Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo, Kanpur - Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Cost, Safari Booking, Best Time to Visit

About Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo

At a distance of 12 Km from Kanpur Central Railway Station, Kanpur Zoological Park is a zoological park located in Nawabganj locality of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Allen Forest Zoo, it is one of the oldest zoos in India, and among the largest zoological gardens in North India. Operated by the Forest Department, Kanpur Zoo features a scenic landscape adorned with lush greenery, a stunning lake, and numerous rare species of flora and fauna. It is one of the must-include places in the Kanpur wildlife packages.

The zoo park occupies an expanse of 196 acres within the artificial Allen Forest, which is the largest open green area in Kanpur. It is one of the few zoos in India established within a natural forest. It is one of the zoological parks constructed according to contemporary zoo design principles. The habitats for the animals and birds have been crafted following the most recent advancements in zoo construction technology, strategically located along the lake on both sides of a semicircular main road that spans approximately 9 kilometers in length.

History of Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo

The Zoological Park in Kanpur was the brainchild of Sir Allen, a botanist and a member of the British Indian Civil Service. Although Sir Allen envisioned establishing the zoo within a natural forest, his aspirations did not come to fruition. The construction of the zoo commenced in 1971, initiated and financed by the Forest Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Nevertheless, it was opened to the public on 4th February 1974. The first animal introduced to the zoo was an Otter obtained from the Chambal River. By 1975, there were 10 fully equipped enclosures. Over the past three decades, the Zoological Park has significantly contributed to wildlife care and has raised public awareness regarding wildlife conservation. In 2015, Kanpur Zoological Park achieved a significant milestone by becoming one of the select few zoos in the country to obtain ISO certification 14001:2004 for 'Environment Management System Standard.'

Attractions of Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo

Animals

The Kanpur Zoo is home to many wildlife species including white tigers, leopards, black bears, grizzly bears, sloths, zebras, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and reptiles such as snakes. Indian gharial is the only amphibian that inhabits the zoo. The animals inhabited in the Zoological Park have been put in open and moated enclosures. The moated enclosures give the animal ample space for movement and help in expressing their biological and physiological expressions. The enclosures are screened by the terrain in such a way that one enclosure is not visible from the other. A special division of the zoo is dedicated to nocturnal animals such as prickly porcupines and toddy cats.

Butterfly Park

The Butterfly Park is a tranquil location situated within the Kanpur Zoo, featuring a diverse array of butterfly species. It stands as the first butterfly park in Uttar Pradesh, built at an approximate cost of Rs 1 crore. A variety of 100 flower species, including Calendula, Gulmehendi, and Dahlia, have been cultivated to entice the butterflies. To date, over 50 butterfly species have been recorded in the park.

Aviary

The Aviary consists of a multitude of exotic birds originating from different parts of the globe. Among these majestic creatures are colourful parrots, graceful cranes, and melodious parakeets. This section also houses emus from Australia and New Zealand, various Indian birds, as well as birds from Europe and Latin America.

Lake

A rainwater lake is the center of attraction at Allen Forest, and is the star of the zoo's annual bird-watching festival. Guests can observe numerous deer peacefully grazing in expansive savannah-like terrain, free from any predators. A remarkable total of 741 birds were identified in the lake vicinity, representing an impressive 44 distinct species, including the Pied Kingfisher, orange-headed thrush, painted storks, little egret, great cormorant, open-billed stork, black-headed ibis, waterhen, whistling teal, and grey hornbill, among others. Nearly every year, the Kanpur zoo organizes a bird-watching festival that offers nature enthusiasts a distinctive opportunity to experience the zoo lake and its surrounding area. A national award-winning Hindi film, 'Anokha Aspatal' (1989), was entirely shot along the scenic banks of the lake.

Aquarium

The zoo also boasts a meticulously maintained aquarium that showcases a diverse array of fish and marine species, providing an intriguing underwater experience. It ranks among the top attractions in Kanpur zoological park, where entry is allowed for a nominal additional fee of INR 10.

Night House

Night House is the unique section of the zoo is devoted to nocturnal creatures. This category encompasses porcupines, toddy cats (also known as Asian palm civets), and various other nocturnal species. These animals are housed within a glass enclosure located in a separate building.

Botanical Garden

The zoo features a botanical garden that showcases a variety of the nation's rare plant species, interspersed with tranquil lakes. The grounds of the zoo are meticulously cared for by forest conservationists, attracting significant attendance from diverse age groups and communities in Kanpur. It serves as a favored location for picnics, nature walks, and interactive educational experiences. There are life size sculptures of pre-historic dinosaurs.

Toy Train

Additionally, the zoo features a Toy Train facility, which has been thoughtfully designed to preserve a tranquil environment for both plant and animal species, while simultaneously offering a delightful experience primarily for children.

Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo Timings

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 9 AM - 5 PM

Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo Entry Fee

Entry: Rs. 70 for Adults & Rs. 35 for Children (Indians) & Rs. 400 for Adults & Rs. 200 for Children (Foreigners)

Ball Train: Rs. 50 for Adults & Rs. 25 for Children

Battery Operated Vehicle: Rs. 30 for Adults & Rs. 25 for Children

Best Time to Visit Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo

The best time to visit Kanpur Zoological Park is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. This period offers cool and enjoyable conditions for exploring the zoo and observing the animals. Avoid the midday heat by visiting in the morning or late afternoon. Summers are very hot and humid, while monsoons can bring heavy rainfall and slippery conditions, making it less ideal for a visit.

How to Reach Allen Forest Zoo / Kanpur Zoo

About 14 Km away, Kanpur Airport is the nearest airport and has well-connected flights from Mumbai and New Delhi. Kanpur Central Railway Station is well-connected by trains with Lucknow, Prayagraj, New Delhi, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Howrah, Bandra, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Darbhanga, Varanasi, Agra, Patna, Bhagalpur, Raipur, Ghazipur, Haldia, Gaya, Kolkata, Santragachi, Bhopal, Indore, and Sultanpur. Kanpur is well-connected by buses with all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. One can reach Kanpur Zoo by taking bus, or hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw from all parts of the city of Kanpur.