How to Make the Most of the Rajgir Zoo Safari
Nestled amidst the lush green mountains of Vaibhigiri and Songiri in Rajgir, Bihar, the Rajgir Zoo Safari offers an immersive wildlife experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Inaugurated on February 16, 2022, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, this expansive safari park spans approximately 191 hectares (472 acres) and is designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to observe a diverse range of animals in their natural habitats.
Safari Zones and Wildlife
The Rajgir Zoo Safari has been divided into five separate zones, each of which is devoted to a particular type of animal:
- Lion Safari: Here, the Asiatic lions find a habitat, and tourists can behold these majestic animals roaming about in a protected area.
- Tiger Safari: The zone has the Royal Bengal tigers, and one gets an opportunity to get close to these mighty predators.
- Leopard Safari: Observe the elusive leopards as they move around their habitat, demonstrating their agility and speed.
- Bear Safari: Specifically for sloth bears, this zone enables guests to study and observe these interesting mammals.
- Herbivore Safari: A wide variety of herbivores, such as chital (spotted deer), sambar deer, blackbuck, hog deer, and barking deer, peacefully graze in this enclosure.
Aside from these areas, the safari includes an aviary with different species of birds and a butterfly garden that contributes to the park’s ecological richness.
Visitor Experience
Tourists tour the safari in safe, environmentally friendly buses with large windows, providing unobstructed viewing of animals while ensuring security. The buses can carry up to 22 tourists, creating a comfortable, personal wildlife encounter.
The park also features an Interpretation Centre and a 180-degree theatre, providing educational information on the wildlife and ecosystems of the area. These centers are designed to raise awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation among tourists.
Ticketing and Timings
Online booking is possible on the official website for Rajgir Zoo Safari tickets. The safari remains open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Pre-booking is recommended, especially in tourist season, to make sure they don’t run out.
Additional Attractions
Next to the zoo safari is the Rajgir Nature Safari, which has adventure tourism activities like a glass skywalk bridge, suspension bridge, trekking routes, ziplining, and so on. This makes Rajgir an integrated tourism destination with wildlife experiences on one side and adventure tourism on another.
How to Reach
Rajgir is nicely connected by road and rail:
- By Air: Gaya International Airport (about 71 km) and Jay Prakash Narayan Airport at Patna (about 101 km) are the closest airports.
- By Train: Rajgir Railway Station is the nearest railway junction, with regular trains to all major cities.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis from Patna, Gaya, and other surrounding cities.
Visitor Guidelines
For a safe and satisfying experience, the public is asked to observe the following:
- Forbidden Items: Flammable objects, weapons, knives, tobacco, and noisy gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the safari grounds.
- Conduct: Be quiet and never tease or harass the animals.
- Littering: Throw trash into bins to contribute to the park’s sanitation.
Taking a tour of the Rajgir Zoo Safari guarantees a rewarding experience, interweaving the excitement of wildlife gazing with the tranquility of nature and thus warranting a visit in Bihar.
