Dehradun Zoo
Overview & Habitat: Originally known as Malsi Deer Park, it was recently upgraded and renamed Dehradun Zoo: It is located strategically on the lower slopes of the Shivalik range on the way to Mussoorie: It serves as a mini-zoological park and a popular picnic spot, especially for families: The prima ry attraction is the spotted deer (Cheetal) and the two-horned deer: Wildlife & Facilities: The park provides a natural habitat for various fauna, including different species of deer, leopards, peacocks, and various birds: It features a children's park, a canteen, and well-maintained pathways for visitors to observe the animals and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Zoo & Picnic SpotEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Budget-friendly, typically around INR 30 for adults and INR 15-20 for children:
Vehicle Charges: Separate parking fees apply for cars and two-wheelers:
Camera Fees: Nominal fees may apply for profes...Entry Fee: Budget-friendly, typically around INR 30 for adults and INR 15-20 for children:
Vehicle Charges: Separate parking fees apply for cars and two-wheelers:
Camera Fees: Nominal fees may apply for professional cameras or video cameras:
Affordability: It is one of the most affordable and accessible family outings in the Dehradun region.Timing:
Regular Timings: 9:30 am to 5:
30 pm (Daily):
Closed Day: Check locally, as some sources indicate it is closed on Mondays, but it often operates seven days a week:
Ideal Visit Time:...Regular Timings: 9:30 am to 5:
30 pm (Daily):
Closed Day: Check locally, as some sources indicate it is closed on Mondays, but it often operates seven days a week:
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (9:30 am to 11:30 am) when the animals are most active and the temperature is cool:
Avoid the midday closure or heat: Winter vs.
Summer: Animals are less active during peak winter cold; spring and autumn offer the best viewing temperatures.Special Events:
Wildlife Week Celebration: Special events and educational programs are often held during the annual Wildlife Week in October to raise awareness about local biodiversity and conservation:
School Educational Visits: The zoo is a frequent destin...Wildlife Week Celebration: Special events and educational programs are often held during the annual Wildlife Week in October to raise awareness about local biodiversity and conservation:
School Educational Visits: The zoo is a frequent destination for local schools, often conducting guided educational tours and nature camps for students:
Animal Adoption Drives: Occasional events are held by the zoo administration to promote the symbolic adoption of animals to support the facility's maintenance.Best Photo Spots:
The Deer Enclosure Fence Line: The best spot for capturing the large herd of Cheetal (spotted deer), especially when they gather near the feeding points:
The Shivalik Foothill Backdrop: Framing the animal enclosures with the forested backdrop...The Deer Enclosure Fence Line: The best spot for capturing the large herd of Cheetal (spotted deer), especially when they gather near the feeding points:
The Shivalik Foothill Backdrop: Framing the animal enclosures with the forested backdrop of the lower Shivalik hills provides a great naturalistic photo:
The Entrance Archway: The main gate is a popular spot for a family photo to mark the visit:
Peacock Display Spot: If lucky, spots near the dense foliage can offer the chance to photograph a peacock with its train fully opened.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Deer Watching & Photography: Spend time observing the Cheetal and other deer species in their habitat and capture their movements:
Picnicking & Relaxation: Use the manicured lawns for a relaxing family picnic or simply sitting and enjoying the fresh air of the Shivalik foothills:
Children's Park Fun: Let children play in the dedicated, well-equipped children's playground area:
Casual Birdwatching: Look for peacocks, jungle fowl, and various passerine birds that inhabit the park's trees and shrubs:
Souvenir & Snack Shopping: Visit the small stalls and canteen for refreshments and local souvenirs:
Nature Walk: Walk the entire paved perimeter of the zoo, enjoying the mountain views and the cool breeze. ...Deer Watching & Photography: Spend time observing the Cheetal and other deer species in their habitat and capture their movements:
Picnicking & Relaxation: Use the manicured lawns for a relaxing family picnic or simply sitting and enjoying the fresh air of the Shivalik foothills:
Children's Park Fun: Let children play in the dedicated, well-equipped children's playground area:
Casual Birdwatching: Look for peacocks, jungle fowl, and various passerine birds that inhabit the park's trees and shrubs:
Souvenir & Snack Shopping: Visit the small stalls and canteen for refreshments and local souvenirs:
Nature Walk: Walk the entire paved perimeter of the zoo, enjoying the mountain views and the cool breeze.
Information
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Why Famous:
The Mussoorie Road Stopover: Its location on the scenic route to Mussoorie makes it a popular and convenient stop for tourists heading to the hill station:
Family Picnic Spot: It is famous as Dehradun's premier family-friendly picnic spot, kn...The Mussoorie Road Stopover: Its location on the scenic route to Mussoorie makes it a popular and convenient stop for tourists heading to the hill station:
Family Picnic Spot: It is famous as Dehradun's premier family-friendly picnic spot, known for its lush, expansive lawns and dedicated children's area:
The Spotted Deer (Cheetal): The sight of the large herds of graceful Cheetal (spotted deer) roaming freely in their semi-natural enclosure is the main draw for visitors and photographers:
Wildlife Rehabilitation: It is an important center for the rescue and temporary rehabilitation of local wildlife before release back into the wild. -
Architecture:
Functional & Naturalistic Enclosures: The architecture is functional and modern, focusing on creating open and naturalistic enclosures that simulate the animals’ native habitat, following modern zoo design principles:
Visitor Infrastructure:Functional & Naturalistic Enclosures: The architecture is functional and modern, focusing on creating open and naturalistic enclosures that simulate the animals’ native habitat, following modern zoo design principles:
Visitor Infrastructure: The design includes elevated viewing platforms, a small cafeteria, a ticket/security check booth, and clearly marked, paved walking paths:
Dimension: The park covers a substantial area, approximately 25 hectares (62 acres), with the deer enclosure being the largest section, providing ample roaming space for the animals: The infrastructure prioritizes visitor safety and animal welfare, utilizing natural stone and wire mesh to blend into the forest environment. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), ~40 KMS away: Take a taxi towards Mussoorie;
the zoo is on the main road:
By Train: Nearest railhead is Dehradun Railway Station, ~10 KMS away: Hire an au...By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), ~40 KMS away: Take a taxi towards Mussoorie;
the zoo is on the main road:
By Train: Nearest railhead is Dehradun Railway Station, ~10 KMS away: Hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Malsi Deer Park on Mussoorie Road:
By Road: Located directly on the main Dehradun-Mussoorie highway:
Accessible by all private and public vehicles:
By Local Transport: Shared autos (Vikrams) and local city buses running from the Clock Tower towards Mussoorie stop directly at the park gate. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal Peak (Autumn/Spring): September to November and March to May are the most pleasant times for a visit: Avoid the peak Monsoon (July-August) and the intense mid-day heat of May-June:
Part of the Day (Morning): Early morning (9:30 am to...Seasonal Peak (Autumn/Spring): September to November and March to May are the most pleasant times for a visit: Avoid the peak Monsoon (July-August) and the intense mid-day heat of May-June:
Part of the Day (Morning): Early morning (9:30 am to 11:00 am) is the ideal time to observe the animals when they are out feeding and most active: The afternoon is generally quieter. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Robber's Cave (Guchhu Pani) (4 KMS) 2. Tapkeshwar Temple (15 KMS) 3. Sahastradhara (12 KMS) 4. Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) (10 KMS) 5. Paltan Bazaar (11 KMS) 6. Mussoorie (Library Chowk) (25 KMS) 7. Lachhiwala (25 KMS) 8. Forest Research Institute (FRI) (12 KMS) 9. Mindrolling Monastery (12 KMS) 10. George Everest Peak (30 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not feed the animals, throw objects, or cross the enclosure barriers for any reason:
Follow all zoo safety signs:
Packing:
Wear comfortable shoes and light laye...Health & Safety: Do not feed the animals, throw objects, or cross the enclosure barriers for any reason:
Follow all zoo safety signs:
Packing:
Wear comfortable shoes and light layers: Carry water and snacks (the canteen is functional but simple):
Carry a camera and binoculars:
Accommodation: Stay in the hotels along Mussoorie Road or in Dehradun city: It is too far for a quick return to Mussoorie for lunch:
Other Tips:
Bring cash for tickets and small vendors:
The park is a no-smoking/no-litter zone: Encourage quiet observation of the animals.
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