Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park: An Overview

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune

Pune is visited by numerous tourists every year from different parts of the world, as it is known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, one of the largest states of India. There are many tourist attractions in Pune spread across different parts of the city, and can be reached with the help of its efficient public transport system. One of such attractions is the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, which is housed in a place called Katraj. It is spread over a vast area of 130 acres, comprising of a snake park, animal orphanage and zoo. Lions, Barking Deer, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Fox and Nilgai are some of the animals kept in this zoological park.

Snake Park, Pune

History of this park dates back to the year 1953, when Pune Municipal Corporation established Peshwe Park with an area of 7 acres. This zoo had animals kept in traditional cages, and was located near Parvati hills in the heart of the city. Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire, the first director of Peshwe Park, created Katraj Snake Park with the help of Pune Municipal Corporation in 1986. A more modern zoo was developed close to it in 1997 in accordance with the Central Zoo Authority of India's guidelines. The zoo, animal orphanage and snake park came to be known as Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre. Today it is one of the popular places to visit in Pune among tourists and the park gets a sizeable number of visitors coming from distant places every year.

 

Travellers to this city would find many hotels and resorts where they can enjoy a good stay during their vacation. An affordable hotel in Pune is preferred by backpackers and budget travellers looking for a cost-effective accommodation. While they offer rooms at lower prices, quality of service provided to their guests is never compromised.