Dehradun Zoo is still often referred to by its previous name Malsi Deer Park and is considered to be one of the most preferred family outings in the city. It is a miniature zoological park located at the foothills of the Shivaliks on the way to Mussoorie. The entry cost is extremely economical, from around Rs. 30 per person, making it a favourite among families and schools. However, as with all free or extremely cheap activities, there is a hidden catch here as well, and this post will tell you all you really need to know about Dehradun Zoo Ticket Price.
In addition to the cost of the ticket itself and the add-on parts of it, we discuss seasonal timings, closure dates, what the zoo really looks like, the best times for visiting, food options, and even how to book your ticket both at the gate and online. It’s the comprehensive and honest guide that you will actually use in your planning, not the one-liner you won’t find useful.
Quick Answer: Dehradun Zoo Ticket Price is from Rs. 30 base entry cost and then additional tickets for the aquarium, reptile house, rock garden and 3D movie, so total cost should be around Rs. 90-150 for all of it. Opening time is 8:30 AM during summer and 9:00 AM in winter, closing time is from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, Mondays are closed. Outside food for picnics is available.
Dehradun Zoo at a Glance
The essentials before the detail, including the name most locals still use.
| About Dehradun Zoo | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Dehradun Zoo (formerly Malsi Deer Park) |
| Managed By | Uttarakhand Forest Department |
| Setting | Foothills of the Shivalik range, on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road |
| Area | Around 25 acres, a mini-zoological park |
| Location | Malsi, Mussoorie Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009 |
| Base Entry | Around Rs. 30 per person (sections charged separately) |
| Closed On | Mondays (confirm before visiting) |
| Time Needed | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Outside Food | Allowed for picnics (no littering); canteen on-site |
| From City Centre | Around 9 to 10 km from the Clock Tower |
The Real Cost: Entry Plus the Pay-Per-Section Catch
This is exactly what the websites that offer quotes for the entry fees at Dehradun Zoo fail to mention. As I have mentioned earlier, Dehradun Zoo follows a per section payment system, where the basic ticket costs a mere Rs. 30. The aquarium, the reptile enclosure, the rock garden and the 3D movie require individual tickets, and hence, the actual cost differs from the quoted entry price.
| Ticket / Section | Approx Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo entry (base) | Around Rs. 30 | Some list Rs. 20 to 50 |
| Aquarium (Aquatic World) | Around Rs. 50 | Separate ticket |
| Reptile / snake house | Around Rs. 30 | Separate ticket |
| Rock / cactus garden | Around Rs. 10 | Separate ticket |
| 3D movie | Around Rs. 50 | Optional |
| Camera fee | Around Rs. 25 | For still photography |
| Parking | Nominal | Two-wheeler / car |
This is why you will notice varying ranges of Rs. 20 to Rs. 100 quoted across various pages: while some pages mention only the cost of the basic ticket, there are others that consider the cost of the sections separately too. In reality, visitors who wish to see all attractions, that is, the animals, the aquarium, the reptiles and the rock garden, end up paying anything from Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 per head when all the charges are added up. It is better to know about this beforehand, so there are no surprises in front of the counters.
Plan your budget accordingly: Cost of the base ticket around Rs. 30, cost of the aquarium around Rs. 50, cost of the reptile house Rs. 30, and cost of the rock garden Rs. 10 adds up to around Rs. 120 for the complete experience, which is still quite affordable for a family visit. Decide which section you intend to visit and which you wish to avoid to prevent unnecessary expenses. These prices are revised by the administration from time to time.
Prices are subject to change, so check at the entrance: As Dehradun Zoo is maintained by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and prices keep changing from time to time (and on weekends and holidays), take this into consideration and treat all the above figures as approximations. You can either call the authorities prior to your visit or check the same at the ticket window.
When the Gates Open: Timings and the Day It’s Closed
Dehradun Zoo’s timings shift with the season, and there is one day it stays shut, so check before you go. The zoo opens earlier and closes later in summer, and runs shorter hours in winter.
| Season | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Mar to Oct) | Around 8:30 AM | Around 6:00 PM |
| Winter (Nov to Feb) | Around 9:00 AM | Around 5:00 PM |
| Weekly closed day | Mondays | Confirm before visit |
Closed on Mondays: Dehradun Zoo is closed on Mondays due to maintenance and it may also be closed on public holidays. This is one of the most frequent reasons why trips get spoiled. Hence, try to plan your visit on any other day, keeping in mind the fact that the closing timings of the ticket counter precede the zoo closing time.
A trip to the zoo would take approximately 1.5 to 3 hours depending upon the number of sections you cover and your interest level at the aviary and the aquarium, and therefore a morning or an afternoon trip will suffice.
What You’ll Actually See (and What’s Missing)
This is the truthful part which most promotional websites do not tell you about. This is the check on reality you need prior to visiting the Dehradun Zoo. Dehradun Zoo is a nice mini-zoo and not a big safari zoo.
What You Will Find There
- Deer: The history of the zoo, spotted deer, sambar and two-horned deer, but their quantity is little and don’t expect huge numbers there.
- Mammals: Nilgai, a leopard, rabbits and sometimes other rescued animals.
- Aviary: One of the best things about the place, with peacock, owl, parrot, parakeet, macaw, emu, turkey and even an ostrich!
- Aquatic world aquarium: The relatively new place with rare fish such as silver shark, Oscar, jaguar fish and many others – a real delight for children.
- Reptiles: Snake and reptile section and crocodile and turtle sections.
- For families: Children playground, walking paths, picnic zones, benches, canteen and even a 3D film zone!
What Is Absent (The Truthful Part)
- It is a small zoo: About 25 acres in size, visitable within 1.5 – 3 hours, so it is a mini-zoo and not a full-day zoological park.
- There are no big animals here: No tigers, elephants and lions and other big cats besides leopard, so the main attractions are deer, birds and small animals.
- Deer may not impress: Despite the Deer Park name, some people say that they could see very few deer in the park, so be ready to that!
- Not all parts are developed yet: Some parts of the zoo are being built or improved, so the list above may vary slightly.
Timing It Right: The Best Time to Visit
Timing is very important, especially in terms of the climate as well as animal activities. It is recommended that a visit to Dehradun Zoo be made on weekdays in the morning during the period from September to March or April, when the climate is favorable and relatively cooler. Early mornings are preferable since the animals are active at that time, before the heat forces them to retire.
One should avoid visiting the zoo during summer afternoon times since the heat will make one tired and lazy while the animals will be resting. The monsoon season (July – September) offers good greenery, although sometimes it is interrupted by rain. On the weekends and holidays, it becomes crowded, hence a weekday visit would be more convenient. To conclude, the coolest mornings of October – March are the best times.
Can You Bring Your Own Food? Yes, and Here’s the Rule
It is quite common and the visitors usually want to know whether bringing food is permitted in the zoo since it is a picnic place. Good news is that yes, people can bring food inside the zoo and have a picnic on the lawns of the place. There is one strict rule: do not throw any garbage around; only use the designated containers. Littering and feeding of animals are prohibited.
One may not wish to carry food; in that case, there is a canteen inside Dehradun Zoo which sells food and beverages. It would be best to bring food along since the day would be inexpensive and the zoo has a lot of green lawns where one can have a picnic.
Booking Your Ticket: At the Gate vs Online
Here is exactly how to get your ticket, covering both the offline and online routes, since this trips up a lot of first-time visitors.
Offline (At the Gate) – The Main Way
As a whole, it is walk-up and buy-at-the-gate type of experience. One should merely come to the entrance of the zoo located on Mussoorie Road and pay their admission fees in person, base entry fee first, and after that, purchase additional tickets for visiting the aquarium, reptile house, rock garden or watching a 3D film. It is advisable to have enough cash available since small counters may not accept credit cards or UPI for payments and to come early in the morning in order to avoid the counter line on weekends.
Online – Limited but Developing
It is worth noting that there are no large third-party ticketing websites which provide ticket sales for daily entry to the park as in the case with big theme parks. However, there are two sources of online ticketing for zoo visit which are related to Uttarakhand Forest Department and tour operators offering sightseeing in Dehradun with zoo visit included. In terms of normal family visit, it is better to pay at the gates of the park and use either the official website of Forest Department or Dehradun Zoo website for online confirmation a few days before visiting or book a Dehradun sightseeing package.
Practical advice: For a normal visit, it is better to come to the zoo and pay there. Use online or sightseeing package option if one wants to arrange entry beforehand.
Getting to Dehradun Zoo
The zoo is on Mussoorie Road at Malsi, around 9 to 10 km from the Dehradun Clock Tower, on the way up to Mussoorie, and easy to reach.
- By Road: The main way in. Take Mussoorie Road north from the city; the zoo is well signposted, with paid parking for two-wheelers and cars. Taxis and app cabs reach it easily.
- By Bus / Auto: Local buses, autos, and Vikrams (shared autos) run from the city and ISBT towards Mussoorie Road and stop near the zoo; the ride from ISBT takes around 20 to 25 minutes.
- By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is around 11 km away, with taxis and autos onward to the zoo.
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is around 33 km away, with taxis for the drive.
Make a Day of It: Places Near the Zoo
Because the zoo takes only a couple of hours and sits on the Mussoorie road, it pairs perfectly with nearby attractions for a half or full day out.
- Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani): A natural river-cave you can wade through, around 8 to 9 km away, a local favourite.
- Sahastradhara: The famous sulphur springs and terraced scenery, around 11 to 12 km away.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: A cave temple to Lord Shiva by a stream, around 10 to 15 km away.
- Forest Research Institute (FRI): The grand colonial-era campus and museum, a Dehradun landmark.
- Mindrolling Monastery: A major Buddhist site with a tall stupa, around 14 km away.
- Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills is a short drive up the same road, easy to combine for a bigger trip.
Dehradun Zoo: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very cheap: Base entry from around Rs. 30, and even the full experience stays under about Rs. 150.
- Scenic and calm: A green, peaceful setting in the Shivalik foothills, great for a relaxed family walk.
- Picnic-friendly: Outside food is allowed, with lawns, benches, and a kids’ play area.
- Easy to reach and combine: On the Mussoorie road, close to Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, and Mussoorie.
- Good for young children: The aviary, aquarium, and play area are a hit with kids.
Cons
- Small and quick: Coverable in 1.5 to 3 hours; not a full-day zoological park.
- Pay-per-section: The cheap entry grows once you add the aquarium, reptiles, and rock garden.
- Limited big animals: Do not expect tigers or elephants; the deer numbers can disappoint.
- Closed Mondays: Easy to get caught out without checking.
- Cash is king: Small counters may not reliably take cards or UPI, so carry cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dehradun Zoo ticket price in 2026?
Base entry is around Rs. 30 per person, with the aquarium (around Rs. 50), reptile house (around Rs. 30), rock garden (around Rs. 10), and 3D movie (around Rs. 50) as separate tickets. Budget around Rs. 90 to 150 for the full experience. A camera fee of around Rs. 25 applies. Prices are revised periodically, so confirm at the counter.
What are the Dehradun Zoo timings?
The zoo opens around 8:30 AM in summer (March to October), closing by 6:00 PM, and around 9:00 AM in winter (November to February), closing by 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Some sources list 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so confirm for your date.
Is outside food allowed at Dehradun Zoo?
Yes. Visitors can bring their own food for a picnic on the lawns, but littering is strictly prohibited and feeding the animals is not allowed. There is also a canteen on-site for snacks and drinks.
What is the best time to visit Dehradun Zoo?
A weekday morning from October to March, or in April, when Dehradun’s weather is cool and pleasant and the animals are most active. Avoid summer afternoons and busy weekends.
How do I book Dehradun Zoo tickets?
Mainly at the gate: buy your tickets at the counter on arrival, carrying cash. Online options are limited to the Uttarakhand Forest Department’s official channels or tour packages that bundle zoo entry into a Dehradun sightseeing itinerary.
What can you see at Dehradun Zoo?
Deer (spotted, sambar, two-horned), nilgai, a leopard, and rabbits, plus a strong aviary (peacocks, owls, macaws, emus, an ostrich), a reptile and snake section, crocodiles, and the Aquatic World aquarium of rare fish. There is also a kids’ play area and a 3D movie.
How much time do you need at Dehradun Zoo?
Around 1.5 to 3 hours is enough to cover the animals, the aviary, the aquarium, and the other sections at a relaxed pace, which is why it pairs well with nearby spots for a half-day trip.
Is Dehradun Zoo worth visiting?
Yes, as a cheap, calm, family-friendly picnic zoo with a pleasant foothill setting, especially with young children and combined with nearby attractions. Set expectations though: it is small, with limited big animals, not a large safari park.
Conclusion: Is Dehradun Zoo Worth It in?
For an affordable, easygoing family morning, Dehradun Zoo is worth it. Base entry from around Rs. 30, with the full experience under about Rs. 150, buys a calm, green walk through a foothill mini-zoo with a good aviary, an aquarium kids love, and picnic lawns where your own food is welcome. The honest caveats are simple to plan around: it is small and quick, the deer numbers can underwhelm, and the cheap entry grows once you add the paid sections, so decide which ones you actually want.
The smart plan is easy: go on a cool weekday morning between October and March, avoid Mondays when it is closed, carry cash for the section tickets, pack a picnic, and pair the visit with Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, or a drive up to Mussoorie to fill the day. Treated as the relaxed, budget-friendly nature outing it is, rather than a big safari park, Dehradun Zoo delivers exactly what a family needs on the way to the hills.
Entry fees, section charges, and timings are revised by the administration periodically and can differ on weekends and holidays, so always confirm the latest details at the zoo or with the Uttarakhand Forest Department before your visit.
Also, Read: Patna Zoo Ticket Price