Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park (Chhatbir Zoo)

Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, commonly known as Chhatbir Zoo, is a large zoological park located in Chhat village near Zirakpur in SAS Nagar district, Punjab, about 20 km from Chandigarh. Spread over 505 acres, it is the largest zoo in North India. Established in 1977, it houses a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles, and is noted for its lion safari, walk-through aviary and conservation and breeding programmes.

Visitors can explore a sprawling 505-acre forested campus with landscaped enclosures, aviaries and reptile houses housing lions, tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, primates and numerous bird species. Key experiences include a guided lion safari by caged vehicle, walk-through aviary, dinosaur park with life-size models, and battery-operated vehicle tours. Paved pathways, shaded seating, canteens and interpretation centres support a family-friendly day visit.