Maharajbagh zoo 🇮🇳

Located in the heart of Nagpur, India, Maharajbagh Zoo offers you a chance to visit a central urban zoo steeped in local history. The grounds were originally built on the historic garden of the city's Bhonsle and Maratha rulers. Today, this smaller Indian zoo operates under the Central Zoo Authority of India and is maintained by Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth.

When you explore the site, you can observe a variety of wildlife, including lions, tigers, peacocks, and leopards. Among the notable animals residing here is the cub of Julie and Gopal, a famous pair of leopards who previously lived at the zoo. Over the years, the facility has overcome operational challenges, such as installing open enclosures and a protective wall along a nearby water channel to safeguard animal health.

While the Government of Maharashtra has approved a massive new international safari park near Gorewada Lake that will eventually house some of the current residents, Maharajbagh Zoo will remain open to welcome new animals. You will find that visiting this historic space gives you a candid look at Nagpur's ongoing zoological care, rich regional heritage, and conservation efforts right in the center of the city.

What to see at Maharajbagh zoo

• Built on the historic garden of Nagpur's former Bhonsle and Maratha rulers
• Home to wild animals including tigers, lions, peacocks, and leopards
• See the cub of the zoo's famous historical leopard pair, Julie and Gopal
• Features updated open enclosures and protective walls along the nearby water channel
• Conveniently located right in the heart of central Nagpur

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that while animals will eventually transition to the new Gorewada Lake safari park, this historic central location will stay open for new wildlife.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Maharajbagh zoo is easy to reach on Nagpur’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nagpur Central Museum and Masjid Ghareeb Nawaz. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Nagpur travel guide.