Chhatbir Zoo, officially Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, is a large zoological park near Zirakpur on the Chandigarh–Zirakpur route. You can visit its safari zones, aviary and other animal-focused attractions by private vehicle, taxi or local bus; plan several hours for the grounds.
- Location: V.P.O. Chhat, Tehsil Derabassi, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, Punjab.
- Typical opening pattern: Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; the zoo is closed on Mondays and gazetted holidays.
- Public transport: CTU route 79 serves Chhatbir Zoo, with a scheduled journey duration of 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Visit length: The zoo is suited to a half-day or full-day outing.
About the zoo and its location
Chhatbir Zoo is a 202-hectare zoological park established in 1977, located near Zirakpur in Punjab. Its official name is Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, and its address is V.P.O. Chhat, Tehsil Derabassi, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, Punjab, PIN 140601.
The zoo’s attractions include lion and deer safari zones, a walk-in aviary, a reptile house, a nocturnal house and a dinosaur park. These are spread across extensive grounds, so the visit is more than a quick stop at one exhibit. Hotel The Tulip, a hotel in Chandigarh, is a starting point for planning the outing.
The Central Zoo Authority identifies the PCCF (Wildlife) cum Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Complex, Sector 68, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, as the zoo operator. That is the relevant authority to contact for current visitor arrangements.
How do you get from Chandigarh to Chhatbir Zoo?
You can reach Chhatbir Zoo by private vehicle, taxi or local bus, with route 79 offering a public-transport connection from Chandigarh. The zoo sits on the Chandigarh–Zirakpur route, near Zirakpur.
The Central Zoo Authority gives the distance from Chandigarh Airport to the zoo as 13 km and from Chandigarh Railway Station as 18 km. Mohali Bus Stand is 14 km away, while the nearest local bus stand is 50 metres away. For airport-to-hotel travel planning, the Chandigarh Airport to Hotel The Tulip guide covers that leg of a trip.
Chandigarh Transport Undertaking route 79 runs from PGI to Chhatbir Zoo via ISBT-17, the airport, Zirakpur and Dyalpura village. Its scheduled journey duration is 1 hour 30 minutes. Check the official site before you go with the zoo operator, PCCF (Wildlife) cum Chief Wildlife Warden, for current bus arrangements.
Chhatbir Zoo timings, tickets and visitor rules
Published hours for Chhatbir Zoo are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it is closed on Mondays and gazetted holidays. Incredible India gives these opening hours; confirm them with the zoo operator before setting out, since opening information can change.
Check current ticket prices, camera charges, safari or cart fees, and online booking requirements with the zoo operator before travelling. Ask about rules for photography, feeding animals, prohibited items and visitor conduct as well, especially if you plan to bring equipment or take part in a safari.
How much time should you plan inside the zoo?
Allow several hours to explore Chhatbir Zoo; it can suit either a half-day or a full-day visit. The grounds cover 202 hectares, and the attractions range from safari zones to a walk-in aviary, reptile house, nocturnal house and dinosaur park.
For a shorter outing, choose the attractions you most want to see and leave time to move between areas. If you have most of the day, you can take a less compressed approach to the grounds. The zoo does not publish a specific recommended duration, so the right amount of time depends on how much you plan to cover.
If you need accessibility facilities, ask the zoo operator before you go about current provisions, wheelchair hire and battery-operated carts.
FAQs
What is the official name of Chhatbir Zoo?
Its official name is Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park.
Is Chhatbir Zoo closed on Monday?
Yes. The Central Zoo Authority profile identifies Monday as the weekly closure day; published opening information also gives gazetted holidays as closure days.
Can you visit Chhatbir Zoo by bus?
Yes. CTU route 79 connects PGI with Chhatbir Zoo via ISBT-17, the airport, Zirakpur and Dyalpura village.
How long does a Chhatbir Zoo visit take?
The zoo describes a visit as suitable for a half-day or full day, with several hours needed to explore. It does not specify a single recommended duration.