Himalayan Nature Park, commonly called Kufri Zoo, is a high-altitude wildlife park in Kufri near Shimla. It is a good fit for visitors who want a slower, nature-focused stop rather than a rides-based activity. Allow enough time to walk its hilly paths and check the official operator’s current ticket and access guidance before leaving.
Current opening hours and closure day
The Shimla Wildlife Division currently lists seasonal hours for Himalayan Nature Park-Cum-Zoo: 9:00 AM–6:30 PM from April to September and 9:30 AM–5:30 PM from October to March. It lists the park as closed on Tuesdays and says last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Operating conditions can change, so confirm the day’s details through the official visiting-hours page before travel.
What you may see at Kufri Zoo
The park focuses on Himalayan wildlife and a mountain habitat. Official visitor information highlights species including Himalayan brown bear, common leopard, blue sheep and golden pheasant. Incredible India also lists musk deer, black bear, Tibetan wolf, leopard cat, sambar, ghoral, barking deer, monal and several pheasants among the animals visitors may encounter. Wildlife visibility is never guaranteed, so treat the visit as a conservation and landscape experience rather than a checklist.
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How to include it in a Kufri day
Build the day around the park’s opening hours, then choose one nearby activity. The Shimla to Kufri distance guide helps you allow for the hill road from town. Families who want a separate rides-based stop can read the Kufri Fun World guide; keep its timing separate because it has different operations. For a broader plan, use the things to do in Kufri guide and avoid packing too many stops into one mountain day.
Seasonal planning
Wear shoes suitable for uneven walking paths and bring a warm layer even on a bright day. In winter, check weather and road conditions close to departure; in the rainy season, allow extra time and carry rain protection. The Shimla weather guide can help with broader packing and seasonal planning.
Tickets and practical checks
- Use the official Shimla Wildlife Division website to confirm current ticket options before visiting.
- Arrive before the listed last-entry time; the paths and animal enclosures take time to explore.
- Follow on-site safety guidance and do not feed or approach animals.
- Respect staff instructions, especially during weather changes or temporary operational restrictions.
Is there a zoo in Shimla?
Shimla town has no traditional zoo. When people search for the Shimla zoo, they almost always mean the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri, popularly called Kufri Zoo, about 13 km from Shimla.
Inside Shimla there is a much smaller Himalayan Bird Park, an aviary opposite the Viceregal Lodge that opens only in summer. It is a short stop for birds such as the Himalayan monal and pheasants, not a zoo with larger animals.
| Place | Where | What you see | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Nature Park (Kufri Zoo) | Kufri, about 13 km from Shimla | Snow leopard, Himalayan brown and black bears, musk deer, goral and the Himalayan monal | A half-day with children and forest walks |
| Himalayan Bird Park | Opposite Viceregal Lodge, Shimla | An aviary of Himalayan and exotic birds, open in summer only | A short stop while visiting Viceregal Lodge |
Seeing both? Pair the bird park with Viceregal Lodge on your Shimla day, and give Kufri its own morning, with Mahasu Peak and Kufri Fun World close by.
Is Kufri Zoo the same as Shimla Zoo?
Yes, in practice. There is no zoo inside Shimla town, so the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is the zoo people mean when they say Shimla zoo.
How far is Kufri Zoo from Shimla?
About 13 km, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by road. The park is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your Kufri day around that.
Frequently asked questions
What are the current Kufri Zoo timings?
The Shimla Wildlife Division lists 9:00 AM–6:30 PM from April to September and 9:30 AM–5:30 PM from October to March. It also lists last entry 30 minutes before closing. Confirm before travel because operating details can change.
Is Kufri Zoo closed on Tuesday?
Yes. The official visiting-hours page currently lists Himalayan Nature Park-Cum-Zoo as closed on Tuesdays.
What animals can visitors see at Himalayan Nature Park?
Official visitor information highlights Himalayan brown bear, common leopard, blue sheep and golden pheasant, among other Himalayan fauna. Sightings vary.
Where can I check the current Kufri Zoo ticket price?
Check the Shimla Wildlife Division’s official website before you travel, as ticket and operational details can change.
Source basis: Shimla Wildlife Division, Incredible India and Himachal Tourism, checked 17 September 2026.
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