Alipore Zoo: Your Eco-Friendly Guide to Kolkata’s Oldest Wildlife Haven
1.0 Introduction
Alipore Zoological Gardens is the oldest and the most popular zoo located in Kolkata that was founded in 1876. With more than 1000 animals, birds, and reptiles, it is a living catalogue of biodiversity and long-lasting history of conservation. Over and above being a destination of choice to families, students and visitors, Alipore Zoo is an important educational and ecological monument to its people. Nowadays, with the ecological movement in full swing, travelling to such places can be termed as responsible travel. A green guide to exploring the zoo will help you have eco-friendly experiences- to cause as little impact as possible and be as amazed by nature and wildlife within one of the greenest places in Kolkata.
2.0 Getting There the Green Way
It is easy and satisfying to reach Alipore Zoo in a sustainable manner. The closer metro stations are Kalighat and Jatin Das Park and then there is a short walk or a bicycle rickshaw ride. You can choose the electric bus or heritage tram to move around which not only softens your carbon footprint but also submerges you in the local flavor of Kolkata. Suppose you reside in the area, it will be a good idea to stroll along the arboreal streets towards the zoo. To help curb air pollution and traffic, avoid taking a personal car, carpool or take a bus whenever there is an option. To ease the process, get Google Maps etc to identify the shortest and the greener way into this nature vortex.
3.0 A Glimpse into History & Conservation
The Alipore Zoological Gardens is considered to be the oldest zoo in India and was established in the year 1876 under the patronage of Prince Edward VII. It was initially conceived to serve as a royal menagerie but it later developed to a zoological park, which became open to the people worldwide and specifically to naturalists and animal lovers. Throughout the decades, Alipore Zoo has been instrumental in maintaining a wide variety of species such as once having an exotic 250-year-old giant Aldabra tortoise named Adwaita as well as the currently maintained Asian white tigers, macaw, and chimpanzees. In addition to animal exhibition, the zoo is very serious about education as it frequently organizes awareness programs on biodiversity and maintenance of wildlife among children and tourists. Recent reforms have been about getting enclosures modernized to make them more like the wild environment, welfare of animals is improved, and captive breeding programs to breed endangered species have been started and made successful. These conservation oriented initiatives have made Alipore Zoo more than just a heritage site as it is an evolving one with an enactment of maintaining the beautiful balance between human beings and the wild.
4.0 Must-See Attractions
4.1 Royal Bengali Tigers
Tigers are big game and the pride of
the Indian wildlife. Observe them through the safety fence on the wide
enclosures which are created to resemble their own since they have different
kinds of animals to roam around. Their majestic and yet gentle demeanour is
simply fascinating.
4.2 White Tigers and Leopards
These big cats are the zoo
highlights and are as rare and elusive as possible. Their colorful attire and
the way that they move are what attracts the most tourists. Leave them their
space--never knock against enclosures, or get them in a pucker.
4.3 Reptile House
Boasting pythons and crocodiles that
slirk, more inquisitive reptiles. It is an exclusive way of getting acquainted
with cold-blooded species and their place in the ecosystem.
4.4 Aviaries
The enclosures contain colorful
birds such as macaws and hornbills with other species of parakeets and
spectacular peacocks. Watch them in silence in order to enjoy observing their
charm and calls.
4.5 Giraffes, Zebras & Hippos
Be amazed by giraffes reaching to
leaves, social zebra groups and hippos wading by the water. These giant
herbivores are fun animals to observe at all times when the enclosed areas are
in a great shape.
4.6 Birds in the Water & Lake Community
Scout the lake where you see pelicans, ducks, and storks at a quiet vicinity. An excellent place to spot birds and do photography.
Eco Tip: It is less busy in the
mornings during the week. One should make noise as little as possible, but
should not take flash photos and should never feed the animals. Just look, but
do not disrupt nature.
5.0 Sustainable Experiences Inside the Zoo
- Carry an empty water bottle, shopping bags and bamboo/wood cutlery to limit plastic consumption during your visit.
- Dispose of garbage in waste bins in a bid to help the zoo in achieving the zero-littering initiative and maintaining clean environment.
- Learn more by viewing our educational signage and enjoy guided tours to help you gain more insight on wildlife and protecting it.
- Select and utilize picnic areas responsibly- prevent the use of single-use plastics, clean up your mess and respect nature.
6.0 Green Eats Nearby
Nearest restaurant:
- Haldiram restaurant: a vegeterian restaurant, dishes like chole bhature, masala dosa, paneer butter masala,various sweets.
- Bhojohori Manna(approximately 2.2km from alipore zoo):a veg and non veg restaurant, dishes like rice thali,fish thali,various sweets.
- Dine on a sustainable food in the vicinity vegetarian restaurants such as Haldiram, and Bhojohori Manna, where you find more local and environmentally friendly flavors.
- Seek out street food with reusable or biodegradable containers, bring your own where you can so that you don t use single-use plastics.
- Terminate at local sellers and tiny restaurants that value the environment by concentrating on green operations, which assists in being able to construct an additional eco-friendly economy in the neighborhood.
- Select restaurants that do not use plastic cutlery as well as promote non-waste material, compostable takeaway containers.
7.0 Souvenirs with a Cause
- As convenient, environmentally friendly souvenirs, take some handcrafted jute bags, or artisan sustainable craft products and give the locals a chance to show their craft.
- Pick books or postcards with wildlife motifs to raise awareness and enjoy memories and not damage the environment.
- Skip plastic, animal-abusing toys or products--go to the official gift shop at the zoo to buy ethical goods that support zoos and conservation.
8.0 Photography Tips with a Green Lens
- Good manners of photography require no flash, reasonable distance, and never a selfie with animals.
- Get out and confront nature by trying eco-themed photo challenges such as the very eco-friendly “Spot the Camouflaged Creature” or the more general, yet still very relevant, “Capture Biodiversity”.
- Take pictures of wildlife and post those to inform people about conservation and wildlife education through social media.
9.0 Why Eco-Tourism Matters Here
Eco-tourism is essential in tourist spots such as Alipore Zoo where the heavy number of footflow would result in permanently altering the countryside unless controlled properly. The zoo has tried to embrace both conservation of wildlife and educating people by enhancing zoo enclosures, breeding zoos, and educational exhibits. The visitors assist in achieving this mission by embracing sustainable behaviors traveling sustainably, sharing green messages, educating kids about animal welfare, and donating to conservation NGOs among others. All the thoughtful practices, such as because of proper waste disposal, or ethical photography, you can help to preserve these species, or the habitats. Make your visit to more than a exercise in sightseeing--travel, not to look on at, but to learn, to appreciate, to guard.
10.0 Sample One Day Eco Itinerary
|
Time |
Activity |
|
8:00 AM |
Arrive at Alipore Zoo using
eco-friendly public transport |
|
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Explore key animal zones, read
educational displays, observe respectfully |
|
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
Enjoy an eco-friendly picnic or
dine at a nearby green-certified café |
|
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
Visit the Reptile House and
Aviary—observe reptiles and exotic birds |
|
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
Relax by the lake, engage in
mindful birdwatching and photography |
|
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
Shop for sustainable souvenirs and
enjoy light, plastic-free local snacks |
|
4:30 PM |
Depart responsibly—carry all your
waste and leave no trace |
11.0 Essential Visitor Info
- Timings :9 AM -5PM (closed on thursdays)
- Best time to visit-October to February (Pleasant Weather)
- Facilities:rest room,drinking water,wheel chair
- Entry fee: INR 5O (above 5 years old),INR 10 (below 5 years old)
12.0 Nearby attractions
National library(approximately 2 km away),Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden(approximately 7 km away),Victoria Memorial(approximately 3.5 km away)
National Library:The largest library in country in terms of volume is the National library of India in Alipore Kolkata. It is situated in the stately home Belvedere Estate comprising more than 2.2 million books and rare manuscripts. It is a national store and a treasure trove of the researchers, scholars and book lovers.
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden:This is a vast 109-hectare garden in Shibpur, Howrah (also the Indian Botanic Garden) that was established in 1787, by Colonel Robert Kyd. It is managed by Botanical Survey of India, which has more than 12,000 species of plants, of which the legendary Great Banyan tree (one of the largest living trees by canopy) can be seen.
Victoria Memorial:The Victoria memorial located in Kolkata is a magnificent marble structure constructed between 1906-1921 in reference to queen Victoria. It sits in the midst of beautiful gardens with a museum in which there are colonial age artifacts, paintings, and sculptures giving a reflection of Indo-Saracenic architecture and the rich history of India. It is one of the best tourist/ cultural attractions.
13.0 How to travel
- Nearest railway station:Majerhat railway station (approximately 2.5km away)
- Nearest metro station:Jatin Das Park Metro Station(approx 2 km away)
- Nearest airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (approx 30 km )
- Taxi,cab facility available from airport to alipore zoo.
14.0 Where to stay
Taj Bengal(approximately 0.2km from alipore zoo):A beautiful 5 star luxury hotel.a best place to stay,find dining,world class spa services,
Peerles hotel kolkata(approximately 1.2km from alipore zoo):A comfortable 4 star hotel.
15.0 FAQs
Why is Alipore Zoo famous?
The zoo was inaugurated in 1876; Alipore Zoo is the oldest zoological garden in India and a biodiversity in treasure. With more than 1,000 animals featured, including rare white tigers, exotic birds, and reptiles, it is a place everyone must visit as a wildlife lover or history-loving person.
What is the best eco-friendly way to reach Alipore Zoo?
Using alternate transport such as metro (Jatin Das Park/Kalighat) or electric buses will be a good choice. Or you can walk or cycle provided it is nearby. Such environmentally friendly traveling options only pollute less, spend less, and give you experiences of the beauty of Kolkata before you get to this old zoo.
Which animals are a must-see in Alipore Zoo?
The Royal Bengal Tigers, white tigers, giraffes, macaws and the Reptile House are not to be missed. The species possess different characteristics and conservation value; they present educational and exciting moments and motivate the tourists to conserve wildlife.
Can I bring my own food to Alipore Zoo?
Sure you can take your picnics in reuse plastic containers. Avoid packing with plastic materials, preserve the environment by cleaning up after yourself and prefer using designated picnic places. This not only helps the zoo with zero-litter program but also makes the place safe not only to animals but also visitors.
What are the nearby attractions after visiting Alipore Zoo?
Visit the great Victoria Memorial, literary treasures of National Library, or Botanical Garden and its legendary Great Banyan tree. They are all in close proximity so your day out would be rich in culture and nature in one day.
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