The short answer
Pradyuman Park Zoo: what visitors should know first
Go if you are travelling with children and have a morning free. It is large and hilly in parts, so go early, carry water, and check the current opening days and any vehicle service.
History and context
The story behind Pradyuman Park Zoo
The zoo opened to the public on 14 August 2010, after animals were shifted from the Aji Dam mini zoo in December 2009. Pradyuman Park covers about 55 hectares of undulating ground with ridges, valleys and rocky outcrops, surrounded by Lalpari and Randarda lakes. The Central Zoo Authority's reports record a COVID closure from March to October 2020.
Useful facts
Pradyuman Park Zoo facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Lalpari Lake, Rajkot
- Experience type
- Zoological park
- Known for
- Tigers, birds and lake views in about 55 hectares
- Opened
- 14 August 2010
- Time or schedule
- Daytime hours; confirm closing day locally
Why it matters
Why Pradyuman Park Zoo is worth your time
The park shows a quieter side of Rajkot: a municipal green space on the edge of the city that offers a day out for local families. It is a useful option if your group includes children who have had enough of museums.
It also shows how the city has reworked its green space and its approach to animals in captivity, since the animals were moved here from the older mini zoo at Aji Dam in 2009.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The lakes
The park is surrounded by Lalpari and Randarda lakes, and the views are among its best features.
- 02
Big cats and birds
A mix of Indian species, including tigers and water birds.
- 03
Forest walkway
Marked paths take visitors through ridges and valleys.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Go early, when the animals are more active and the air is cooler. The park covers about 55 hectares of rocky ridges and valleys beside Lalpari and Randarda lakes, and a forest walkway keeps visitors on the paths. Pick up a map at the entrance and decide whether to walk the full circuit or take a vehicle if one is running.
The zoo is home to a mix of Indian species, including big cats such as tigers, and birds such as white ibis can be seen around the lakes. Take your time at enclosures, stay on the paths and avoid feeding animals. Children will enjoy it more than adults who do not like walking.
Carry water and a hat, and avoid the hot hours. If you want a gentler outing, choose the lake views and a short loop instead of the full circuit. There is limited food available inside, so plan your meals before or after.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check the opening days and any vehicle service
- Go early and carry water and a hat
- Do not bring food inside
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Lalpari Lake, on the city's outskirts
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Best time
- Early morning; November to February
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The park is large, undulating and rocky in places, so walking is considerable. Ask at the entrance whether a golf-car or battery-vehicle service is running, as a travel listing mentions one. Shade and seating are limited in places; carry water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- A ticket is required; check current rates, timings and closing days with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation or locally, as one travel site reports a weekly closing day that is unconfirmed. Food is not permitted inside according to one report.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Pradyuman Park Zoo
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The park is large, undulating and rocky in places, so walking is considerable. Ask at the entrance whether a golf-car or battery-vehicle service is running, as a travel listing mentions one. Shade and seating are limited in places; carry water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Pradyuman Park good for seniors?
Only if a vehicle service is running or you keep to a short loop. It is large and uneven in places.
When did the zoo open?
It opened on 14 August 2010.
Can I bring food inside?
One report says food is not allowed inside. Check locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
