Zoo In India

Gopalpur Zoo, Himachal Pradesh

Planning on visiting a new city? Probably with family or children, the activities really need to whirl around being children friendly. The option of “zoo” seems likely to be living since ages and doing wonders. If in Himachal Pradesh, Gopalpur Zoo becomes a must visit for you in that scenario. An ultimate source of home for thousands of flora and fauna, the zoo never fails to catch the attention of all its tourists through its vivid beauty. Enveloped in slopes and snow topped valleys, with dense alpine cover, the whole sight is a treat, both to watch and experience.

History

Not much is written or said about the history associated with Gopalpur Zoo. Gopalpur zoo is a product of the initiative taken by the state government’s wildlife department of Himachal Pradesh. Residing in the Kangra District, on the Dharamsala- Palampur of Gopalpur Village, the zoo covers a massive area of 13 hectares. Ringed inside the alluring Dhauladhar range and embellished with the dense vegetations of Horse Chestnut, Kail, Deodar and Maple, its beauty becomes unavoidable for most tourists.

Timings and Tariffs

Much like any other zoo, Gopalpur Zoo can be visited anytime during the day hours. In fact, with the economic tariffs as the entry fee, individuals along with their families can easily avail to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the zoo.

Best Time to Visit

Though, nothing can compete with the natural beauty and commendable weather of the place  all around the year, however, it magnifies specially during the autumn and spring season i.e. either between September to November or between March till early June, thus, making it the best time for tourists to plan their trip with the flora and fauna in full bloom.

Map of Zoo

Wildlife

The Gopalpur Zoo is a home to many birds, flora and fauna. One can easily find the major attraction of the zoo i.e. the Himalayan black bear. Other than that, it is the habitat of Asiatic Lion, hot deer, red foxes, deer, rabbits, leopards, Ambar, musk deer, angora rabbits and so on. Talking about the bird species that the zoo encompasses, it has innumerable peacocks, eagles, vultures, Monals, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh and many other endangered species. Besides the above, zoo is also a home to various reptiles and mammals with reptiles including pythons, monitors and cobras whereas mammals including mongooses, common langur and Indian Porcupine. Preserving such assets in its boundaries, zoo is well equipped in providing proper medication and taking special care when required. None the less, the location of the zoo even contributes in the animal’s wellbeing. The pleasant climate makes it even more conducive for the animals to nurture in a better way.

How to Reach

The means to reach the Gopalpur Zoo are myriad in number, be it in the form of rail, train or by road. To deal with the first one:

1. By Rail: The Gopalpur Zoo is well connected by stations in the neighboring cities. There are two major railway stations one can access in order to reach the zoo safely. The first is the Pathankot railway station at a distance of 115 Km whereas the other is Jalandar railway station at a distance of 130 Km. Once the visitors reach the railway station, taxis, buses are easily available.

2. By Air: If you are planning to save your time, opting for a flight is the best option. The nearest airport to the zoo resides in the Kangra district. Known by the name Gaggal airport, it is almost 37 km from Palampur. Thus, all it takes is 1 hour and 25 minutes to travel.

3. By Road: The Himachal Pradesh zoo is well connected and has well maintained roads that frequently travel from Dharamshala to Palampur. Located not that far but at a minimum distance of 23 km, all it would take is 30 minutes for you and your family to reach there.

Thus, if you are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh any time with your toddlers and families you really know the right destination to take them to, without having to scroll the internet through the various tourist destinations available on the internet.