Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The basics

Founded in 1958 to aid conservation efforts, this 68-acre (27-hectare) zoo is a great place to learn about local species. Expect to see plenty of big cats, goat-like gorals, civets, South Asian types of deer such as sambhar and barking deer, and all sorts of colorful pheasants. Many sightseeing tours of Darjeeling and the surrounding areas include a visit to the park and a stop at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute on the same property.

Things to know before you go

• The zoo is a must-see for travelers interested in the flora and fauna of the Himalayan region.

• On-site facilities include a souvenir shop and a snack stall.

• The zoo is wheelchair-friendly, and rental wheelchairs are available for a small fee at the main entryway. Accessible toilets are also available.

How to get there

The zoo is located in northeastern Darjeeling, about a 7-minute tax or autorickshaw ride from the town center and only a few minutes from the Happy Valley Tea Estate. If you're on foot, you can get there from Mall Road in about 40 minutes or from Happy Valley Tea Estate in roughly 20 minutes.

When to get there

The zoo is open every day of the week except for Thursday and closes 30 minutes earlier during the winter. The best time to visit for clear weather is from March to June or September to January. July and August are often too rainy for an enjoyable visit.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

If you want to spend more time in the great outdoors, stop by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) on the zoo’s grounds. Here you can learn about and enroll in mountaineering courses or check out the exhibits and artifacts that detail the history of mountaineering in the region at the Mountaineering Museum.