |
| 6 | Nehru Zoological Park | Telangana | 380 acres | 1963 | Lion safari, open enclosures |
| 7 | Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoo) | Karnataka | 244 acres | 1892 | Clean layout, rare species collection |
| 8 | Allen Forest Zoo (Kanpur Zoo) | Uttar Pradesh | 190 acres | 1974 | Natural forest setting |
| 9 | National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo) | Delhi | 175 acres | 1959 | High visitor footfall, central location |
| 10 | Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan (Patna Zoo) | Bihar | 153 acres | 1973 | Zoo + botanical garden combo |
What Makes a Zoo Largest?
Not all zoos are measured the same way. The largest zoos in India are ranked by:
- Area – total land covered, including safari and open zones
- Wildlife diversity – number of species and exotic animals
- Safari & enclosure space – how freely animals can roam
- Visitor experience – combination of education, adventure and immersion
In short, a large zoo isn’t just about acres, it’s about space, variety and wildlife experience.
Top 10 Largest Zoos in India – Complete Wildlife & Safari Guide
Explore largest zoos in India , featuring safari parks and wildlife gardens. This Top 10 guide highlights each zoo’s size, animals and visitor tips for travelers.
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park – Andhra Pradesh
Size: ~5,532 acres
largest zoo in India by area, giving animals room to roam in natural habitats.
Unique Feature: Expansive safari zones and open enclosures create a mini wildlife reserve feel, unlike most Indian zoos.
Animals / Safari: Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and exotic birds. Safari rides let you get closer to wildlife in a semi-natural setting.
Visitor Experience: Walking through the lush greenery, you feel fully immersed in nature. The combination of safaris, open grounds, and animal diversity makes it ideal for photography and family outings.
Insider Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Don’t skip the safari rides — they’re the highlight of the park.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park – Vandalur
Size: ~1,490 acres (~602 hectares)
one of India’s largest and oldest zoos, blending history and modern design.
Unique Feature: Offers a mix of walking trails and safari experiences, making it both educational and adventurous.
Animals / Safari: See elephants, white tigers, hippos, and exotic birds. Safari rides take you closer to lions, tigers, and deer in open habitats.
Visitor Experience: The zoo feels spacious and well-organized, making it perfect for families, school trips, and wildlife enthusiasts. The combination of exhibits and safari rides keeps every visit exciting.
Insider Tip: Try the night safari or zoo tram ride to see nocturnal animals and enjoy a different perspective of the park.
Nandankanan Zoological Park – Bhubaneswar
Size: ~1,080 acres (~437 hectares)
a large zoo with an integrated botanical garden offering both wildlife and nature experiences.
Unique Feature: Focuses on conservation and naturalistic habitats, giving visitors a glimpse of animals in environments similar to the wild.
Animals / Safari: Famous for white tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Safari zones allow closer observation of animals roaming freely.
Visitor Experience: The peaceful botanical gardens combined with open safari areas make it feel like a nature retreat with wildlife adventure. Great for photography and leisurely exploration.
Insider Tip: Visit early morning during feeding times for the best animal activity. Don’t forget to bring your camera, this zoo is very photogenic.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park – Visakhapatnam
Size: ~625 acres
a large forest-based zoo offering spacious enclosures and natural trails.
Unique Feature: Set within dense greenery, it provides a forest-like experience uncommon in Indian zoos.
Animals / Safari: Home to tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, and a variety of birds. Safari areas allow visitors to see animals in more open habitats.
Visitor Experience: Walking through shaded paths and viewing wildlife in naturalistic enclosures gives a calm and immersive experience, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Insider Tip: Visit during morning hours when animals are most active and enjoy the serene forest trails for photography.
Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden – Guwahati
Size: ~432 acres
one of Northeast India’s largest zoological parks, blending wildlife with botanical landscapes.
Unique Feature: Combines zoological and botanical experiences, showcasing regional flora alongside exotic animals.
Animals / Safari: Houses elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, deer, and a wide variety of birds. The open enclosures offer good safari-style observation.
Visitor Experience: Visitors can enjoy both the beauty of plants and the thrill of spotting wildlife, making it ideal for families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Insider Tip: Spend time in the botanical garden sections for peaceful walks, and bring binoculars for birdwatching opportunities.
Nehru Zoological Park – Hyderabad
Size: ~380 acres
one of India’s most popular zoos with a combination of traditional and safari-style exhibits.
Unique Feature: Known for its safari experience and wide variety of animals in open enclosures.
Animals / Safari: Tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, and reptiles. The safari areas let you observe animals up close in semi-natural habitats.
Visitor Experience: Offers an engaging experience for all ages — walk-through enclosures, tram rides, and a sense of adventure make it a family favorite.
Insider Tip: Opt for the zoo tram ride to cover more ground and see animals that are farther from walking paths; mornings are best for active wildlife sightings.
Mysore Zoo – Mysore
Size: ~244 acres
a historic large zoo with well-maintained enclosures and open spaces.
Unique Feature: One of India’s oldest and most carefully managed zoos, blending heritage with modern wildlife care.
Animals / Safari: Houses lions, tigers, elephants, bears, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles.
Visitor Experience: The zoo feels intimate yet diverse, offering leisurely walks and educational experiences. Perfect for families and school trips.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning for active animal sightings, and check out the aviary for rare birds.
Allen Forest Zoo – Kanpur
Size: ~190 acres
a unique forest-style layout that preserves natural greenery within the zoo.
Unique Feature: Designed to mimic forest habitats, giving animals and visitors a more natural environment.
Animals / Safari: Home to deer, lions, tigers, monkeys, and exotic birds, with open enclosures and walking trails.
Visitor Experience: A peaceful, immersive experience that combines wildlife observation with walking through shaded forest paths.
Insider Tip: Take a guided walk to learn about the flora and fauna, and bring binoculars for spotting birds and monkeys.
National Zoological Park – Delhi
Size: ~175 acres
a popular zoo in India with large enclosures and diverse wildlife.
Unique Feature: Centrally located, it combines easy access with a wide variety of animal exhibits.
Animals / Safari: Tigers, lions, elephants, reptiles, and birds. The zoo’s layout allows close viewing of animals in spacious habitats.
Visitor Experience: Ideal for a family day out or a short wildlife visit in the city. Educational panels add value for students and wildlife enthusiasts.
Insider Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and see animals at their most active.
Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan – Patna
Size: ~153 acres
combines zoo and botanical garden for a dual wildlife and nature experience.
Unique Feature: Offers both zoological and botanical attractions, making it one of Bihar’s most versatile wildlife parks.
Animals / Safari: Tigers, lions, deer, monkeys, and birds. Enclosures include open areas for safari-style observation.
Visitor Experience: Combines leisure and education, perfect for families and students. Walking paths and greenery make it a relaxing visit.
Insider Tip: Spend time exploring both the zoo and botanical sections; bring a camera for excellent wildlife photography opportunities.
Which State Has the Largest Zoo in India?
Wondering which state in India has the largest zoo? The answer is Andhra Pradesh, home to Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupati, covering about 5,532 acres. This makes it India’s biggest zoo by area and one of the largest in Asia.
Other states also host top-ranked large zoos, making them great destinations for wildlife lovers:
- Tamil Nadu – Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur)
- Odisha – Nandankanan Zoological Park (Bhubaneswar)
- Telangana – Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad)
- Karnataka – Mysore Zoo
This overview helps travelers plan visits based on location, size and wildlife experience, making it easy to explore India’s largest and most fascinating zoological parks.
Best Zoos in India Worth Visiting (Not Just Size)
While size matters, some of the best zoos in India shine for visitor experience, wildlife diversity and safari adventures. Many smaller parks offer amazing wildlife encounters, interactive safari experiences and beautifully maintained gardens.
Some standouts include:
- Mysore Zoo, Karnataka – A historic zoo with well-kept enclosures and a variety of animals, ideal for families and students.
- Allen Forest Zoo, Kanpur – Blends forest trails with wildlife viewing, giving visitors a more natural experience.
- National Zoological Park, Delhi – Combines accessibility with educational exhibits and diverse animal species.
These zoos prove that a memorable visit comes from animal diversity, engaging activities and well-planned layouts not just land area.
Love exploring wildlife? Check out the largest zoos in Asia, see how they compare to the Biggest zoos in the world, or discover the Largest zoos in the US.
Fun Facts for Largest Zoos in India
- Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (Tirupati) – Spreads across over 5,500 acres, making it not just India’s largest but one of the largest in Asia! It even has open safari zones where tigers and leopards roam freely.
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur, Tamil Nadu) – Houses rare white tigers and was the first zoo in India to introduce a night safari, giving visitors a unique wildlife experience.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park (Bhubaneswar, Odisha) – Famous for its white tigers breeding program, it’s also one of the few zoos in India with a crocodile breeding center.
- Mysore Zoo (Karnataka) – Established in 1892, it’s over 130 years old and is home to some of the oldest and most well-trained elephants in India.
- Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad, Telangana) – Offers open safari zones for lions and tigers, giving visitors a more natural wildlife experience similar to a mini-reserve.
- National Zoological Park (Delhi) – Located near India Gate, it sees over a million visitors annually and is one of the most visited urban zoos in the country.
- Allen Forest Zoo (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh) – Part of the zoo is a protected forest, so visitors get the feeling of walking through a natural wildlife habitat.
- Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan (Patna, Bihar) – Combines botanical gardens and a zoo, making it one of the few parks in India where you can explore plants and animals together.
