Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden
Somnath, Gujarat · wildlife
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹30
Spread across the leafy northern edge of Junagadh, beneath the sacred peaks of Girnar, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoos in India, established in 1863 during the era of the Nawabs of Junagadh. Locally still called Sakkarbaug or "Sakkarbaug Zoo," this sprawling green campus has grown from a princely menagerie into one of the country's most important centres for wildlife conservation. For travellers exploring the Somnath and Girnar circuit, it makes an easy and rewarding day excursion, roughly 80 kilometres inland from Somnath, and pairs naturally with the temples and monuments of Junagadh.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg Kathiyawadi thali houses near Kalwa Chowk, Junagadh
- ✦Pure-veg Gujarati thali restaurants near Junagadh railway station
- ✦Farsan and snack shops serving dhokla, khaman and fafda-jalebi near the zoo road
About
Spread across the leafy northern edge of Junagadh, beneath the sacred peaks of Girnar, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoos in India, established in 1863 during the era of the Nawabs of Junagadh.
- Locally still called Sakkarbaug or "Sakkarbaug Zoo," this sprawling green campus has grown from a princely menagerie into one of the country's most important centres for wildlife conservation.
- For travellers exploring the Somnath and Girnar circuit, it makes an easy and rewarding day excursion, roughly 80 kilometres inland from Somnath, and pairs naturally with the temples and monuments of Junagadh.
- The zoo's defining role is its work with the Asiatic lion, the majestic big cat that survives in the wild only in the nearby Gir forest.
- Sakkarbaug runs a respected conservation-breeding programme for these endangered lions and has supplied animals to help establish and strengthen lion populations at other Indian zoos, making it a cornerstone of the species' long-term survival.
- Alongside the lions, the enclosures and open sections house leopards, spotted deer, blackbuck, nilgai, birds and other native fauna, giving visitors who cannot venture on a full Gir safari a genuine chance to see Saurashtra's wildlife at close and safe quarters.
- The campus also holds a natural history and geology museum, adding an educational layer for families and school groups.
- Shaded avenues, old trees and wide walkways make Sakkarbaug a relaxed, unhurried place to wander, best enjoyed in the cooler morning hours.
- It is family-friendly and well suited to children, elders and first-time wildlife visitors.
- Because timings, ticketing and the internal battery-vehicle service can change seasonally, it is wise to confirm current hours locally before setting out, and to carry water, a hat and sun protection.
- For meals, Junagadh's pilgrim-town core has plenty of pure-vegetarian Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses.
- Look for pure-veg thali and Punjabi-Gujarati restaurants along Kalwa Chowk and the main bazaar near the railway station, where an unlimited Kathiyawadi thali of rotla, shaak, dal, kadhi, bajra rotli and buttermilk is the classic fill-up.
- Simple pure-veg snack counters and farsan shops near the zoo road serve dhokla, khaman, fafda-jalebi and hot chai, making it easy to eat well without any non-vegetarian food.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Zanzarda Road, Junagadh, Somnath, Gujarat, 362001
How to Reach: Junagadh is about 80 km from Somnath (roughly 2 hours by road) and is well connected by state and private buses and by trains on the Veraval-Rajkot line. From Junagadh railway station or the central bus stand, the zoo on Zanzarda Road is a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride to the northern edge of town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sakkarbaug Zoo important for wildlife conservation?
Established in 1863, it is one of India's oldest zoos and a leading conservation-breeding centre for the endangered Asiatic lion, which survives in the wild only in the nearby Gir forest. Lions bred here have helped strengthen populations at other Indian zoos.
How far is Sakkarbaug Zoo from Somnath?
The zoo is in Junagadh, about 80 km inland from Somnath, roughly a two-hour drive. It makes an easy day excursion, often combined with Girnar and the other heritage sites of Junagadh.
Can I see Asiatic lions here instead of doing a Gir safari?
Yes. If you cannot arrange a full Gir safari, Sakkarbaug offers a safe, reliable chance to see Asiatic lions and other native wildlife such as leopards, deer and blackbuck in well-maintained enclosures.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Sakkarbaug Zoo?
Junagadh has many pure-vegetarian options. Try the Kathiyawadi and Gujarati thali houses near Kalwa Chowk and the railway station, or pick up dhokla, khaman and fafda-jalebi from pure-veg farsan shops along the zoo road.
Is Sakkarbaug Zoo suitable for children and elderly visitors?
Yes. Shaded avenues, wide walkways and a natural-history museum make it family-friendly and comfortable for children and elders. Visit in the cooler morning hours and carry water and sun protection.
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