VOC Park & Zoo is currently closed to the public for renovation works. The reopening date has not been officially announced. Please check back for updates before planning a visit.
VOC Park & Zoo (formally the Coimbatore Zoological Garden) is the largest public green space and the only zoo in Coimbatore, spread across about 55 acres on Avinashi Road. It is managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and is named after freedom fighter Valliammai Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (V.O.C.).
Note: The information below covers facilities and animals as they were before the closure. Details may change after renovation and reopening.
Animals at VOC Park Zoo
The zoo houses a diverse collection of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish:
Big Cats and Predators:
- Bengal tigers
- African lions
- Leopards (Indian)
- Striped hyenas
Bears and Primates:
- Sloth bears
- Bonnet macaques and other primates
- Lion-tailed macaque
Deer and Antelope:
- Spotted deer (Chital)
- Sambhar deer
- Nilgai (Blue bull)
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Mugger Crocodile
- Star Tortoise
- Monitor Lizard
Birds: An extensive aviary section with peacocks, various parrots, pelicans, storks, cranes, and the rare Hill Mynah.
Aquarium: An in-house aquarium displaying freshwater and marine fish species.
Butterfly Park
VOC Park has a dedicated butterfly enclosure with several species of Indian butterflies. Best visited early morning when butterflies are most active.
Children’s Park and Toy Train
Adjacent to the zoo is a children’s amusement park with swings, slides, and a popular toy train that circles a portion of the park. A hit with younger visitors.
Facilities
- Food stalls and a canteen inside the premises
- Clean restrooms at multiple points
- Wheelchair-accessible paths to major enclosures
- Drinking water stations
- Photography generally permitted (camera charges may apply)
- Educational boards at each enclosure in Tamil and English
How to Reach VOC Park Zoo
From city centre (Gandhipuram): 15 km, 25–30 minutes by cab.
By bus: TNSTC buses on Avinashi Road route stop near the zoo. Look for buses towards Peelamedu/Airport.
By cab/auto: Cab from RS Puram ₹200–₹250. Auto from Peelamedu area ₹60–₹100.
Parking: Paid parking area near the main entrance for cars and two-wheelers.
Tips for Visiting
- Go early: Animals are more active in the morning hours (9 AM–11 AM)
- Avoid midday heat: The Coimbatore sun is intense between 12 PM–3 PM
- Closed on Tuesday: Plan accordingly
- Carry water: The walk around the zoo takes 2–3 hours
Contact: 0422-2572500
