Darjeeling is nestled in the majestic Himalayas, renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, rolling tea estates, delicious food, and captivating architecture. This charming town in West Bengal is home to the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling is situated at an elevation of 2,050 meters, providing a refreshing and cool climate throughout the year. It is also a stunning gateway to the Eastern Himalayas and offers an ideal vantage point for witnessing India's highest peak, Mount Kangchenjunga. If you're still looking for a compelling reason to visit this enchanting Raj-era hill station, look no further than the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP). Recently, PNHZP became the only zoo in the country to house three tiger species: the Siberian tiger, the Royal Bengal tiger, and the white tiger.

　　About The Park

　　Widely regarded as the best zoo in India, PNHZP offers a unique opportunity to witness remarkable conservation efforts. Established on August 14, 1958, in the picturesque setting of Darjeeling, this zoo is a collaborative project between the Government of India (Department of Science and Technology) and the Government of West Bengal (Department of Education). Located in Jawahar Parbat in Darjeeling, the zoo providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Mount Kanchenjunga. This location not only serves as a remarkable setting for the zoo but also enhances the overall experience for travellers who appreciate nature's beauty.

　　What Sets It Apart

　　As the largest high-altitude zoo in the nation, PNHZP has earned international acclaim for its successful breeding programmes for endangered species, including the red panda, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves. It's not just a zoo—it's a pioneer, the first in India to successfully release red pandas into their natural habitat. Beyond animal conservation, PNHZP engages visitors and locals through educational campaigns highlighting the critical need to protect the Himalayan ecosystem.

　　The remarkable zoo in Darjeeling has become a leading force in conservation, gaining global recognition for its innovative breeding programmes that protect endangered species native to the Eastern Himalayas. Celebrated as one of the finest zoos in India, it received the prestigious "Earth's Heroes" Award in 2014, standing out among more than 300 zoos worldwide.

　　Apart from the elusive snow leopard, you can spot the Himalayan wolf, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, and the Himalayan deer. Moreover, other inhabitants include the sambar deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, barking deer, goral, and musk deer. The zoo also features a stunning aviary, a spacious circular habitat with vibrant birds such as the lady Amherst pheasant, rose-ringed parakeets, hill mynas, ring-necked pheasants, and the breathtaking blue-and-gold macaws.

　　The Red Panda Project

　　The Red Panda Conservation Breeding and Augmentation Programme at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has been honoured as one of the top three finalists for the prestigious 2024 WAZA Conservation & Environmental Sustainability Awards, presented by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

　　From 2022 to 2024, this groundbreaking initiative successfully released nine captive-bred red pandas—seven females and two males—into the picturesque Singalila National Park in West Bengal. Three released females have thrived in their new habitat, giving birth to five adorable cubs in the wild. This programme highlights the park's commitment to conservation and demonstrates the potential for successful species recovery.

　　The Information

　　Timings:

　　The park is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Friday through Wednesday.

　　Entry Fee:

　　INR 110 for adults and INR 180 for foreigners. Children under six can enter for free.

　　How to reach:

　　Bagdogra Airport is your gateway to the stunning hills of Darjeeling, just a three-hour taxi ride away. Alternatively, you can take a train from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, which also takes about three hours. If you prefer driving, hire a car from Siliguri or Bagdogra for a scenic journey that lasts two to three hours.