Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, commonly known as Lucknow Zoo, is one of India’s most loved zoos and the oldest too. Established in 1921 in the midst of Hazratganj in Lucknow, Lucknow Zoo consists of 71.6 acres of land where over 1,000 animals live among more than 97 species including Royal Bengal and white tigers, the Asiatic lion, the Himalayan black bear and the orangutan – Lucknow Zoo is among only two zoos in India that have them. The Lucknow Zoo Ticket Price is exceptionally cheap at Rs. 80 for adults and Rs. 40 for children.
This guide will tell you about all the fees, the entry ticket price, the State Museum there, the toy train and other additional charges, as well as the opening times, the things to see there, and how to get to Lucknow Zoo. In addition, as per your request, we included a comparison of Lucknow Zoo with India’s other large zoos (Delhi Zoo, Hyderabad Zoo, Mysore Zoo, and Bangalore Zoo), so that you can see how much each costs and other relevant information. All about Lucknow Zoo in 2026 for you.
Quick answer: Lucknow Zoo (Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan) has an entry ticket price of Rs. 80 for adults and Rs. 40 for children, an additional price of Rs. 15 to enter the State Museum, and Rs. 25 for riding the toy train. It operates from Tuesday to Sunday (is closed on Mondays), from around 8:30 or 9:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM. At Rs. 80, Lucknow Zoo is one of the cheapest major zoos in India (like Delhi Zoo and cheaper than Hyderabad and Mysore zoos). Go early in the morning on a weekday.
Lucknow Zoo at a Glance
| About Lucknow Zoo | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan (Zoological Garden) |
| Established | 1921, to mark the Prince of Wales visit (one of India’s oldest zoos) |
| Former Name | Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens; renamed 2001 and 2015 |
| Area | Around 71.6 acres, in the heart of Hazratganj |
| Animals | Over 1,000 animals of around 97 to 100 species |
| Adult Entry | Around Rs. 80 (child around Rs. 40) |
| Famous For | Royal Bengal and white tigers, Asiatic lion, and one of only two Indian zoos with orangutans |
| Closed | Every Monday |
| Nearest Metro | Sachivalaya / Hazratganj (around 1 km) |
Lucknow Zoo Ticket Price: Full Breakdown
Lucknow Zoo keeps entry deliberately affordable so families of every background can visit. Here is the full structure, including the extras inside.
| Ticket / Charge | Approx Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult entry | Around Rs. 80 | Above 12 years |
| Child entry | Around Rs. 40 | Under 12; toddlers free |
| State Museum (inside) | Around Rs. 15 | Awadh artefacts |
| Toy train ride | Around Rs. 25 | Popular with kids |
| Paddle boat / camera / car | Charged extra | Confirm at counter |
Entry fees are about Rs. 80 for adults (more than 12 years old), while for children it is about Rs. 40; in most cases, babies are free, but in some places, slightly different amounts are mentioned. Moreover, inside the zoo, State Museum where one can see items of Awadh civilization will cost Rs. 15, while a ride on toy train is approximately Rs. 25. Paddle boating, additional payment for camera usage and a car service (for people that can not walk around the big area) are separate charges. Pre-paid tickets are offered online for not to wait in line during the weekends.
How Lucknow Zoo Compares to India’s Other Big Zoos
And now for the most important information – how does Lucknow Zoo compare to India’s other zoos in terms of price, size and attractions? Here is the comparison chart.
| Indian Zoo | Adult (from) | Area | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Zoo | Rs. 80 | 71.6 acres | Heritage, orangutans, central |
| Delhi (National Zoo) | Rs. 80 | 176 acres | Largest; closed Fridays |
| Nehru Zoo, Hyderabad | Rs. 100+ | 380 acres | Lion and tiger safaris |
| Mysore Zoo | Rs. 100 to 120 | 157 acres | India’s best-kept zoo |
| Bannerghatta, Bengaluru | Rs. 100 to 400 | Very large | Safari-focused |
As far as pricing goes, the Lucknow Zoo is the cheapest among major zoos in India at Rs. 80, the same price as National Zoological Park of Delhi and cheaper than Nehru Zoo of Hyderabad (Rs. 100, with safaris extra), Mysore Zoo (Rs. 100 to 120), and the Bannerghatta, near Bengaluru (Rs. 100 to 400 with its safaris). As far as the area goes, it is smaller, only 71.6 acres in comparison to the giants – Delhi (176 acres), Nehru Hyderabad (380 acres) and Bannerghatta. So, the true verdict depends on what exactly you want.
Where Lucknow Zoo Is the Best
It is cheap, it is extremely central (most of the zoos of the giants mentioned above are on the outskirts of the cities), it has real heritage starting from 1921, it has orangutans as one of only two Indian zoos having them, and there is even a State Museum of Awadh artefacts, an uncommon combo for a zoo. So, as a small but inexpensive and central zoo for a half-day visit, it cannot be beaten.
Where Other Zoos Are Better
For those who want safaris (and there are no safaris in Lucknow Zoo), the open lion, tiger, and bear safaris of the Nehru Zoo Hyderabad and Bannerghatta Zoo Bengaluru are an experience Lucknow doesn’t offer. If it is the area and the number of species in it you are looking for, Delhi and Hyderabad are larger, while Mysore Zoo is often rated the best-maintained. So, the Lucknow Zoo is the best value city zoo in India, while the southern zoos are better on the matters of safaris and scale.
Verdict: The Lucknow Zoo is the best-value city zoo in India, cheap, full of history, easily reachable and orangutans, and even a museum included. If you prefer to have some safaris or scale, it is Hyderabad, Bengaluru, or Delhi that win; if it is the affordable, central and animal & heritage visit, Lucknow is the place to go.
What to See at Lucknow Zoo: The Zoo’s Attractions
Star Animals
There are a few species attracting tourists’ attention in Lucknow Zoo, including the Royal Bengal tiger, the rare white Bengal tiger, the Asiatic lion, Himalayan black bear, great pied hornbill, golden and silver pheasants, wolves and orangutans, which distinguish Lucknow Zoo among others.
State Museum
State Museum is situated within the zoo grounds, presenting visitors with the artefacts of Awadh times and later, offering a cultural bonus to the animal attraction and turning the visit into a zoo & heritage outing (it is charged separately).
Toy Train and Aquarium
There is also a toy train winding through the grounds (a favorite among children), an aquarium, paddle boating.
Butterfly Park and Gardens
An addition to the zoo made in 2018 – the Butterfly Park housing numerous species and the vast, tree-filled grounds, former Banarasi Bagh mango orchard.
History of the Lucknow Zoo
The Lucknow Zoo has a long history. The land on which the zoo appeared first belonged to Nawab Nasiruddin Haider of Awadh and was a mango orchard called Banarasi Bagh. It was founded in 1921 by Sir Harcourt Butler, then the Governor, to mark the visit of Prince of Wales to Lucknow, as a memorial and was called the Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens.
Built in 1921-1926, the zoo became one of the first zoological parks in India. After the independence and through the decades it was renamed, in 2001 it was called Lucknow Prani Udyan and in 2015 was renamed into the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan. Now it is one of North India’s oldest and most visited zoos providing recreation, wildlife conservation, and education.
Timings of Lucknow Zoo
The Lucknow Zoo is open for the visits Tuesday through Sunday, being closed every Monday for maintenance. Timings are usually between 8:30 or 9:00 AM and 5:00 or 6:00 PM (some sources provide slightly different timings, besides the post-pandemic timings might differ, so better to check them beforehand). The morning is the best time to visit the zoo, as the animals are most active during the cooler hours, and it will also give the possibility to cover the zoo in its entirety before the scorching afternoon heat comes. The evening visit gives little time to do that.
Closed every Monday and go early: The Lucknow Zoo is closed every Monday, so never visit it on Monday. Being mostly open space and having large grounds, try to come early in the morning (at the opening) to see the animals when they are most active and to escape the scorching afternoon heat, especially in summer. Try to allocate 3 to 4 hours to visit the zoo.
What to bring and take care about
- Water and cap: The grounds are large and open, so be prepared to keep hydrated, especially in summer.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will walk a lot over 71.6 acres of the grounds.
- Cash and your ID: for the entrance fee, museum fee, toy train fee and, if needed, a fee for a photo or car.
- Online tickets, if you buy them: to skip the weekend queue.
- Never feed or tease the animals: it is prohibited, dangerous and harmful to them.
- Never litter: bring the trash bag for the garbage; keep the zoo clean.
- Take care of the children: near the enclosures and water and on the toy train.
- Visit the zoo early to avoid the heat: the visit is mostly outdoor and there are areas without shade.
How to Reach Lucknow Zoo
Lucknow Zoo is located at Hazratganj Road (River Bank Colony area), that is, right in the heart of the city and is about 4 km from Lucknow Junction, making it quite accessible.
- Metro: Sachivalaya and Hazratganj metro stations are both within 1 km distance.
- Road: Autos, E-Rickshaws, cabs, and city buses will easily get you to Hazratganj from anywhere in Lucknow, and the zoo parking facilities are not far away.
- Train: Lucknow Junction and Charbagh Railway Station are about 4 km from here, and a short auto or cab ride away.
- Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is about 15 km from here, and taxis can take you to the zoo from there.
Places Nearby Lucknow Zoo to See
The central location of the zoo makes it a perfect fit to visit along with the city’s renowned heritage places for a complete city experience.
- Hazratganj Market (just here): The renowned shopping and food market of Lucknow.
- Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara (about 5 to 7 km): The historic Nawabi monuments with the Bhool Bhulaiya puzzle.
- Residency (near): The ruins of the famous siege of 1857, a very historic place.
- Rumi Darwaza (near): The grand monument of Awadhi architecture, which represents Lucknow.
- Ambedkar Memorial Park (near): The huge sandstone structure of the memorial park and gardens.
- Janeshwar Mishra Park (somewhat farther): Asia’s biggest park for an evening walk.
Best Time to Visit Lucknow Zoo
October to March are the best months when the weather in Lucknow is enjoyable. However, February to April are also good when the winters are very sunny. Avoid the scorching hot summer (May to June) and the monsoon. In a day, visiting early morning would be the best as the animals would be more active then and also the atmosphere would be cooler. Weekdays would be better than weekends or holidays. Monday is closed here, so do not make any plan on that day.
Lucknow Zoo: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very inexpensive: At just about Rs. 80, it is one of the cheapest zoos in India.
- Central Location: Located centrally in Hazratganj unlike other zoos which are generally located on the outskirts.
- Rich biodiversity: More than 1,000 animals including tigers, lions, and rare orangutans.
- Historic with museum: An establishment dating back to 1921, it has an Awadh State Museum too.
- Family friendly: Has toy train, aquarium, boating and a butterfly park.
Cons
- No safaris: It does not have open safaris unlike Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
- Closes on Mondays: It is closed once a week.
- Large and open area: Too much walking and less shade; difficult in summer.
- Crowded on weekends: Crowded during holidays and weekends.
- Extra costs: Entry to museum, train, boating, and camera is charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lucknow Zoo ticket price in 2026?
Adults cost about Rs. 80 and kids about Rs. 40, with toddlers usually free. The State Museum is inside, costing about Rs. 15, while the toy train costs around Rs. 25. Paddle boating, camera and the paid car are additional attractions. Check out the latest prices at the counter or official website as they get updated often.
How does Lucknow Zoo fare in comparison with other Indian zoos?
In terms of price, one of the most economical big zoos in India at around Rs. 80, par with Delhi Zoo and less expensive than Nehru Zoo of Hyderabad (Rs. 100+), Mysore Zoo (Rs. 100 to 120) and Bannerghatta National Park (Rs. 100 to 400). Smaller in size at 71.6 acres as compared to the other biggies, yet Lucknow Zoo beats them by its centrality, history and presence of orangutans and a museum. For safaris, the south zoo rules.
What are the Lucknow Zoo timings?
It opens on Tuesdays to Sundays, remains closed on Mondays, typically from around 8:30 or 9:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM. Early mornings would be the best time as it is cooler then and the animals would be active. You should spend 3 to 4 hours. Check out the timings beforehand.
What animals are present at Lucknow Zoo?
Over 1,000 animals of about 97 different species including the Royal Bengal tiger, the white tiger, Asiatic lion, Himalayan black bear, great pied hornbill, wolf, pheasant and orangutans, the latter is housed in only two zoos of India along with Lucknow, the other being Chennai.
Is there any museum inside Lucknow Zoo?
Yes. The State Museum inside the zoo grounds has Awadh and other period artefacts. This would be a separate ticket of about Rs. 15.
What are the best nearby places to Lucknow Zoo?
Hazratganj Market is there itself, and the Bara and Chota Imambara, Residency, Rumi Darwaza and Ambedkar Memorial Park all are within a short drive away, and so, you could combine the visit of the zoo with the heritage of Lucknow.
How do I reach Lucknow Zoo?
It lies on Hazratganj Road, central Lucknow, just about 4 km from Lucknow Junction. There are metro stations Sachivalaya and Hazratganj both within a distance of 1 km. Hazratganj is easily accessible by autos, e-rickshaws, cabs and buses, and the airport is about 15 km away.
Is Lucknow Zoo good for kids?
Yes. Apart from the animals, there are toys train, aquarium, paddle boating and a butterfly park as well and of course the museum, all for a small ticket price of around Rs. 80. Watch children around animal enclosures and water bodies and reach early to beat the heat.
Conclusion: Is Lucknow Zoo Worth It in 2026?
Lucknow Zoo is one of the best-value zoo outings in India: for around Rs. 80 you get one of the country’s oldest and most central zoos, over 1,000 animals including tigers, lions, and rare orangutans, a State Museum of Awadh heritage, a toy train, an aquarium, and a butterfly park, all in the heart of Hazratganj. Compared with India’s other big zoos, it is as cheap as any, more central than most, and richer in heritage, though it lacks the open safaris of Hyderabad and Bengaluru and the sheer scale of Delhi.
Plan it well and it is a lovely day. Go on a weekday morning, never a Monday, in the cooler months, carry water and wear comfortable shoes for the large grounds, and budget a little extra for the museum and toy train. Then use the central location to pair the zoo with Hazratganj shopping and Lucknow’s Nawabi monuments, the Imambaras, the Residency, and Rumi Darwaza, for a full, affordable, heritage-rich Lucknow day. For families, students, and animal lovers, Lucknow Zoo is well worth it.
Ticket prices, extra charges, and timings are set by the zoo administration and revised periodically, so always confirm the latest details at the counter or the official Lucknow Zoo portal before your visit.
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