The Zoological Park

The Zoological Park (universally celebrated as the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo or Trivandrum Zoological Garden), situated within a sprawling 55 acre botanical enclave in the heart of Trivandrum in Kerala, stands as the oldest municipal zoo in India and one of the most historically significant wildlife conservation sanctuaries in Asia.

Established in 1857 by Maharaja Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma of the princely state of Travancore as an annex to the Napier Museum complex, this historic green sanctuary was originally designed along royal European menagerie standards before being transformed into an open moated modern conservation habitat for endangered Indian and global fauna.

It's the home of over 80 rare wildlife species including Royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, white tigers, one horned Indian rhinoceroses, Nilgiri langurs, and African zebras, a specialized multi level reptile house housing giant King Cobras and green anacondas, an expansive walk through avian aviary, hundreds of towering heritage shade trees and rare tropical flora, and shaded walking paths encircling a tranquil natural lake.

It represents a rich ecological haven where royal 19th century Travancore heritage, pioneering wildlife breeding programs, lush botanical landscaping, and engaging conservation education unite in the state capital.

Located in Kanakakkunnu Vellayambalam along Museum Road, it sits just 3 km north of Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC), 6 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), and directly shares its boundary with the Napier Museum and Sree Chitra Art Gallery, easily accessible by city bus, auto rickshaw, or taxi.

The 1857 Royal Heritage & Open Moated Enclosures

Conceived by the visionary Maharaja of Travancore over 165 years ago, the zoo began as a leisure park to showcase exotic royal animals to the public.

In recent decades, cramped iron cages were completely replaced with vast naturalistic open moated safari enclosures, allowing predators, herbivores, and primates to roam across grassy mounds shaded by century old banyan and mahogany trees.

Truth is, the lush 55 acre botanical setting is a massive green oxygen lung for Trivandrum city, keeping the ambient temperature several degrees cooler than surrounding urban avenues.

The Giant Reptile House & Walk Through Aviaries

The Reptile House: The zoo boasts one of South India's finest serpentariums, featuring climate controlled glass enclosures housing King Cobras, Indian rock pythons, venomous vipers, monitor lizards, and exotic green anacondas.

Free Flight Aviaries: Towering netted enclosures allow visitors to observe majestic birds in flight, including Great Indian Hornbills, white peacocks, painted storks, pelicans, and colorful macaw parrots.

Botanical Gardens, Lake & Family Facilities

Living Botanical Collection: Over 200 species of indigenous and exotic plants, ancient medicinal herbs, and towering timber trees are carefully labeled throughout the park grounds.

Eco Buggy Rides: Battery operated eco friendly buggies are available for senior citizens and young families, providing a comfortable tour of the winding lake pathways and predator sectors.

After exploring the wildlife of The Zoological Park, tour the Indo Saracenic Napier Museum within the same campus, view royal masterpieces at Sree Chitra Art Gallery, or visit the grand Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.