Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as Katraj Zoo, is a 130-acre zoo in Katraj, Pune, divided into an animal orphanage, a snake park, and a zoo. It includes the 42-acre Katraj Lake. Visitors can see a male Bengal tiger named Tanaji, Asiatic lions, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a large collection of snakes, including a 13-foot king cobra.

Don't miss

• Asiatic lions, which replaced a white tiger in 2017 and boosted visitor numbers
• A male Bengal tiger named Tanaji
• Snake park with over 22 species of snakes, including a 13-foot king cobra
• Information about snakes provided in Braille, as well as conventional formats
• Animal orphanage and rescue centre for injured and orphaned animals
• Katraj Lake, a 42-acre lake within the park

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Cheapest way inWhy Pune? : Heritage and Food Walks through Old Pune5★ · 36 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Most bookedGuided Highlights of Pune Car Tour with a local (4 Hrs Sightseeing in AC Car)4.6★ · 95 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleImmersive culture tour of Pune by private car with guide and local lunch5★ · 40 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$117 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The snake park hosts snake festivals and awareness programs, especially during Nag Panchami, to discourage ill-treatment of snakes.
• The snake park includes a library with information about snakes.
• An animal adoption scheme has been running since October 2010.

A bit of history

The zoo originated from a private menagerie established by Madhavrao Peshwe in 1770, later becoming Peshwe Park in 1953. In 1997, a new site in Katraj was selected to create a modern zoo, opening in 1999 as Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Animals from Peshwe Park were moved here by 2005, and the park now includes a rescue centre for injured and orphaned animals.