If you are planning a trip to Nainital and want to see something beyond the usual hill station sightseeing, the Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo deserves a spot on your list. What sets this Uttarakhand zoo apart is its elevation. It sits at roughly 2,100 metres above sea level, placing it among the handful of high altitude zoos in the country where Himalayan wildlife is kept as close as possible to its natural surroundings. That is why thousands of tourists head here every year to watch rare animals up close.
The Red Panda, The Star Of The Zoo
The biggest draw here is undoubtedly the red panda. With its innocent face and quick, playful movements, this creature wins over children and adults alike, making it the single most popular attraction on the grounds. Because the red panda is by nature a cold climate animal, its care is handled with special attention. During the summer months its enclosure is regularly sprinkled with water to keep the temperature in check and give this sensitive animal relief from the heat.
Bengal Tiger And Leopard, Power Meets Agility
The Bengal tiger, India's national animal, is another big crowd puller here. Famous for its strength, agility and hunting prowess, the tiger's commanding stride and booming roar make for a thrilling moment when seen up close. The species also plays an important role in spreading awareness about wildlife conservation.
The leopard, known for its speed and remarkable tree climbing ability, is present too. It is housed in enclosures designed to mimic its natural habitat. Regarded as an extremely alert and skilled hunter, the leopard gives visitors a chance to understand the unique world of wildlife.
The Himalayan Black Bear And The Markhor
The Himalayan black bear is among the notable species found in the mountainous parts of Uttarakhand. The white mark on its chest is its most distinctive feature. Two bears are kept here, and during summer visitors can watch them bathing inside their enclosure.
The markhor, with its long, twisting horns, is known for its striking build. This rare animal, found in mountainous regions, manages to survive comfortably even in tough geographical conditions. An interesting detail is that the markhor is the national animal of Pakistan. It remains a constant favourite among wildlife lovers and especially children.
The White Peacock, A Camera Favourite
The white peacock here stirs up a special kind of excitement among visitors. With its magnificent feathers and unusual beauty, it pulls everyone's attention, and there is almost a scramble to capture its picture on camera. You can spot two such white peacocks at the zoo.
Ghural, Barking Deer And The Variety Of Nature
The ghural and barking deer, both found across Himalayan regions, are another highlight of the zoo. Belonging to the goat family, these animals are considered an important part of the mountain ecosystem and are well liked by visitors. Watching them up close helps tourists better appreciate the diversity of nature. Incidentally, it is quite common to spot these animals dashing through the forests while wandering in the hills.
What To Know Before You Visit
Tucked among Nainital's lush green valleys, this zoo is far more than just a place to watch animals. Its quiet surroundings and clean environment offer visitors a sense of calm away from the rush of city life. In truth, the zoo serves as much as a medium for wildlife conservation and environmental awareness as it does for recreation. If you are visiting Nainital, do not miss it, as it will make your trip memorable. Keep in mind that the ticket costs 150 rupees per person and the zoo remains closed every Thursday.
