A zoo by the river
Sarthana Nature Park, on the northern edge of Surat by the Tapi river, is the city’s oldest and best-known zoological park. A green, wooded retreat, it is a favourite family outing where visitors come to see big cats like tigers and lions, along with deer, crocodiles, primates and a wide variety of birds, amid lawns, mature trees and a toy train.
Beyond a day out, the park plays an important role in conservation education for the city, introducing generations of Surtis to wildlife. Shaded and relaxed, it is a welcome green lung in a fast-growing city.
A zoological park with a modest ticketed entry, it is easy to reach, comfortable to wander, and especially rewarding for families with children who want to get close to Gujarat’s wildlife.
Wildlife at Sarthana.
A riverside zoo on the city's edge
The wooded park.
Sarthana Nature Park opens on the northern edge of Surat, becoming the city's first zoological park.
Set on wooded grounds beside the Tapi river, it grows into a green retreat away from the busy city.
The park builds a varied collection — tigers, lions, deer, crocodiles, primates and many species of birds.
It anchors conservation education for the city, introducing generations of Surtis to wildlife.
Reasons to make the time
Tigers & lions
See big cats up close in the city's oldest zoological park.
Deer & more
A varied collection of deer, crocodiles, primates and other animals.
Riverside woods
Shaded, wooded grounds beside the Tapi make for a cool, green outing.
Birds
Many species of birds live across the park's lawns and trees.
Toy train
A family favourite — a gentle ride through the grounds.
Conservation
Education and awareness for visitors of every age.
What to look for inside
THE WILDLIFEBig cats
Tigers & lions.
THE PARKWoods
By the Tapi.
How to spend an hour or two
See the tigers
Watch the park's big cats — tigers and lions are the star attraction of this zoological park.
Spot the birds
Look out for the many species of birds that live across the lawns, trees and water bodies.
Walk the woods
Wander the shaded, wooded grounds by the Tapi — a cool, green escape from the city.
Ride the toy train
Take the gentle toy-train ride through the park — a treat that families and children love.
Enjoy with family
Spread out on the lawns for a relaxed family outing in the green heart of Surat.
Learn conservation
Read the displays and learn about the park's conservation and wildlife-education mission.
Sarthana’s grounds.
A wooded wildlife park
Sarthana Nature Park (est. 1984), by the Tapi on Surat’s edge, is the city’s oldest zoological park — a wooded retreat sheltering tigers, lions, deer, crocodiles, primates and birds, with a toy train and a strong conservation-education mission.
A welcome green lung for a fast-growing city, its lawns, mature trees and riverside setting make it as much a place to breathe as a place to see wildlife.
The rest of the district is covered in our Surat travel guide.
Surat’s oldest zoo (1984)
Tigers, lions & big cats
Wooded grounds by the Tapi
Conservation education
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season. Comfortable all day and perfect for an unhurried visit.
Green and atmospheric after rain. The grounds turn lush; mornings are fresh and uncrowded.
Hot and humid — start early. Come right at opening and keep to the shaded, wooded paths.
⏰ Visit in the cooler, drier months; pair it with Surat's riverfront and food streets.
Timings & entry
- Open Tue–Sun, daytime
- Ticketed entry
- Great for families
- Allow 2–3 hours
- A modest entry ticket
- Closed on Mondays
- Don't feed the animals
- Carry water
Getting there
By Air
Surat International Airport is about 15 km away, with a growing network of domestic flights and easy cab connections to the park.
By Rail
Surat railway station, a major stop on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad line, is well connected across India — autos and cabs reach the park easily.
By Road
The park sits in and around Surat and is simple to reach by car, auto or app-cab from anywhere in the city.
At Sarthana Nature Park
WILD & GREEN
A riverside nature park
What to shoot
The big cats — tigers and lions — are the most rewarding subjects; be patient and shoot through the enclosure openings.
Detail
Birds and deer make fine close-ups; a longer lens helps you fill the frame without disturbing them.
Setting
The wooded grounds and lawns give lovely leafy backdrops and dappled light through the trees.
Best light
A morning visit brings soft light, active animals and thinner crowds — the best time to shoot.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Chintamani Jain Temple
Centuries-old temple with fine wood carving
Dutch & Armenian Churches
Relics of Surat’s trading-port era
MODERNScience Centre
Planetarium, museum & diamond gallery
LAKEGopi Talav
A restored medieval lake & lakefront plaza
WETLANDGavier Lake & Tapi
Birdlife along the river and city lakes
Sarthana & Wetlands
◐ Morning · birdlife
Where to eat near Sarthana Nature Park
THALISurti meals
Sweet-savoury thalis.
LOCHOLocho & khaman
Surat's soft farsan.
STREETSurti street food
Ghari, undhiyu & more.
Foodie city
Famous for locho, undhiyu, ghari & ponk.
Sarthana Nature Park FAQ
What is Sarthana Nature Park?
Sarthana Nature Park, on the northern edge of Surat by the Tapi river, is the city's oldest and best-known zoological park. A green, wooded retreat, it is a favourite family outing where visitors come to see big cats like tigers and lions, along with deer, crocodiles, primates and a wide variety of birds, amid lawns, mature trees and a toy train.
Where is it?
Sarthana, Surat — on the northern edge of the city, beside the Tapi river.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is by ticket — a modest charge for adults and children.
When should I visit?
October to March, the cool, dry season, is the most comfortable time to visit.
What's nearby?
Surat's fort, beaches, lake and food streets are all within easy reach.
How long does it take?
Allow 2–3 hours for an unhurried visit.
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PORTPippavav
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VILLAGEDabhel & Dudhia
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EME Temple
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1Gaumukh Spring
A sacred natural spring tucked into the forest
6Khambhat Flamingo Flats
Vast tidal mudflats alive with birds
FORESTKhambha
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026