Delhi Zoo, officially known as the National Zoological Park (NZP), Delhi, is a popular attraction in the heart of India’s capital. As of 2025, it operates under a fee structure designed to balance affordability for local visitors with revenue from foreign visitors, to help maintain and improve zoo facilities. Below is a breakdown of the Delhi zoo entry fee categories, proposed changes, facilities included, and tips to make the most of your visit.

Current Fee Structure (2025)

The following are the approximate entrance charges for different visitor categories in Delhi Zoo, based on the latest available official data. 

*SAARC = South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.). Foreigners from SAARC countries usually pay lower fees than non-SAARC foreigners. 

There are also concessional rates for educational tours:

• Students (1-5 class): Free
  
  

• Students (6-8 classes): ₹ 20 per head
  
  

• Students (9 class and above): ₹ 40 per head
  
  

• Accompanying staff: ₹ 40 per head
  
  

• Privilege tickets also exist (sometimes priced like foreign adult tickets) for special cases.
  
  

Additional charges:

• Battery-operated vehicles (for touring inside the zoo): e.g. around ₹ 70 per adult, and lower rates for children (5-12 years) and free for younger ones.
  
  

• Guide-map: typically small fee (₹ 10) for map/guide.
  
  

• Cloakroom / Luggage storage: small nominal fee (₹ 5 per piece) for luggage.
  
  

Zoo timings: during summer (1 April – 15 Oct) ~ 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (booking closes slightly earlier). In winter (16 Oct – 31 March), timings are ~ 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with booking closing about 30 minutes before closing time. 

Closed: Every Friday and national holidays. 

Proposed or Potential Fee Hike

There are discussions underway to increase the fee for Indian adult visitors from ₹ 80 to ₹ 100, and correspondingly for children’s tickets (proposed ~₹ 50). 

The key reasons cited are:

• To help fund maintenance, modernization and development of zoo facilities.
  
  

• To align ticket prices with other major zoos in India where similar or higher rates are charged.
  
  

However, as of the latest reports, no formal decision has been finalized. 

What You Get for the Fee

For the cost of entry, visitors gain admission to a sizeable zoological park that holds animals and birds in various enclosures, landscape-style exhibits, gardens, ponds etc. There are:

• Walking paths and display enclosures.
  
  

• Rides on battery-operated vehicles (at extra cost) for those who prefer not to walk the entire area.
  
  

• Facilities like cloak rooms, prams for babies, wheelchairs for physically challenged visitors. The pram and wheelchair services are generally free; cloak room has a small charge.
  
  

• Cafeterias / food stalls outside and within zoo premises.
  
  

• Guide maps for visitors to navigate around.
  
  

Comparison: Are the Fees Reasonable?

Compared to many public zoos globally, and even many zoos in other Indian cities, the fees are modest for Indian nationals. ₹ 80 (~USD 1-2, depending on exchange rate) for adults is low relative to revenue-costs of maintaining animal welfare, staff, feeding, habitat upkeep etc.

For foreign visitors, fees are significantly higher (₹ 400 for non-SAARC foreigners) but still reasonable compared to international zoo entry fees in Western countries. The separation by SAARC / non-SAARC helps regional fairness.

Also, concessional rates for school students and accompanying staff help educational access. Free entry for very young children and senior citizens further eases cost. The battery-vehicle ride is optional, so visitors can limit expenses.

Challenges & Impacts of Fee Changes

• Affordability: Even a small hike might make visits less accessible for lower-income visitors or large families. If adult Indian entry goes up to ₹ 100, children to ₹ 50, that’s still modest but adds up.
  
  

• Visitor numbers: There is concern that increasing fees too much could reduce visitor footfall, especially among locals. Zoo authorities need to balance revenue vs accessibility.
  
  

• Maintenance vs revenue: Fees are just one part of funding. Many improvements require ongoing funds. Ticket revenues are essential for conservation, animal care, staff, facility upgrades etc.
  
  

Tips for Visitors to Save Costs & Plan Better

• Go in offseason: The zoo is more pleasant in cooler months (October-March) when animals are more active and walking is easier. Dust and heat in summer can make afternoons less comfortable.
  
  

• Use educational discounts: If you are a student in a school group, or part of an educational institution, you may get free or reduced tickets. Plan ahead.
  
  

• Skip optional rides if you prefer walking—battery-op vehicle rides are extra.
  
  

• Book in advance if required: Some tickets or pass options may be available online; during busy weekends it helps.
  
  

• Carry essentials: Water bottle, good footwear, sunscreen/hat etc. Zoo grounds are large.
  
  

Conclusion

Delhi Zoo’s entry fees are structured to ensure access for Indian citizens, special categories (children, seniors), and educational groups, while also charging foreign visitors higher rates. While modest by many standards, the fees help support zoo upkeep and improvements. Proposed increases are being debated, but as of now the current fees remain in force. For first-time or repeat visitors, planning and using the concessions can help keep the outing affordable and enjoyable.