Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, commonly known as Ranchi Zoo (Ormanjhi Zoo), is a prominent zoological park located in Ormanjhi Village on Ranchi outskirts. Established in 1994, the park covers an area of approximately 104 hectares and is situated on the Ranchi-Hazaribagh highway near the water treatment plant of Getalsud Dam. The park is named after Birsa Munda, an Indian tribal freedom fighter, and serves as a crucial center for wildlife conservation, education, and recreation.
If you are on a Ranchi trip, especially with little kids, spending a fine morning at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park (Ranchi Zoo) is highly recommended. The zoo area is extremely well-maintained, keeping the part of natural forests untouched, making it one of the best zoos in India.
Let’s delve into deep.
Flora and Fauna at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park
The park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, housing around 1450 animals across 83 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Major mammalian species include the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Black Panther, Striped Hyena, Elephants, porcupine, and several species of deer such as the Sambar, Chital, White, and Spotted Deers (naparks.com). The park also features various bird species like the Indian Peafowl, the Great White Pelican, the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and more.
Reptiles are well-represented in the park with a variety of snakes including the Monocled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Indian Rock Python. The park also has Mugger Crocodiles and Gharials, providing a comprehensive view of India’s reptilian diversity.
Traveling across Ranchi Zoo
The Ranchi Zoo or Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park offers numerous facilities to enhance the visitor experience. This includes battery-operated vehicles for ease of movement, rented cycles, drinking water stations, rest areas, first aid centers, and wheelchairs for physically challenged visitors. The park also has a dedicated veterinary team available 24/7 to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.
If you are traveling there in a big group (8-10 people), you may hire the 10-seater electric vehicle to travel across the zoo. For smaller groups, 4 seater e-vehicle is available. Also, you can rent a cycle.
It typically takes 2-3 hours for a complete zoo trip if you rent an e-vehicle. In case you have a full-day plan, you may choose to walk across the park or rent a cycle.
Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park: Other highlights
One of the key attractions of Ranchi Zoo is the large freshwater aquarium, which is one of the biggest in the country, featuring about 1500 fish across 120 species housed in 58 tanks. The aquarium is meticulously designed with informative displays and decorative elements such as models, fountains, and a waterfall prototype. To enter this region, you need to buy a separate entry ticket.
The Butterfly Park is another highlight, spread over 20 acres and housing more than 80 species of butterflies. This park is designed to mimic natural habitats with a variety of host and nectar plants, providing a safe and enriching environment for the butterflies.
Conservation and Education
The zoo actively participates in various conservation programs and animal adoption schemes. Prominent figures and organizations have adopted animals to support their care and maintenance. For example, actress Priyanka Chopra has adopted a tigress and a lioness, contributing to their welfare.
Educational initiatives are also a core component of the park’s mission. The zoo aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation through educational programs and visitor information centers. The park’s vision is to become a world-class facility for ex-situ conservation of rare and endangered species, while providing a naturalistic environment for the animals and a meaningful experience for visitors.
Visitor’s Information
Timings
The park is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with slight variations depending on the season, and remains closed on Mondays. Entry fees are nominal, with special discounts for group visits and on certain national holidays. Charges for DSLR and handycam are relatively high (100/- and 150/-).
How to visit Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park?
Ranchi Zoo is almost 19 km away from Ranchi Railway Station. Wherever you are staying in Ranchi, straightaway you have to hire a car to reach the zoo. If you are traveling with your personal car, it’s even better.
- Nearest Railway Station: Ranchi
- Nearest Airport: Birsa Munda Airport
Other places to visit in Ranchi
- Dassam Falls
- Patratu Valley and Lake
- Jonha Falls
- Sita Falls
- Hundru Falls
- Rock Garden
- Getalsud Dam
- Netarhat
- Lodh Falls
Remarks
In summary, Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also an important educational and recreational facility. It plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and learn about the importance of preserving biodiversity. If you are on a Ranchi trip, visiting Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park worth it.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
