Chattbir Zoo, officially called Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, is one of the most well-known zoological parks in the northern region of India. It is a great wildlife park located at Chatt Village on Zirakpur-Patiala Highway in Punjab. It has thousands of visitors from various sections of society visiting it annually. It offers visitors an exciting experience by letting them see the different kinds of mammalians, reptiles, and birds in their natural habitat. There are many other features that add to the fame of Chattbir Zoo. Some of these include spacious enclosures, diverse wild animal collection, and exciting experiences. Major attractions at the Chattbir Zoo include Lion Safari, Walk-in Aviary, Big Cats section, Reptile House, and Dinosaur Park.
Chhatbir Zoo Ticket Price
The ticket price of Chhatbir Zoo Ticket Price 2026 is segregated according to different categories of tourists like adult, children, toddler, differently abled tourist, and tourists for their interest to have some special attraction. The standard entry fee enables tourists to visit different parts of the zoo such as animal zone, birds’ zone, and other parts. There are some special facilities offered by the zoo to have an interesting experience like lion safari and battery operated cart facility.
| Ticket Category | Price | Details |
| Adult Ticket (Above 12 Years) | ₹100 | General zoo entry |
| Child Ticket (3 to 12 Years) | ₹50 | Entry for children |
| Toddlers (Below 3 Years) | Free | Free entry |
| Differently-Abled Visitors | Free | Valid ID/document required |
| Lion & Deer Safari | ₹75 per person | Special safari vehicle ride |
| Battery Operated Cart | ₹60 per person | Internal transportation facility |
| Camera / Video Permit | ₹500 | Applicable for professional/heavy camera equipment |
Chhatbir Zoo Ticket Price Overview
The knowledge of the ticket system prior to the visit will help tourists control their finances and choose the right combination based on their needs. The standard entry ticket is very cheap for individuals and family members, but there is also the choice of extra options which provide extra comfort and entertainment. The electric cart is really helpful for the elderly people and comfortable walking.
| Ticket Type | Details |
| Regular Entry Ticket | Access to zoo areas and wildlife sections |
| Lion & Deer Safari | Additional safari experience inside secured zones |
| Battery Operated Cart | Comfortable internal transportation |
| Camera Permit | Required for professional photography equipment |
Background & History of Chhatbir Zoo
The Chhatbir Zoo, or Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, was founded in 1977 with the mission to preserve wildlife, ensure animal welfare, educate people and raise awareness of various species among its visitors. The zoo takes its name from Mahendra Chaudhary, who was the Governor of Punjab. Through the time, the Chhatbir Zoo became one of the most important wildlife sites in Punjab. The zoo creates a natural habitat for different animals and birds and works on wildlife conservation and education. The area of the zoo is large and contains different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. You can see there lions, tigers, deer, bears, crocodiles and various types of birds. There are such interesting places as Lion Safari, Walk-in Aviary, White Tiger enclosure, Dinosaur Park and Reptile House in the zoo.
Which Is Best Offer?
Mainly, Chhatbir Zoo works on individual tickets and not big package offers. But the tourists have the freedom to choose the most appropriate one for themselves. A family with kids can go for regular visit and Lion Safari, both, to make a complete experience of seeing wildlife. Seniors can take the battery cart facility for easy movement.
| Visitor Type | Best Option |
| Families with Kids | Entry Ticket + Lion Safari |
| Senior Citizens | Entry Ticket + Battery Operated Cart |
| Students | Regular Entry Ticket |
| Wildlife Lovers | Entry Ticket + Safari Experience |
| Photography Lovers | Entry Ticket + Camera Permission |
Entry Rules & Restrictions
There are certain guidelines that are followed in Chhatbir Zoo in order to ensure safety of visitors and also for the safety of the animals.
- Do not offer food to the animals nor interfere with their normal behavior.
- Do not litter any plastic material inside the zoo premises.
- Always keep the surroundings of the zoo clean.
- Do not create noise near the animal enclosures.
- Always follow the safety guidelines near the cage and observation areas.
- Always carry valid entrance tickets while visiting the zoo.
- Always follow the guidelines for photography and camera.
- Do not enter the zoo premises with prohibited materials.
Chhatbir Zoo Timings & Schedule
The Chhatbir Zoo opens its doors to visitors on all days of the week excluding Monday, when the zoo closes down for maintenance and management activities. Various animal zones, safaris, and attractions can be visited during these visiting times. One should try to come to the zoo in the morning as most of the animals are quite active at this time of day and also there will be plenty of time for the visitors to roam around the big premises.
| Schedule Details | Timings |
| Operational Days | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Closed Day | Monday |
| Gate Opening Time | 9:00 AM |
| Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Last Entry Time | Around 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Ideal Visit Duration | 3–4 Hours |
Food & Dining Options
Food and drink options are provided by Chhatbir Zoo for its visitors to eat while they visit. It takes a long time to walk through the entire zoo, which is why food stalls are helpful, especially when visitors are traveling with children. Snacks, drinks, and other food items are available within the zoo. But visitors must check beforehand if they are allowed to carry any outside food to the zoo.
| Food Facility | Availability / Details |
| Food Counters | Available inside/near zoo area |
| Snacks & Beverages | Available for visitors |
| Drinking Water | Available at designated points |
| Restaurants | Available near the zoo area |
| Outside Food | Follow current zoo guidelines |
Facilities Available at Chhatbir Zoo
Several facilities have been provided at Chhatbir Zoo so that the visitors can enjoy their stay comfortably. The facility is very helpful considering that the zoo is very extensive in nature. The facility becomes necessary in case of family visits with children, elderly people, and longer periods inside the zoo.
| Facility | Details |
| Battery Operated Cart | Available for comfortable internal transportation |
| Parking Area | Paid parking facility available outside the gate |
| Drinking Water | Available at designated locations |
| Rest Areas | Available inside the zoo premises |
| Washrooms | Available for visitors |
| Information Centre | Visitor assistance facility |
| Safari Service | Lion & Deer Safari available at additional charge |
Dress Code at Chhatbir Zoo
Although there is no official dress code that must be followed to enter Chhatbir Zoo, one should wear light clothing and footwear since one has to do a lot of walking around the zoo. It is advisable to wear light clothes, particularly when it is summer.
- Comfortable cotton dress during summer.
- Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Cap or hat must be taken to protect yourself from the sun rays.
- Avoid uncomfortable shoes.
- Light jacket should be taken during winter season visits.
- Dress according to the weather.
Best Time to Visit Chhatbir Zoo
The best time to visit Chhatbir Zoo varies based on the weather and personal preference of the visitors. Winter season is usually the best as the pleasant weather enables easy walking and observing the wildlife. Morning time is preferred as most animals tend to be more active and you get to enjoy more attractions.
| Season / Time | Experience Quality |
| October to March | Best weather for sightseeing and wildlife viewing |
| April to June | Hot weather; morning visit recommended |
| Monsoon Season | Green surroundings but weather may affect movement |
| Morning Hours | Best time for animal observation |
| Weekdays | Less crowded experience |
Best Activities For Kids & Adults
Children and adults get varied experiences at Chhatbir Zoo. The kids have fun interacting with animals and bird, while adults have fun roaming around in wildlife segments and education zones.
Best Activities For Kids
Children can enjoy various attractions that combine fun with learning.
- Dinosaur Park: Children have a thrilling experience viewing life-size models of dinosaurs.
- Walk-in Aviary: Children have the opportunity to view colorful birds in their natural habitat.
- Animal Watching: Lions, tigers, deer, and other animals provide an educational experience.
- Safari Ride: Lion Safari ride is a fun activity for children.
Best Activities For Adults
Adults can explore wildlife sections, photography opportunities, and peaceful walking areas.
- Lion Safari: An exceptional chance to see lions within a safe enclosure.
- Wildlife Photography: Click pictures of animals, birds, and their environment.
- Visit to the Walk-in Aviary: See various kinds of birds.
- Nature Walk: Appreciate the greenery of the zoo.
Major Activities & Attractions at Chhatbir Zoo
Chhatbir Zoo is full of many experiences related to wildlife and not only about visiting zoo. Park is composed of animal watching, safaris, birds watching, educative sections and attractions for the whole family. One could spend there many hours and see many species of animals staying in properly cared for enclosures. Zoo is popular mostly among families since there is some entertainment and educational part of it. Kids will be able to get some knowledge about wildlife conservation, and the adults will be able to make some photos and to have some walk in the nature.
Lion Safari
Lion Safari is one of the most popular sights in the Chhatbir Zoo. People will be able to get into the special safari vehicle and to go through the secured area of lions and see them in the semi-natural conditions. This sight is one of the main reasons why many tourists want to visit the Chhatbir Zoo.
Walk-in Aviary
This sight is the place where one will be able to watch different kinds of birds in one large enclosure. One will see there a lot of colorful birds and waterfowls in the natural environment. It is very good spot for photography since one will be able to take some beautiful photos of the birds and greenery.
Big Cats & Wildlife Section
Various types of magnificent wild animals can be found at Chhatbir Zoo, like big cats and mammals. Different zones housing these animals include:
- Royal Bengal Tigers
- White Tigers
- Leopards
- Jaguars
- Black Bears
- Deer Species
- Other Mammals
Dinosaur Park
One of the most interesting areas that attract many children is the Dinosaur Park. This area has replica dinosaurs of real sizes, thus creating an atmosphere of the prehistoric period. Thus, this section is not only interesting but also educational.
Reptile & Nocturnal House
This section acquaints visitors with different reptiles and nocturnal creatures. This area is useful for people who want to learn something new about unusual creatures.
- Snakes and pythons
- Monitor lizards
- Crocodiles
- Nocturnal creatures
Wildlife Photography & Nature Walk
The beautiful green settings of Chhatbir Zoo offer great chances of photography and nature walking experiences. People visiting the zoo can take pictures of animals, birds, landscapes, and many other natural images. It is a nice place where visitors can enjoy their peaceful stay outdoors.
Location & Address
Chhatbir Zoo, also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, is located near the village of Chhat on the highway connecting Zirakpur and Patiala, in Punjab state. Being close to important cities such as Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and Zirakpur, Chhatbir Zoo is an ideal place for people to spend their weekends at.
| Location Details | Information |
| Zoo Name | Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park (Chhatbir Zoo) |
| Address | Chhat Village, Zirakpur–Patiala Highway, Punjab |
| Nearby Area | Zirakpur / Banur |
| State | Punjab |
| PIN Code | 140603 |
How to Reach Chhatbir Zoo
Chhatbir Zoo has excellent connectivity options via roadways, railways, and airports. Visitors coming from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and other neighboring places can easily access Chhatbir Zoo through their own conveyance, hired taxis, and public transportation.
By Road
Chhatbir Zoo is situated near Zirakpur-Patiala Highway, hence, easy to access via roads. Visitors can visit Chhatbir Zoo via private vehicles, taxis, and local buses from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, and Patiala.
By Bus
Visitors may take public buses traveling between Chandigarh, Zirakpur, and neighboring locations. From the nearest bus stop, visitors may use public transport to reach the zoo.
| Bus Stand | Details |
| Zirakpur Bus Stand | Nearest major bus connectivity point |
| Local Transport | Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Cab available |
| Connectivity | Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and nearby areas |
By Train
Those using trains have railway stations near to them from where they can continue their trip through taxis.
| Railway Station | Details |
| Chandigarh Railway Station | Major nearby railway station |
| Distance | Approximately 15–20 km (approx.) |
| Transport Options | Taxi, Cab, Local Transport |
By Metro
There is no metro train link to Chhatbir Zoo presently. However, tourists can take road transport from the nearby regions of Chandigarh/Zirakpur.
| Metro Details | Information |
| Nearest Metro Station | Metro connectivity not available |
| Alternative Transport | Taxi, Cab, Auto, Private Vehicle |
| Best Option | Road transport from Chandigarh/Zirakpur |
By Air
The closest airport is the Chandigarh International Airport, which connects with major cities in India.
| Airport Details | Information |
| Nearest Airport | Chandigarh International Airport |
| Location | Mohali, Punjab |
| Distance from Zoo | Approximately 12 km |
| Travel Options | Taxi, Cab, Private Vehicle |
| Travel Time | Around 25–35 minutes (depending on traffic) |
Nearest Hotels
People who intend to spend their night near Chhatbir Zoo have different accommodation facilities available for them in Zirakpur, Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula regions.
- Park Plaza Chandigarh Zirakpur
- Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpur
- Ramada Plaza Chandigarh Zirakpur
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Zirakpur
- Hyatt Regency Chandigarh
- JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh
- The Lalit Chandigarh
- Hotel North Park Zirakpur
Nearest Attractions
Apart from Chhatbir Zoo, there are many other places that people visiting Chhatbir Zoo can consider visiting in the vicinity of Chandigarh. They can be visited along with the zoo to make it a full day or weekend tour.
- Elante Mall, Chandigarh – A well-known place for shopping and recreation.
- Zirakpur Markets – Shopping places in the vicinity.
- Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula – Well-known religious place near Chandigarh.
Parking Charges at Chhatbir Zoo
Parking facility is provided at Chhatbir Zoo for tourists coming in their own vehicles. There is provision for parking at the entrance gate of the zoo. It allows tourists to park their vehicles before going inside the zoo premises.
| Vehicle Type | Parking Details |
| Two-Wheeler | Paid parking facility available |
| Four-Wheeler / Car | Paid parking facility available |
| Bus / Large Vehicle | Charges may vary |
| Parking Location | Outside zoo entrance |
Online Ticket Booking for Chhatbir Zoo
Visitors to Chhatbir Zoo may opt for online ticketing services which are available from the online ticketing system that is offered by the zoo administration. Online ticketing will ensure that visitors do not have to stand in lengthy queues, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.
Steps to Book Chhatbir Zoo Tickets Online
- Visit the Chhatbir Zoo website to book your tickets online.
- Choose the day you wish to visit.
- Choose the category of ticket you need (Adult/Children).
- Opt for any other service you need like safari or battery cart ride.
- Provide correct details about yourself.
- Check the number of tickets and amount.
- Make payment online.
- Download your booking confirmation.
- Take along your confirmation while visiting the zoo.
Safety & Visitor Guidelines
Some basic rules that Chhatbir Zoo adheres to regarding the safety of its visitors and animals are mentioned below. Visitors must abide by all the rules of the zoo and instructions from the authorities.
- Avoid feeding animals and throwing food items inside the enclosures.
- Maintain safety distance from animal enclosures and viewing points.
- Avoid disturbing animals with any noise.
- Avoid throwing any plastic garbage or litter inside the zoo premises.
- Use bins for cleanliness.
- Obey all instructions from zoo authorities.
- Carry valid entry tickets while visiting the zoo.
- Obey all instructions regarding photography.
- Do not use flash photography near animals.
- Ensure that children are supervised by adults.
- Avoid allowing children to pass through safety barriers.
- Avoid carrying restricted items inside the zoo.
- Wear comfortable shoes since walking is involved at the zoo.
- Drink plenty of fluids, particularly when visiting the zoo during the summer.
- Observe all instructions for safari safety at Lion & Deer Safari.
- Do not run near animal viewing points or crowded areas.
Things to Carry for Chhatbir Zoo Visit
Carrying essential items before visiting Chhatbir Zoo can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Since exploring the zoo involves considerable walking, visitors should prepare according to the weather conditions and duration of their visit.
- Valid entry ticket or online booking confirmation.
- Government-issued ID proof if required.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Drinking water bottle.
- Sunscreen lotion during summer visits.
- Sunglasses and cap/hat for sun protection.
- Light and comfortable clothing according to weather.
- Camera or mobile phone for photography.
- Extra battery/power bank for electronic devices.
- Personal medicines if required.
- Small backpack for carrying essential items.
- Umbrella or rain protection during monsoon season.
- Snacks for children if permitted according to zoo rules.
One Day Budget for Chhatbir Zoo Visit
The total expenditure of the visit to Chhatbir Zoo is dependent on the total number of visitors, activities undertaken, means of transport chosen, spending on food, and optional activities such as Lion Safari and battery cart. For individual or group visits, the visitor needs to take into account entry fees, food costs, transportation costs, and any other additional activity that the visitors might want to undertake.
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost |
| Adult Entry Ticket | ₹100 per person |
| Child Entry Ticket | ₹50 per child |
| Lion & Deer Safari | ₹75 per person |
| Battery Operated Cart | ₹60 per person |
| Camera / Video Permit | ₹500 |
| Food & Refreshments | ₹200 – ₹500 per person (approx.) |
| Local Transport | Depends on starting location |
| Parking Charges | Applicable as per vehicle type |
Estimated Budget:
| Visitor Type | Approximate Budget |
| Single Adult (Basic Visit) | ₹300 – ₹500 |
| Couple Visit | ₹600 – ₹1,000 |
| Family Visit (2 Adults + 2 Children) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Visit with Safari & Extra Services | Higher depending on selections |
Travel Tips for Chhatbir Zoo
Following a few simple travel tips can help visitors enjoy their Chhatbir Zoo experience comfortably and avoid common issues during the visit.
- Come during the morning time as animals tend to be more active at that time.
- Arrive in the morning to enjoy the entire park without any hassles.
- Wear good walking shoes as the zoo demands lots of walking.
- Buy tickets online beforehand during weekends and holidays.
- Take some water and sunblockers during summers.
- Ensure that children remain supervised throughout the visit.
- Check whether safaris are available before opting for other things.
- Do not come during the extreme hot afternoons.
- Abide by all the rules of the zoo.
- Always carry a camera or a cell phone.
- Ensure cleanliness of the environment by using dustbins.
Is Chhatbir Zoo Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Chhatbir Zoo is worth visiting, especially when you want to spend an educational and fun day out with the family. In addition to various animal species, there is a Safari, Bird Sections, family attractions and other interesting features at the Zoo. Lion Safari, Walk-in Aviary, Big Cat sections, Dinosaur Park and Reptile House make this zoo visit quite unique compared to other zoos. The proximity of the location to cities like Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and Zirakpur can serve as an additional advantage for people who want to have a good weekend.
Conclusion
Chhatbir Zoo (Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park) is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Punjab. This is a great destination for families, children and people who love nature. There are various animal species in Chhatbir Zoo along with various other attractions like bird sections, safari, etc., which make it a fun and interesting visit for all age groups. Thus, Chhatbir Zoo can be considered as a fun destination for day visit near Chandigarh.
FAQs
Q1. What is the price of the Chhatbir Zoo ticket 2026?
Ticket rates in the zoo differ based on the type of the visitor being adult or child.
Q2. What are the Chhatbir Zoo timings?
Timings are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Q3. Do we have Lion Safari in Chhatbir Zoo?
Yes, Lion and Deer Safari is one of the additional attractions of the zoo.
Q4. Can I visit Chhatbir Zoo with kids?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly zoo having some interesting attractions including Dinosaur Park and Walk-in Aviary.
Q5. Where is Chhatbir Zoo located?
It is situated at Chhat Village, Zirakpur-Patiala Highway, Punjab.
Q6. Which is the nearest airport to Chhatbir Zoo?
Nearest airport to it is Chandigarh International Airport.
Q7. Does the Chhatbir Zoo provide parking facilities?
Yes, there are parking facilities which are paid near the entrance of the zoo.
Q8. Is there online ticket booking facility available for Chhatbir Zoo?
Yes, online ticket booking facility is available.
Q9. How much time is sufficient to spend in Chhatbir Zoo?
Around 3 to 4 hours are enough to spend and visit its major attractions.
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