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After a quiet spell that stretched across two months, the National Zoological Park in New Delhi is alive again with the sounds of families, school groups, and weekend wanderers. The zoo reopened its gates on November 8 following precautionary closure because of an avian flu scare—and Delhi wasted no time in returning. Over the reopening weekend alone, more than 23,000 visitors walked in to see their favourite residents, from the regal Bengal tiger to the gentle Asian elephant.
The first day saw a steady comeback with over 8,000 visitors stepping through, many of them school groups arriving with notebooks and excitement. By Sunday, the numbers surged—15,292 people spent the day strolling beneath tree canopies, pausing at enclosures, or simply enjoying fresh November air. For a place that sits at the heart of Delhi’s childhood nostalgia, it wasn’t just the animals that people came to see—it was the return of a familiar ritual.
In late August, the zoo took precautionary steps after several birds were found dead within the premises. Subsequent testing confirmed cases of the H5N1 avian influenza strain in the aviary. The closure that followed was swift and preventive. During the two months that followed, authorities carried out biosafety checks, surveillance, and disinfection measures. While the closure disappointed visitors, it also reaffirmed the zoo’s priority: the wellbeing of its animals and staff. With clearance from wildlife and health authorities, the zoo prepared for a careful reopening.
To mark its reopening, the zoo introduced a new Insta Ticket Booking Service—an on-the-spot QR-based system that lets visitors book tickets with UPI and card payments right at the entry gate. The older online-ticketing website remains active, so you can plan ahead or go spontaneous. Entry timings have resumed their usual rhythm: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m.
The new system isn’t a flashy gimmick—it actually helps ease weekend queues, which, given Delhiites’ love for group outings and school fleets, is nothing short of a blessing. Fewer bottlenecks mean more time to enjoy what you came for.
The zoo’s 176 acres feel less like a park and more like a walk through a gently curated wild world. You’ll find the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger lounging under dappled shade, the Asiatic Lion surveying its territory, and the Indian Rhinoceros making a case for bulk and dignity. The Reptile House remains a favourite for those who enjoy the quiet eeriness of still eyes and slow movements, while the Children’s Corner continues to be a lively stop.
Those with patience may catch the white peafowl dancing, the gharials basking, or the swamp deer moving in slow herds. A toy train runs through the park (depending on schedule), and winter sometimes sees small boat rides operating, making it easy to turn a few hours into half a day.
Visitors should bring along water bottles (outside snacks are not permitted), wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to walk—this is the kind of place best enjoyed without rushing.
One advantage of visiting the Delhi Zoo is its enviable location. Step outside the gates and you’re surrounded by layers of history — stone walls, carved archways, and living museums that invite you to linger. With a little planning, your outing can easily turn into a heritage walk.
Just across the road stands Purana Qila, one of Delhi’s oldest fort complexes and a quiet constant in the city’s ever-evolving landscape. The fort’s ramparts rise above lush green craft lawns, and its gateways—Talaqi Darwaza and Humayun Darwaza—carry inscriptions and silhouettes of ages past. Excavations under the Archaeological Survey of India have revealed evidence dating back to the pre-Mauryan period, connecting this site to some of Delhi’s earliest settlements. Stroll along the pathways in the late afternoon, when the golden light softens the walls and lends the space an almost cinematic stillness.
A short walk away, Khairul Manzil offers a different kind of intimacy. Built in the 16th century under the patronage of Maham Anga, Akbar’s foster mother and political advisor, this mosque once doubled as a madrasa. Though smaller than the monuments that surround it, the structure has a quiet power. Its Persian inscriptions are still legible, its courtyard still used by local worshippers, and its water tank still forms the heart of the space. It’s easy to miss, and all the more rewarding when found.
Located near Pragati Maidan, the National Crafts Museum (also known simply as the Crafts Museum) is a sanctuary for India’s handmade traditions. Galleries here showcase textiles, terracotta, woodwork, metalwork, and living craft practices from across the subcontinent. The museum’s village complex and open courtyards create a sense of stepping into real craft communities rather than viewing them through glass. If you enjoy browsing thoughtfully, reserve at least an hour, longer if you like speaking to artisans or collecting craft books and textiles.
A trip to the Delhi Zoo is no longer just a couple of hours with the animals—it’s a day that can meander through time, culture, food stalls, and shaded lawns. The city’s winter will soon slip into its golden phase, and there may be no better way to spend a weekend than wandering from the Royal Bengal Tiger’s calm watch to the ancient stones of Sher Shah’s citadel.
The zoo’s reopening is more than a headline—it’s the return of one of Delhi’s simplest, most enduring pleasures. And judging by the crowds, the city is more than ready.
1. Why was the Delhi Zoo closed?
The zoo was closed for over two months after some birds tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza. It reopened after completing all biosafety and surveillance measures.
2. What are the current visiting hours?
The National Zoological Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m.
3. Is ticket booking available online?
Yes. Tickets can be booked in advance online or instantly at the gate by scanning a QR code and paying via UPI or cards.
4. Are visitors allowed to bring food inside?
Outside food is not permitted, but drinking water and beverages can be purchased within the park.
5. What are some places to visit near the zoo?
Purana Qila, Khairul Manzil Mosque, and the National Crafts Museum are all within walking distance.
