Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park

Kamalapura · Karnataka · India

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About Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park is a modern zoological park located at Kamalapura near Hospete in Vijayanagara District, Karnataka, adjacent to the Tungabhadra Reservoir and Hampi World Heritage Site. Spread over about 99 hectares and managed by the Karnataka Zoo Authority, it was developed to relocate the former Kamalapur Mini Zoo. It houses mammals, birds and reptiles in spacious enclosures with conservation and education focus.

Visitors guide

Visitors can expect a spacious, landscaped zoo with wide walkways, naturalistic enclosures for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, birds and reptiles, and views of the Tungabhadra reservoir and surrounding rocky terrain. The park offers battery-operated vehicle rides, interpretation centre, aviaries and small safari-type sections. It is designed for leisurely walking, wildlife viewing and photography in a semi-arid, open forest setting near Hampi.

Key highlights

01
99-hectare modern zoo near Hampi World Heritage Site and Tungabhadra Reservoir
02
Naturalistic enclosures for big cats, bears, herbivores, birds and reptiles
03
Battery-operated vehicle safari and walking trails
04
Aviary, butterfly park and interpretation centre for education
05
Relocated and upgraded from the former Kamalapur Mini Zoo under Karnataka Zoo Authority

History of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park

Developed by the Karnataka Zoo Authority to replace the cramped Kamalapur Mini Zoo near Hampi. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the project was spread over about 99 hectares near Tungabhadra Dam and inaugurated in 2023-2024 as the newest zoo in Karnataka under Central Zoo Authority guidelines for conservation and education.

Route

By train
By air	Nearest airport is Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (Vidyanagar) at Toranagallu about 35 km away; next major airport is Hubballi Airport about 160 km away

Keep exploring nearby

Discover more nearby attractions and build a fuller day around this stop.

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Tungabhadra Dam

Tungabhadra Dam, also known as Pampa Sagar, is a multipurpose dam across the Tungabhadra River near Hosapete in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. Completed in 1953 as a joint project of the former Hyderabad and Madras states, it creates a large reservoir providing irrigation, flood control and hydroelectric power. Notable for its 2.4 km long composite structure, landscaped Japanese-style gardens and illuminated musical fountain, it is a major visitor attraction near Hampi.

Hosapete, KarnatakaDam

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Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is an active Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hampi Bazaar, Hampi, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka. Situated on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River, it is the principal temple of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its towering eastern gopuram, intricate Vijayanagara architecture, and continuous worship since the 7th century, it remains Hampi's most prominent religious and architectural landmark.

Hampi, KarnatakaTemple

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Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal is a distinctive two-storey pavilion located within the Zenana Enclosure at Hampi, Karnataka, part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the Vijayanagara Empire, it is noted for its Indo-Islamic architecture blending Vijayanagara and Islamic styles, with lotus-like arches and domes. Once used as a council chamber and recreational pavilion for royal women, it remains one of Hampi's most photographed and well-preserved structures.

Hampi, KarnatakaPalace

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Elephant Stables

The Elephant Stables is a 15th-century historic structure located within the Zenana Enclosure at Hampi, Karnataka, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments at Hampi. Built during the Vijayanagara Empire, it comprises eleven domed chambers in Indo-Islamic style used to house royal elephants. Noted for its symmetrical arches, domes and well-preserved masonry near the Lotus Mahal, it illustrates the empire's architectural grandeur and ceremonial importance of elephants.

Hampi, KarnatakaMonument

By road	Located about 10 km from Hospete on Hospete-Kamalapura road; accessible by car, taxi and auto-rickshaw from Hospete and Hampi; KSRTC buses operate to Kamalapura

By public transport	KSRTC buses and auto-rickshaws from Hospete and Kamalapura to the zoo entrance

Nearest airport	Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (Vidyanagar), Toranagallu

Nearest railway station	Hosapete Junction (Hospet Junction)

Need to know

01Things to know before you go	Carry water and sun protection as the area is open and warm Battery vehicle tickets are separate from entry tickets Weekends and holidays are more crowded
02Rules & restrictions	Do not feed animals Photography with flash prohibited Pets not allowed inside Littering and plastic use restricted Follow Central Zoo Authority visitor guidelines
03Safety information	Stay within designated pathways and do not cross barriers Supervise children near enclosures Beware of heat during midday in summer months

Facilities listed

Reported facilities to help you plan your visit.

Battery-operated Vehicles
Drinking Water
Food Court and Canteen
Interpretation Centre
Parking
Rest Shelters and Seating
Ticket Counter
Toilets