In the historic city of Junagadh, where temples whisper legends and forts stand guard over time, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden unfolds as a sanctuary where nature thrives and endangered species find refuge. Established in 1863, it’s not just India’s fourth-oldest zoo — it’s a living conservation story, a vibrant space where education, biodiversity, and wonder come together under the open skies.

More than a zoo, Sakkarbaug is a testament to Junagadh’s royal foresight. Created by the Nawabs not as spectacle, but as a commitment to preserving the planet’s most majestic creatures, it has grown into one of Asia’s foremost breeding centers for the endangered Asiatic lion — a creature once on the brink, now roaring back thanks to the care it receives here.

🌿 A Walk Through Wild Beauty

Sprawled across over 200 hectares, the zoo is a green mosaic of natural enclosures, tree-lined paths, and interactive educational spaces. Here, every step is a moment of marvel — at the silent stare of a leopard, the grace of a sambar deer, or the slow sway of a sloth bear exploring its habitat.

But the pride of Sakkarbaug is unmistakable: the Asiatic lion. Unlike their African cousins, these regal beasts are rarer, more elusive, and carry the aura of royalty — much like the land they inhabit. To witness one in person is to feel both awe and a deep responsibility toward the creatures with whom we share the planet.

Sakkarbaug doesn’t dazzle with flashy shows or artificial entertainment. Instead, it invites you into the real rhythm of the wild — where animals roam with dignity, trees whisper the secrets of time, and every roar, call, or flutter is a reminder of the richness of life.

🧭 Plan Your Visit to Sakkarbaug Zoo

📅 Best Time to Visit

Visit between November and February, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are most active. Mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

🗺️ How to Get There

🚆 By Train: Junagadh Junction is around 4 km from the zoo. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available.
🚌 By Bus: City buses and GSRTC services offer frequent stops near the zoo entrance.
🚶‍♂️ By Foot or Cycle: If you're staying nearby or exploring slowly, the zoo is accessible via wide, tree-lined roads.

🦁 What Makes Sakkarbaug Zoo Special

🦁 Asiatic Lion Breeding Centre – Globally recognized for its critical role in conserving this endangered species through successful breeding and scientific care.

🧬 Conservation Education – With interpretive signboards, an in-house veterinary hospital, and interactive exhibits, the zoo promotes wildlife awareness, especially among students and young visitors.

🌏 Biodiversity on Display – Home to over 1,400 animals and 100+ species, including crocodiles, antelopes, hyenas, panthers, and vibrant primates.

🦜 Avian Paradise – Bird lovers will enjoy spotting peacocks, parakeets, emus, owls, and even seasonal migratory birds.

🌿 Naturalistic Design – Far from the concrete cages of yesteryears, Sakkarbaug’s modern enclosures mimic natural habitats — prioritizing both animal wellbeing and visitor immersion.

🧭 Nearby Attractions

🌳 Motibaug Garden – A short drive away, offering regal pathways and peaceful benches under century-old trees.
💧 Damodar Kund – A serene spiritual site perfect for moments of reflection after your wildlife adventure.
⛰️ Girnar Hill – Towering over the horizon, Girnar is nature's grand monument to divinity and adventure.
🕌 Mahabat Maqbara – A breathtaking fusion of Indo-Islamic and Gothic architecture, just a few minutes away.

🐾 A Day Among Earth’s Rarest Creatures

Sakkarbaug Zoo is more than a destination — it’s a dialogue with the wild, a place where you walk through a royal legacy of conservation and come out more connected to the natural world.

Whether you're a child on your first field trip, a wildlife photographer with a lens full of dreams, or a traveler tracing Junagadh’s layered history, this zoo offers a rare pause — one that’s filled with purpose, empathy, and awe.

Come to learn. Come to reconnect. Come to witness the majesty of life in its purest, wildest form.