A paradise in chaos - Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan , Patna, Bihar

It was 7th march when i planned to take my family to Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan in Patna from my native village. It is popularly known as Patna Zoo or Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden.

It is situated over bailey road. I would strongly recommend anyone who is visiting Patna to visit this place. Unlike most of the Indian zoo it is not crowded and animals are not confined into small cages. Most of the enclosure is big and animals appears to be healthy. This zoo is successful in breeding captive many wild animals and got world attention after successful breeding of rhinoceros. 

Entrance of Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan , Patna

Zoo is a perfect picnic place and having lake, Aquarium, snake house, toy train, restaurant and garden.

Zoo is situated near the airport in the heart of Patna city.  We bought tickets for Rs 20/ person and had to pass through newly installed automatic gate. We paid Rs 5 for each plastic bottle we were carrying to the park and suppose to get it back after bringing back the same bottles with stickers. It was a innovative way to discourage people to throw bottles and plastic in the park. There is a clean paid toilet after the entrance gate. Park gives first impression of being in a forest. All the routes are well defined along with name of animal/birds. Most of the signs are in Hindi but there are people everywhere to help you in case you are lost;-)

Bombax (Simal/simar) tree was in full bloom and giving a beautiful touch to the pristine lake. Airport is very near to the Lake and it is a memorable experience to watch flights flying just above during boating.

Lake ( jheel) Inside Patna zoo

Aquarium ( Machhli Ghar) is another popular attraction inside. There are hundreds of  colorful and beautiful fishes tortoise inside Aquarium.

MACHHLI GHAR

 There are many species of Snake including Cobra, Python , krait  are in glass house inside Saap Ghar (Snake house ). 

There is bird section which feature birds from India and few from other countries.

There is toy train inside,which is nice and quickest way to see the zoo.

Patna zoo is also a good location for bird watching and i was able to see more than dozen of bird species including kingfishers,Indian grey hornbill and shrikes. If you plan to visit this zoo ready to spend whole day.