How many times have you visited the mini zoo in Burdwan? It is one of the most attractive weekend destinations near Kolkata.
In India, almost every zoo works as a conservation center. Authorities take care of wild animals, various species of birds, and more.
The mini zoo or the Burdwan Zoological Park is a must-visit destination for those who love animals like crocodiles, leopard, sloth bear, and some birds.
Today in this travelogue I am going to reveal my experience of visiting the mini zoo. Additionally, I shall guide how to be there, what to see, and more.
Before starting my travelogue, I have to share my personal feelings.
I dislike zoos because the animals are captivated there. I prefer national parks to witness animals roaming freely.
Whatever, through this travelogue, you’ll witness the Burdwan Zoological Park or the less popular Mini Zoo.
I returned to my Chilapata travelogue while I started writing this. Though there is no similarity between Chilapata travelogue and my visit to the Mini Zoo, yet, I am excited to disclose all in detail.
Unplanned Visit to Mini Zoo
It was the 11th of November, Monday. I went to Burdwan for some personal work. I reached Burdwan station by local train. I started my journey from Jirat, the nearest railway station to my house.
At about 9 am I reached Burdwan station. Then without delay, I finished my work. After 3 hours I became free.
I had heard of the mini zoo located in Burdwan. I decided to visit the zoo. So I booked a toto and reached my destination, Burdwan Zoological Park.
It took around 30 minutes to reach the mini zoo. After reaching the gate of the zoo, I booked a ticket with INR 25 and entered the zoo.
The time of the zoo is from 9 am to 5 pm. So I had enough time to explore the whole zoo. Every day of the week is open except Thursday.
Every conservation center is calm and quiet. I get the same atmosphere there. The actual name of this mini zoo is Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where is Mini Zoo
In 1960, Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary was dedicated as a reserve forest. Later in 1978, this area was converted into a deer park with the introduction of six spotted deer. During that time it was known as a wildlife sanctuary.
Later the central Zoo authority declared this as the mini zoo. The major trees of the Ramnabagan forest are sal and teak. The whole area is 14.31 hectares (33.36 acres).
Now it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for the people of Burdwan and its surroundings.
Now come to its geography. Ramnabagan Zoological Park is located in Baburbag Rd, near the famous Bardhaman University.
The distance from Burdwan railway station is only 3 km and 4 km from GT Road (NH2) on the Burdwan Durgapur stretch of the Durgapur Expressway. It takes around 30 minutes from Burdwan station.
The transportation is good to reach there.
Major Attractions
I had yet to learn about the wildlife there. I have heard that the major attractions of the mini zoo is spotted (chital) deer and barking deer.
So I was excited. After entering the zoo, I was curious about the animals. After 5 minutes of walking, I saw the den of a sloth bear.
The road goes beside its den. I took that road. After a while, I found the marsh crocodiles. There were a couple of crocodiles there. One of them was playing in the water and another one was sleeping in the bank of the pond.
I spend a good amount of time there. Just the opposite of the marsh crocodile, there is the deer park.
Deer is one of my favorite animals. So I enjoyed them. I forgot to count, but as per my knowledge is concerned, there are more than ten to fifteen deers.
After enjoying the play of the deers for half an hour, I went to witness the bird sections.
There were some Peafowl (Peacocks), Parrots, Emu, Silver and Golden Pheasant, Lesser Adjutant, Adjutant Stork, Rosy Pelicans, and some others.
After the bird section, I went to the Rhesus Macaque and Langur who were playing with their mates. Though both the Rhesus Macaque and Langur cages are separate.
After a while, I planned to visit the most famous animal of the mini zoo. Leopard is one of the most famous wild animals in the mini zoo in Burdwan.
During the return, I visited the Ramanabagan Museum where you can see the replica of wildlife in West Bengal. I spent there almost half an hour.
On the way to return, I saw a Jackal, a Sloth Bear, and a Leopard. All the animals were busy in their way.
My Final Thought
Mini Zoo or Burdwan Mini Zoo is one of the best tourist destinations in West Bengal. Once it was a wildlife sanctuary, now it is open to the public as a mini zoo. You’ll enjoy its atmosphere. Though you can not find huge animals here, the animals which you’ll see are worthy according to the spot and fee. My experience was good. If you love exploring a weekend tourist destination near Kolkata, Burdwan Mini Zoo is an ideal one.
