In the heart of Kerala’s capital city, the Trivandrum Zoo, officially known as the Thiruvananthapuram Zoological Park, is one of the oldest and most scenic zoos in India. Established in 1857 by the Maharaja of Travancore, this 55-acre zoological paradise combines the charm of a lush botanical garden with the thrill of encountering wildlife up close.

Set amidst towering trees, lotus-filled ponds, and shady trails, the zoo is a peaceful escape from city chaos, perfect for families, children, and nature enthusiasts planning a holiday in Thiruvananthapuram. It’s also part of the Napier Museum complex, so you can experience both art and wildlife in one memorable visit.

Let’s explore this beautiful destination in detail, from its best attractions to travel tips and hidden secrets that will make your visit truly enjoyable.

🌳 Top Places to Visit Inside Trivandrum Zoo

🦁 Big Cat Enclosures – The Main Attraction

The most popular section of the zoo is undoubtedly the Big Cat Zone, home to Royal Bengal Tigers, White Tigers, and Leopards. Their spacious natural enclosures make it one of the best-maintained habitats in India.

👉 Hidden Tip: Visit early in the morning (between 9:00 and 11:00 AM) when the cats are active and visible.

🦏 Herbivores & Giant Mammals

Next, stroll through the Herbivore Enclosure, where you can see Indian Rhinoceros, Nilgai, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, and Black Buck roaming peacefully. The surrounding greenery and shade make this a great resting point during your walk.

🐒 Primate Zone

This area houses Lion-Tailed Macaques, Bonnet Macaques, and Nilgiri Langurs, all native to India’s Western Ghats. Their playful nature and human-like gestures make it a favorite stop for kids.

🐍 Reptile House & Anaconda Enclosure

Don’t miss the Snake Park, which features Cobras, Pythons, Vipers, and a massive Green Anaconda that fascinates visitors of all ages. It’s a temperature-controlled enclosure designed for safe viewing.

👉 Hidden Tip: Avoid touching the glass or using flash photography here, the lighting is ideal for natural photos.

🦜 Bird Sanctuary & Aviary Trail

Walk along the Aviary Trail, where you’ll find Peacocks, Parakeets, Hornbills, Pelicans, Cranes, and migratory birds. This shaded section is peaceful and ideal for photography lovers.

🌿 Natural Lake & Woodland Trails

A serene lake surrounded by dense forest paths adds to the charm of the zoo. The pathways are well laid out with benches and shaded resting areas, perfect for quiet moments or a picnic.

📍 Entry Fee, Timings & Location Details

🚗 Battery Vehicle / Buggy Service at Trivandrum Zoo

For visitors who find it difficult to walk across the entire 55-acre Trivandrum Zoo, the battery-operated buggy service (also known as the electric vehicle or eco-car service) is an excellent facility provided by the zoo management. It ensures that senior citizens, differently-abled visitors, and families with small children can enjoy the zoo comfortably without missing any attractions.

🚘 What is the Buggy Service?

The buggy is an electric-powered vehicle that runs silently through designated tracks inside the zoo. It’s eco-friendly, non-polluting, and follows a loop that covers all the main animal enclosures, including the tiger zone, reptile house, bird section, herbivore areas, and the lake trail.

Each buggy is driven by a trained zoo staff driver and has comfortable seating for 6 to 8 people, depending on the model.

🕒 Buggy Service Timings

• Available Hours: 9:15 AM to 4:45 PM
  (The first buggy ride starts shortly after the zoo opens, and the last round is scheduled about 30 minutes before closing time.)

• Closed on Mondays – same as the zoo holiday.

• Duration per ride: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes for a complete circuit around the zoo.

• Frequency: Buggies depart every 20–30 minutes depending on demand and crowd volume, especially during weekends and holidays.

👉 Hidden Tip: Try to book your ride immediately after entering the zoo, especially during weekends, tickets can sell out fast after 11 AM.

💰 Trivandrum Zoo Battery Vehicle Ticket Price and Booking Details

🎟️

Where to Get the Buggy Tickets

• The battery vehicle ticket counter is located just after the main zoo entrance gate, near the entry ticket counter and information booth.

• Visitors must first buy the regular entry ticket for the zoo, and then proceed to the separate counter marked “Battery Vehicle Booking”.

• Payment options: Cash or UPI are generally accepted.

• Tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the same day.

After purchasing, you’ll be given a boarding pass that mentions the vehicle number and reporting time. Zoo staff guide you to the waiting area (usually near the main walkway inside the gate).

🚗 Trivandrum Zoo Route Covered by the Buggy

The ride follows a fixed route that ensures visitors can view most of the important enclosures comfortably:

1. Main Entrance → Big Cats Zone (Tiger & Leopard Enclosures)

2. Elephant and Rhino Area → Herbivore Section (Deer, Nilgai, Gaur)

3. Primate Zone → Lion-Tailed Macaques & Langurs

4. Reptile House → Anaconda & Snake Enclosure

5. Bird Section & Aviary Trail

6. Natural Lake Viewpoint → Shaded Woodland Paths → Return to Entry Gate

Total ride time: about 25–30 minutes (without stops).
For photography or viewing, some vehicles pause briefly at certain enclosures when possible.

👨‍👩‍👧 Battery Vehicle Ideal For

• Elderly visitors or those with mobility challenges

• Families with young children (below 10 years)

• Visitors short on time who wish to see all sections quickly

• Tour groups wanting a quick guided circuit

The vehicles are shaded with a canopy roof and have comfortable cushioned seats, making the journey smooth even on sunny days.

⚠️ Important Notes & Tips about Buggy Service

• Tickets are subject to availability; during weekends or holidays, there may be waiting time of 15–20 minutes.

• Visitors can only board / alight at designated stops; mid-route stops aren’t permitted for safety reasons.

• Each buggy has a trained zoo staff driver-cum-guide who gives short commentary about animals and park areas.

• The buggy runs at a controlled speed (under 10 km/h) ensuring safety for pedestrians and animals.

• In case of rain, some services may be temporarily suspended for safety.

• Private or group bookings (e.g., family groups) can be made directly at the counter for dedicated use.

👉 Hidden Tip: If you prefer a private experience, reach before 10:00 AM, you can often get an entire buggy for your group without extra waiting.

🎢 Trivandrum Zoo Fun Activities & Attractions for Kids

The Trivandrum Zoo is one of the most child-friendly attractions in Kerala.

👦 Top Kids’ Activities

• Ride the electric battery car that takes families through the main parts of the zoo.

• Visit the Reptile House for exciting encounters with snakes and turtles.

• Enjoy the Bird Trail, where colorful parrots and peacocks roam.

• Spot animals and birds as part of a fun educational “Zoo Quiz” (a great way to teach children about wildlife).

• Play areas and benches under shade offer rest spots between walks.

👉 Hidden Tip: The zoo’s wide shaded lanes make it stroller-friendly for toddlers and elderly visitors.

🍴 Food, Restrooms & Parking Facilities at Trivandrum Zoo

🍛 Food Facilities

There’s a refreshment counter and canteen near the entrance selling soft drinks, snacks, and tea. For more options, several restaurants and cafés are within walking distance near Napier Museum Road.

🚻 Restrooms

Clean and maintained restroom facilities are available at multiple spots inside the zoo premises. Drinking water points and benches are also provided along the trails.

🅿️ Parking

The zoo has a dedicated parking area near the main gate with space for cars, bikes, and tourist buses. Parking is charged around ₹150 for cars and ₹50 for two-wheelers.

🌦️ Best Season & Peak Trivandrum Zoo Visiting Time

• Best Season: October to February (cool and dry)

• Avoid: June to September (monsoon months, slippery paths and fewer visible animals)

• Peak Season: December, summer holidays (April–May), and weekends

👉 Hidden Tip: Visit early morning on weekdays to enjoy the zoo without crowds.

🧭 Things to Be Careful and Cautious About

1. Avoid visiting on Mondays – the zoo is closed for maintenance.

2. Wear comfortable shoes – the zoo covers a large area with long walking paths.

3. Hydrate regularly – carry a refillable water bottle (plastic restrictions apply).

4. Respect animals – don’t feed or tease them; flash photography is prohibited in most enclosures.

5. Carry an umbrella – sudden rain showers are common in Kerala.

6. Keep an eye on kids – some enclosures are open-view, so always stay on the designated paths.

7. Avoid peak mid-day hours (12–2 PM) when animals rest and the heat is high.

🐾 Hidden Travel Tips

✔️ Combine your zoo visit with Napier Museum for a full-day experience.
✔️ Keep small cash for entry and snacks (UPI may not work at all counters).
✔️ Carry light rainwear during monsoon.
✔️ If you love photography, use the morning golden light near the lake.
✔️ The zoo offers one of the best eco-friendly walking experiences in South India, enjoy it slowly!

⏰ Trivandrum Zoo Quick Visit Guide if You’re Short on Time

The Trivandrum Zoo covers over 55 acres and can take up to 3 hours to explore fully. But if you’re visiting with limited time, you can still enjoy the main highlights by following this quick guide. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit depending on the time you have available 👇

⭐ Trivandrum Zoo Traveller Reviews

🌼 The Good – What Travelers Loved

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A green paradise inside the city.”
Visitors loved that the zoo feels more like a natural forest than a typical park. The tree-covered paths, quiet lake views, and lush greenery made it a refreshing urban escape.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly.”
Travellers praised the cleanliness of the zoo, well-kept animal enclosures, and friendly staff. Families found it perfect for a relaxed outing with kids and grandparents.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Amazing variety of animals.”
From tigers, lions, and rhinos to colorful birds and giant snakes, the diversity impressed everyone. The reptile house and aviary were mentioned as highlights by most visitors.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Affordable and peaceful experience.”
Many visitors appreciated the low entry fee and comfortable walking paths. The zoo offered a calm, nature-filled break right in the heart of Trivandrum.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Buggy rides made it easy for all ages.”
Elderly visitors and families with children enjoyed the electric buggy rides that covered the entire zoo in comfort. It allowed everyone to explore without getting tired.

⚠️ The Bad – What Travelers Struggled With

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Limited food and drink options.”
Visitors noted that only a small canteen was available inside the zoo and suggested carrying water and snacks for longer visits.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Gets crowded on weekends.”
During Sundays and holidays, the zoo becomes busy, especially near the big cat enclosures. Many recommend visiting early in the morning for a quieter experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Hot afternoons and humid weather.”
Travellers mentioned that Kerala’s mid-day heat can be tiring for long walks. Early morning or late afternoon visits are much more comfortable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Parking fills up fast.”
The parking area near the main entrance is limited and often full by 11 AM. Arriving before 9:30 AM ensures a hassle-free experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Few direction boards inside.”
Some travellers felt the signage could be improved, especially to locate restrooms and the bird sections easily.

🌟 Trivandrum Zoo Hidden Traveller Tip

If you’re visiting on a tight schedule or between connecting plans, opt for the battery car safari right after buying your entry ticket. It’s the best way to see all the major animals in under an hour without rushing on foot.

You can later spend any extra time near the lake viewpoint or bird zone, which are both close to the exit and offer great photo opportunities.

The Trivandrum Zoo isn’t just about animals, it’s about reconnecting with nature in the middle of the city. With its century-old heritage, leafy landscapes, and wildlife diversity, it’s a must-visit attraction in Thiruvananthapuram for families, children, and photographers alike.

Whether you’re admiring the majestic tigers, watching colorful parrots flutter, or taking a serene lake walk, this zoo blends education, recreation, and relaxation beautifully.

So next time you’re in Kerala’s capital, make sure to spend a morning at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, where history, wildlife, and greenery come together to offer an unforgettable experience🐅