Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Zoo and botanical garden in Guwahati, India.
Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is a zoological and botanical facility in Guwahati spreading across 175 hectares within Hengerabari Reserve Forest. The site presents animals from the region and other parts of the world in enclosures surrounded by thick vegetation.
The foundation began in 1957 during the Indian National Congress convention, when a wildlife display featuring a tiger cub named Spoty drew attention. This exhibition led to the decision to create a permanent zoological park in the city.
The place carries its name from the connection between animal diversity and plant life, both managed under a shared administration. Visitors often see families coming on weekends to introduce children to the wildlife native to the northeastern region.
The grounds are divided into separate areas for mammals, birds, and reptiles, with paved paths leading through both parts of the facility. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as distances between enclosures can be long.
The layout follows the principles of the Whipsnade facility in London, where animals live in settings resembling their natural habitats. This approach was still uncommon in India at the time of foundation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
