Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, also known as Birsa Zoological Park or Ormanjhi Zoo, is a premier wildlife attraction in Ranchi, Jharkhand, covering 104 hectares with forest terrain that simulates natural habitats for animals. Established in 1994 near Getalsud Dam along the Ranchi-Hazaribag highway, it attracts 8–10 lakh annual visitors.
Birsa Zoological Park, also known as Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park or Ranchi Zoo, is located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, and serves as a significant center for wildlife conservation, education, and research. It is named after the Indian tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda.
Overview and Establishment
Birsa Zoological Park is situated off Chakla village, Ormanjhi, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The park was established in 1994 on the main Ranchi-Hazaribag highway, alongside the Getalsud Dam. It spans an area of 104 hectares (approximately 257 acres) of natural forests, offering a blend of natural beauty and artificial landscapes.
The park is divided into two main sections: a zoological section dedicated to animals, covering 83 hectares, and a botanical section, spread over 21 hectares. Initially recognized as a small zoo, it was upgraded to a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority in 2013.
History and Establishment
Nestled in the forested landscape of Ormanjhi near Ranchi, Birsa Zoological Park—formally known as Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park—was established in 1994 as a major center for wildlife conservation and public recreation. Its creation responded to the need for a modern zoological facility in Jharkhand, capable of promoting animal welfare, breeding endangered species, and supporting environmental education.
The park is strategically located near the Getalsud Dam along the Ranchi-Hazaribag highway, making it easily accessible to visitors and researchers alike. Covering 104 hectares, the site was selected for its natural terrain, which allows the zoo to mimic authentic habitats and provide a sanctuary-like experience for animals.
Birsa Zoological Park has played a vital role in protecting regional fauna, rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals, and offering a vibrant destination for families, students, and nature enthusiasts. Its establishment marked a new chapter in Jharkhand’s commitment to biodiversity and has contributed to the state’s reputation as a steward of natural heritage.
Location and Accessibility
The park is approximately 15 km from Ranchi town and is easily accessible. It is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from Ranchi, depending on the starting point and traffic. The park’s address is Main Road National Highway 33, Ormanjhi, Chakla, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835219, India.
Opening Hours and Ticket Details
- Location: Ormanjhi, Chakla, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835219
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Mondays).
- Entry Fees: Adults ₹60, Children (3–12 years) ₹20; group discounts available. Separate tickets for aquarium and butterfly park: Adult ₹30, Child ₹15.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, rest areas, paid parking, battery vehicle rental.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
Natural Environment and Layout
The park encompasses 104 hectares (approximately 257 acres) of mildly undulating topography, featuring natural dry deciduous Sal forests and various water bodies. This design allows most of the zoo’s inhabitants to live in open, large moated areas surrounded by natural vegetation, creating an environment similar to their natural habitat.
This emphasis on a naturalistic setting aims to promote the well-being, growth, and breeding of the animals. The presence of natural forests and water bodies provides an authentic wildlife habitat, allowing animals to roam and behave as they would in the wild.
The park is also recognized as a haven for birdwatchers due to numerous bird species inhabiting the trees. The park organically grows green fodder in-house, ensuring fresh, nutritious, and pollution-free food for its herbivores.
The Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park is situated on both sides of National Highway 33, about 20 kilometers from Ranchi city.
The park’s layout is distinctly divided into two sections:
- Zoological Section: This larger part of the park is spread over 81 hectares (or 83 hectares according to other sources) and is located on one side of NH 33, housing various wild animals in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
- Botanical Section: Located on the northern side of NH 33, this section covers an area of 23 hectares (or 21 hectares) and features diverse plant species, enhancing the park’s natural beauty.
The park’s design emphasizes conservation and education, providing tranquil walking paths and beautifully landscaped gardens for visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, the park includes amenities such as a picnic area, a children’s playground, and an aquarium, which is reportedly the largest freshwater aquarium in the country, housing about 1500 fish across 58 display tanks. The layout is designed to encourage a leisurely pace for visitors to soak in the sights and sounds.
Main Attractions Birsa Zoological Park
Home to over 1,450 wild animals with 83 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Notable breeding programs for endangered species like sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, leopard cat, gharial, lion, hyaena, fox, jackal, various deer and antelopes, peafowl, and pheasants.
Facilities include an aquarium, butterfly park, boating, battery-operated vehicles, cafeteria, wheelchair access, and first aid. Zoo runs animal rescue and rehabilitation initiatives, and offers educational programs and naturalistic exhibits.
Special Sections and Themed Zones
Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park features several special sections and themed zones designed to enhance visitor experience and promote conservation and education.
Aquarium
The “Ranchi Aquarium” is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in India, with a total premises area of 3300 square meters. The aquarium building itself covers 936 square meters. It houses approximately 1500 beautiful and interesting fish, representing about 120 species, displayed in 58 fish tanks of various sizes.
These fish include herbivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous, and scavenger categories, with many exotic species sourced from places like Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore. The interior is scientifically designed, providing information about the fish, while the exterior features paintings, models, fountains, and a picturesque waterfall prototype. A selfie point is also available inside the aquarium.
Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park is situated within the botanical division, covering 20 acres, located opposite the aquariums. About 12 acres of this park consist of natural forest dominated by Sal trees, while the remaining area is planted with over 100 species of host and nectar plants to support a diverse range of butterfly species. More than 80 species of butterflies have been recorded in this park.
The habitat for each butterfly species is designed according to its migration behavior. The conservatory is enclosed with fine mesh wire to protect these delicate creatures from predators, and three fountains inside maintain moisture in the atmosphere, which is vital for butterflies.
A detailed model illustrating the complex life cycle of a butterfly is also on display for educational purposes. This is considered one of India’s largest butterfly parks, offering a unique experience for nature and butterfly enthusiasts.
Conservation and Research Efforts
The park plays a crucial role in conserving endangered and threatened flora and fauna. It engages in “ex situ” conservation, which involves preserving species outside their natural habitats, complemented by “in situ” efforts, which focus on conservation within their natural environment.
Zoos and wildlife rescues in Jharkhand, including Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, act as sanctuaries for injured and orphaned animals and serve as educational centers to promote public awareness of wildlife conservation. The park conducts breeding programs for endangered species such as the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and various bird species to maintain genetic diversity and boost their populations.
The park also functions as a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife, providing critical care, medical treatment, and rehabilitation before returning animals to the wild. Furthermore, it supports alternative livelihood programs for local communities to reduce reliance on forest resources and alleviate poaching pressures, thereby promoting sustainable practices. The park invites public participation through animal adoption schemes to support the care and maintenance of its animals.
Species and Habitat Monitoring: The park monitors changes in vegetation cover using geospatial approaches, analyzing land-use classifications over periods like 12 years to understand environmental impacts. This helps forest and wildlife managers by providing spatial information for effective management at low cost and short timeframes.
Animal Health and Behavior: Research is conducted on animal behavior, genetics, and health to improve breeding success rates and develop effective conservation strategies. Studies also focus on the health and disease patterns in captive and rescued animals, developing protocols for disease prevention and treatment that can benefit wild populations. For instance, a study assessed the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites among captive animals in the park.
Biodiversity Documentation: The park contributes to the documentation of local biodiversity. A study recorded five species of Collembola (Hexapoda) from different habitats within the park, highlighting its importance for insect conservation. The park’s butterfly park, housing over 80 species, is also a subject of research, with a checklist of butterfly diversity having been prepared.
Collaborations: The park collaborates with universities and research institutions to enhance the scientific basis of its conservation programs. It also works with forest departments on anti-poaching efforts and combating illegal wildlife trade. These collaborations contribute to global conservation efforts by sharing knowledge and resources.
Facilities and Services
The Birsa Zoological Park is closed on Mondays and national holidays. On other days, it is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though it’s advisable to check for any changes in timings due to special events or maintenance.
The park offers various facilities for visitors, including battery-operated vehicles and boating. Other amenities include drinking water, rest areas with sheds, a first aid box, wheelchairs for physically challenged individuals, toilets, direction maps, signboards, an information center, kiosks, and canteen services. Visitors can also book battery-operated cars for a guided tour.
Several hotels are available near Jonha Falls and Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, including Radisson Blu Hotel Ranchi, The Mohua A Boutique Hotel, Beautiful 6 BHK flat with all amenities in Ranchi, Chanakya BNR Hotel, Hotel Ojas, and Hotel Soneva Inn.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Tagore Hill: This is a notable nature spot where visitors can enjoy the outdoors. It is approximately 11.32 miles (18.22 km) from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park.
- Kanke Dam: Located near the park, Kanke Dam offers natural scenery and is suitable for relaxation.
- Rock Garden Ranchi: This garden and park is a green space in Ranchi where visitors can connect with nature.
- Hundru Falls: A lovely green space in Angara, Hundru Falls is ideal for outdoor activities. It is one of four main waterfalls around Ranchi, generally 40-60 kilometers from the city.
- Jonha Falls: Also known as Gautamdhara, Jonha Falls is a beautiful waterfall where visitors can stroll along the lakeside or visit temples in the area. It is 4 kilometers from Sita Falls and involves climbing down 550 stairs.
- Dassam Falls: This waterfall is approximately 40 kilometers from Ranchi and has about 250 stairs with multiple viewpoints.
- Patratu Valley and Lake: Located about 33 kilometers from Ranchi, Patratu Valley offers picturesque views and is a popular tourist attraction.
- Hirni Waterfall: This waterfall is located 37.66 miles (60.61 km) from the biological park.
- Panch Gagh Falls: Another waterfall attraction in Ranchi.
- Nakshtra Van: A park noted for its natural beauty.
- Biodiversity Park, Ranchi: This park is also a key destination for nature lovers.
- Ranchi Lake: A significant natural feature in the city.
- Jagannath Temple Ranchi: This is a religious site that offers cultural insights.
- Sun Temple: Located in Bundu, the Sun Temple offers a chance to learn about local history.
- Jharkhand War Memorial: Visitors can explore exhibits at this memorial in Ranchi.
- Ranchi War Cemetery: This site is about 1.51 miles (2.43 km) from the hotel Radisson Blu, which is also a significant landmark in Ranchi.
- Nathuakhan: Located in Ramgarh, this is a place where visitors can learn about history and explore the parks.
- Hargaddi Chokahatu (The Land of Megaliths): An area with historical significance.
- Maa Dewri Mandir: Another significant temple near the park.
- Sidhu & Kanhu Park, Ranchi: Another park worth visiting in Ranchi.
FAQ’s
Birsa Zoological Park, also known as Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park or Ormanjhi Zoo, is situated near Chakla village in Ormanjhi, along National Highway 33, about 20 km from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and remains closed on Mondays and certain national holidays.
Entry fees are ₹60 for adults and ₹20 for children aged 3–12 years. Separate tickets are required for the aquarium (₹30 adult / ₹15 child) and butterfly park.
Major attractions include tigers, lions, elephants, sloth bears, the butterfly park, one of India’s largest freshwater aquariums, boating facilities, and spacious natural enclosures for over 1,450 animals.
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and observe animals when they are most active.