Quick answer: Chhatbir Zoo (Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park) is open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Entry tickets are ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children (3–12 years); the Lion Safari costs an extra ₹75. It is North India’s largest zoo, located at Chhatbir near Zirakpur, about 20 km from Chandigarh. (Ticket prices verified via chhatbirzoo.gov.in, June 2026.)
There’s a moment at Chhatbir Zoo that stays with you long after you leave — when the safari bus rolls quietly into the lions’ enclosure and a full-grown Asiatic lion lifts its head just a few feet from your window. It’s the kind of thrill that has families piling into the car every weekend for the short drive out from Chandigarh. And the lion safari is only the beginning: spread across 500-odd acres of greenery, North India’s largest zoo packs in a deer park, a 300-metre walk-through aviary, a dinosaur park the kids adore and plenty more. Here’s everything you need to plan the perfect day out. 🦁🌳
🦁 Planning a Chhatbir Zoo trip? Here’s the quick lowdown. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM–5 PM (it takes Mondays off), and tickets are easy on the pocket — ₹50 for kids (3–12) and ₹100 for adults, with free entry for little ones under 3. Officially the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, this is North India’s largest zoo, sitting just off Zirakpur about 20 km from Chandigarh. Come for the famous lion safari, the deer park, a dinosaur park the kids adore, and acres of greenery to wander.
| Timings | Tue–Sun, 9 AM–5 PM (closed Mondays) |
| Ticket price | ₹50 kids (3–12) · ₹100 adults · under-3 free · camera ₹500 |
| Lion safari | Included — North India’s only lion safari |
| How to reach | Near Zirakpur, ~20 km / 30–40 min from Chandigarh |
| Best for | Families, kids & weekend day trips |
📚 Good to know: Chhatbir Zoo dates all the way back to the 1970s and today is home to 950+ animals across 85+ species. For the latest timings and online ticket booking, the official site is chhatbirzoo.gov.in, and there’s more history over on Wikipedia.
⚡ Quick Facts at a Glance
- Timings: Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Entry ticket: ₹100 adults, ₹50 children (3–12 yrs); Lion Safari ₹75 (verified via chhatbirzoo.gov.in, June 2026)
- Location: Chhatbir (Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park), near Zirakpur
- Don’t miss: the lion safari & reptile house
- Best time: Oct–Mar mornings
Chhatbir Zoo at a glance 📊
- Spread over: roughly 505 acres of green, gently rolling land
- Animals: 950+ animals across 85+ species — mammals, birds and reptiles
- Star attraction: North India’s only lion safari
- Aviary: India’s longest walk-in aviary (a 300-metre walk through five themed zones)
- Status: the largest zoo in Punjab and North India
- Managed by: the Punjab Forest & Wildlife Department
💡 Ticket prices and timings here were verified in June 2026 from the official chhatbirzoo.gov.in website.
✍️ Written by Rahul Goyal · Updated June 2026 · Based on our own first-hand visits to Chhatbir Zoo.
In this guide
- What it’s like to visit
- History & geography
- Places to visit nearby
- Good to know before you go
- Is it worth visiting?
🎥 Watch: Chhatbir Zoo Chandigarh
📍 Location & Map
Located in the Mohali district just outside Chandigarh, Chhatbir Zoo—officially Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park—is the largest zoological park in North India. Spread over 505 acres of greenery, the zoo is home to 950+ animals from 85+ species of mammals, reptiles, and birds.
First opened in 1977, the zoo recreates semi-natural habitats for its wildlife. The Royal Bengal Tiger is its star attraction, alongside lions, leopards, hyenas, bears, monkeys, deer, and hundreds of bird species. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a school tour, or simply a peaceful outdoor day, Chhatbir Zoo offers both entertainment and education.
Location & How to Reach
📍 Address: Chhat Village, Zirakpur-Patiala Highway, Punjab (17 km from Chandigarh)
🚗 By Road: 30 minutes from Chandigarh city center
🚌 By Bus: Regular buses from ISBT-17 Chandigarh
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction (~22 km)
✈️ Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International (~12 km)
Timing, Entry Fee, and All Details of Chhatbir Zoo in Chandigarh
| ZOO TIMINGS | |
| Opening Time | 09:00 |
| Closing Time | 17:00 |
| TARIFF | |
| Children below 3 Years/Differently Abled/Authorized Media Personnel | Free |
| Children (3 to 12 years) | Rs. 50/- Per Head |
| Adult (Above 12 years) | Rs. 100/- Per Head |
| CAMERA FEE | |
| Still Camera | Rs. 500/- per visit |
| Video Camera | Rs. 500/- per visit |
| Commercial Shooting | Rs. 40,000/- per visit |
| OTHER FACILITIES | |
| Battery-operated Carts | Rs. 60/- Per Head (Children below 3 years Free) |
| Wild Life Safari | Rs. 75/- Per Head (Children below 3 years Free) |
| Wheelchairsfor Differently Abled | Free |
There is so much to see and do at Chhatbir Zoo Chandigarh. The zoo is home to numerous animals, and the park has a scenic lake too.
While the zoo is ideal for children of all ages, adults will enjoy it as well. Read more to know the things you need to do at the park like Birds of prey, mammals, reptiles and birds, and more.
Animals at Chhatbir Zoo, Chandigarh
Mammals: Tigers, lions, bears, hyenas, jackals, nilgai, monkeys.
Reptiles: Cobras, pythons, monitor lizards, star tortoises.
Birds: Flamingos, owls, emus, parakeets, peacocks, eagles.
The zoo houses more than 950 animals in open enclosures that resemble natural habitats, making it ideal for wildlife photography and education.
Things to do at Chhatbir Zoo, Chandigarh
So hurry up and visit Chhatbir zoo in Chandigarh this weekend and experience its wonderful delights!
One of the most exciting additions to the zoo is the Dinosaur Park, which was developed in partnership with Afterview Group. With an investment of ₹5 Crores, this park features:
Travel Tips for Visiting Chhatbir Zoo, Chandigarh
FAQs
Q1. Is Chhatbir Zoo open every day?
No, the zoo is closed on Mondays and all national holidays.
Q2. How long does a visit to Chhatbir Zoo take?
Usually 2–3 hours, but it can be a half-day trip if you include the Dinosaur Park and Safari.
Q3. Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted inside the zoo.
Q4. Can I bring my own food?
Yes, light snacks are allowed. There are canteen facilities inside the zoo as well.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a parent planning a fun day out, or a curious tourist, Chhatbir Zoo Chandigarh is the perfect destination. With safaris, exotic animals, a dinosaur park, and conservation education, it’s one of the top nature getaways in the Tricity region.
Plan your visit now and discover the wild side of Chandigarh!
Book your tickets online or head straight to the gates for a refreshing outdoor experience.
🛍️ Take home a piece of Chandigarh
Loved exploring Chandigarh? Browse our hand-painted Chandigarh souvenir magnets (from ₹299) — featuring the Open Hand Monument, Japanese Garden, Le Corbusier’s architecture & the ‘I ❤️ Chandigarh’ design. Perfect mementos and gifts.
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📋 Visitor Information
| Address | Chhat, Zirakpur, Punjab 140603, India |
| Phone | 098773 84745 |
| Opening hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Source: Google Maps. View on Google Maps
What it’s like to visit Chhatbir Zoo 🌳
Walk through the gates and the city noise just melts away — suddenly it’s birdsong, tall shady trees and wide green paths. The big draw is the lion safari: you hop into a caged bus that rolls right through the lions’ enclosure, and watching them laze under the trees just a few feet away genuinely gives you goosebumps. It’s the only lion safari in North India, so don’t skip it.
From there, the park opens up. Kids make a beeline for the dinosaur park with its life-size models, while the deer park, the reptile house and the royal Bengal tigers keep everyone busy. There’s plenty of walking — comfy shoes are a smart move — but benches and shady spots are scattered throughout, so you can slow down whenever you like. Pack a water bottle, and there are small stalls near the entrance for snacks and cold drinks.
Our tip: go early, right at opening, especially on weekends — mornings are cooler, the animals are more active, and you beat the crowd at the safari counter. Give yourself about 2 to 3 hours to enjoy it without rushing. It’s an easy, refreshing day out for families, couples and anyone who just wants a break in nature near Chandigarh.
💬 What visitors say: people consistently praise how clean, green and well-kept the zoo is, and almost everyone calls the lion safari the highlight of their trip. Families especially love it as an easy, affordable day out near Chandigarh — just come prepared for a lovely bit of walking — comfortable shoes are a good idea.
A little history & geography 📖
Chhatbir Zoo has been around since the 1970s, and it was officially named the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park in 1977, after the then-Governor of Punjab. It started out small — with a handful of animals brought over from the Guwahati Zoo in Assam — and grew into the largest zoo in Punjab and all of North India. Today it’s home to roughly 369 mammals, 400 birds and 20 reptiles, including the majestic Asiatic lion.
One genuine highlight is India’s longest walk-in aviary — a 300-metre stroll through five themed zones (from a rainforest to a Japanese trail) where you’ll spot 32 different bird species. Geography-wise, the zoo sits right on the Chandigarh–Zirakpur–Patiala route, about 20 km from Chandigarh, spread across gently rolling green land near the Sukhna Choe — which is exactly why it feels so peaceful the moment you step in.
Places to visit near Chhatbir Zoo 📍
Making a day of it? A few spots close by that you can easily club with your zoo trip:
- Dhillon Plaza Zirakpur — about 3 km away
- Hopup Chandigarh Trampoline Park — about 4 km away
- Shree Khatu Shyam Mandir Chandigarh — about 9 km away
- The Fort Ramgarh Panchkula — about 10 km away
- Fun City Amusement Park Chandigarh — about 10 km away
- Japanese Garden Chandigarh — about 11 km away
Good to know before you go ✅
- Best time: Early morning, ideally Tuesday to Friday — it’s cooler and far less crowded.
- Time needed: Set aside about 2–3 hours to enjoy it without rushing.
- Cameras: A still camera costs ₹500; phone photos are free.
- Facilities: Washrooms, drinking water and snack stalls are available near the entrance.
- What to carry: Water, a cap, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen in summer.
- Closed on: Mondays (and some government holidays).
Is Chhatbir Zoo worth visiting? 🤔
In a word — absolutely. For just ₹50–₹100 you get North India’s largest zoo, the region’s only lion safari, and acres of greenery for a relaxed half-day out. It’s especially lovely for families with kids and anyone craving a refreshing break from the city. Go early, wear comfy shoes, and you’re set for a really nice day.
How to book Chhatbir Zoo tickets online 🎟️
You don’t strictly need to book ahead — the counter at the entrance is quick — but if you’d rather skip the queue, here’s how to book online:
- Head to the official website, chhatbirzoo.gov.in.
- Open the online ticket-booking section and choose your visit date.
- Add the number of adults and children, then make the payment online.
- Save the e-ticket on your phone and show it at the gate — that’s it.
What are Chhatbir Zoo’s timings?
Chhatbir Zoo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and it’s closed on Mondays. Try to reach by mid-morning so you’ve got plenty of time for the lion safari and a relaxed walk around.
How much do Chhatbir Zoo tickets cost?
Entry is wonderfully affordable — ₹50 for children (3 to 12 years) and ₹100 for adults, while toddlers under 3 get in free. If you’re carrying a still camera, that’s an extra ₹500.
How do I reach Chhatbir Zoo from Chandigarh?
It’s near Zirakpur, roughly 20 km (a 30–40 minute drive) from Chandigarh. You can drive, grab a cab, or take a Patiala-bound bus and hop off at Chhatbir. Parking is available at the gate.
Is the lion safari worth it at Chhatbir Zoo?
Absolutely — it’s North India’s only lion safari and the zoo’s star attraction. Pair it with the deer park and the kids’ dinosaur park and you’ve got a full, fun day out.
Can I book Chhatbir Zoo tickets online?
Yes — you can book tickets online through the official chhatbirzoo.gov.in website, or just buy them at the entrance counter when you arrive. Both work fine, so there’s no need to stress about it.
Is Chhatbir Zoo open today?
It’s open every day except Monday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. So if it’s not a Monday (or a special government holiday), you’re good to go — head over and enjoy.
Is the lion safari included in the Chhatbir Zoo ticket?
The lion safari is the zoo’s biggest highlight. Safari charges can be separate from the entry ticket, so it’s best to check the latest rates right at the counter or on chhatbirzoo.gov.in before you plan.
What is the best time to visit Chhatbir Zoo?
Early morning, ideally on a weekday (Tuesday to Friday), is the sweet spot — it’s cooler, far less crowded, and the animals are at their most active.
Is there parking and food inside Chhatbir Zoo?
Yes. There’s parking right at the entrance, and you’ll find drinking water and small snack stalls near the gate. It’s still a good idea to carry your own water, especially in summer.
How far is Chhatbir Zoo from Chandigarh railway station?
It’s roughly 20–25 km — about a 45-minute drive — from Chandigarh railway station, and around 12 km from the airport.
Is Chhatbir Zoo open today?
Chhatbir Zoo (Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park) is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and is closed only on Mondays — so it is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Plan to enter by about 4:00 PM. Tickets are ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children, with the Lion Safari costing around ₹75 extra.
More places to visit in Chandigarh: also explore Bird Park Chandigarh and Air Force Museum Chandigarh.
