ABOUT PILIKULA BIOLOGICAL PARK

ABOUT PILIKULA BIOLOGICAL PARK

Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is a major Eco-Education and Tourism Development Project promoted by the district Administration of Dakshina Kanada in the beautiful city of Mangalore in Karnataka State, India.

Pilikula is an integrated theme park with wide variety of features; it has many attractions of cultural and scientific interest. Pilikula extends over an area of 400 acres along the banks of Gurupura river.

The Pilikula Biological Park is one of the major attractions of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama. The park has an area of 150 acres. In accordance with prevailing laws, the Central Zoo Authority of India has recognized the park as a major zoo. As per modern zoological practices, the animals are kept in spacious enclosures closely resembling their natural habitat.

The park has well equipped veterinary hospital complex with quarantine, post treatment ward and post-mortem block, X-ray and ultrasound scanning facilities. Central Zoo Authority has funded the construction of hospital complex.

Pilikula Biological Park is aesthetically one of the best designed premises in the country meeting all modern international standards of Zoo management. The park serves as a good educational center for students of all ages in enriching their knowledge on conservation of wildlife.

Pilikula Zoo houses about 1200 animals of 120 species of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Pilikula has the credit of breeding some of endangered species of mammals, reptiles and birds of Western Ghats region. It is the only zoo to breed King Cobra in captivity.

The park area is covered with thick vegetation, which serves as a natural habitat for wild animals. Number of free ranging mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects are found in the zoo premises. It also serves as a nesting ground for birds (more than 70 species recorded)

More pictures Pilikula Biological park

🌿 About Pilikula Biological Park — A Comprehensive Look at One of Karnataka’s Premier Eco‑Tourism Destinations

Pilikula Biological Park is one of the most remarkable wildlife conservation and eco‑education attractions in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located near the bustling coastal city of Mangalore, this park forms a core part of the larger Pilikula Nisarga Dhama project — an integrated nature and culture theme park that celebrates biodiversity, heritage, science, and recreation all in one place. 

📍 Where It All Begins: The Pilikula Project

The Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is an ambitious eco‑tourism and environmental education initiative developed by the Dakshina Kannada district administration. This expansive project stretches over 400 acres along the scenic Gurupura River, weaving together forests, lakes, wildlife, traditional arts and crafts, science centers, and recreational spots. 

At the heart of this great green space is the Pilikula Biological Park, which alone covers about 150 acres and is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority of India as a major zoological park. 

🐅 What Makes Pilikula Biological Park Unique

🐾 Modern Zoo Management with Natural Habitats

Unlike older zoos where animals were often kept in small iron‑barred cages, Pilikula Biological Park follows modern zoological practices. The animals are housed in spacious, well‑designed enclosures that closely replicate their natural environments. This approach helps animals stay healthy and behave more naturally, which also makes watching them more interesting and educational for visitors. 

The park is not just aesthetic — it meets international standards of zoo management, making it one of India’s best‑designed facilities of its kind. 

🐯 Rich Diversity of Wildlife

Pilikula Biological Park is home to around 1,200 animals representing 120 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. These include native species from the Western Ghats — one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots — as well as some exotic animals introduced from other zoos through exchange programmes. 

Some notable residents include:

Asiatic lions

Wolves

Gharial crocodiles

Striped hyenas

Indian gaurs (bison‑like mammals)

Black swans

Various pheasants and rare birds 

Many of these animals have come through national exchange programmes with zoos such as Nandankanan Zoo in Odisha, which help maintain genetic diversity and healthier populations through responsible breeding and transfers. 

🐍 Centre for Endangered Species and Reptile Conservation

One of Pilikula’s distinctive achievements is its success in breeding endangered animals — especially reptiles like the King Cobra. It is the only zoo in India known to breed King Cobras in captivity, a remarkable accomplishment in reptile conservation. 

Beyond traditional animal care, the zoo has introduced microchipping programmes for reptiles and mammals. This advanced tracking and identification technique helps maintain accurate records of each animal — crucial for breeding programmes, scientific study, and long‑term welfare monitoring. 

🩺 World‑Class Care Facilities

Pilikula Biological Park is not just a place where animals are displayed — it’s also a scientific and medical hub for wildlife care:

🏥 Veterinary Hospital Complex

The park houses a fully equipped veterinary hospital with:

Quarantine facilities for new arrivals

X‑ray and ultrasound machines

Treatment wards

Post‑treatment and post‑mortem facilities

This hospital ensures comprehensive health care for the animals, supported in part by the Central Zoo Authority. 

Veterinarians, wildlife biologists, and zoologists work together to provide day‑to‑day medical care while also conducting research that helps improve animal wellbeing and conservation outcomes.

📚 Educational and Conservation Role

At its core, Pilikula Biological Park is designed to educate and inspire. The park attracts:

School and college students studying biology, ecology, and zoology

Wildlife enthusiasts

Families and tourists interested in learning about conservation

Through guided tours, wildlife camps, and interactive displays, the park helps visitors understand how ecosystems function, why biodiversity matters, and how we can protect endangered species. 

In addition, its role as a rescue centre for orphaned or injured animals means Pilikula contributes directly to wildlife welfare beyond just display and tourism. 

🌳 Beyond the Zoo — A Full Day of Experiences

Pilikula Biological Park is just one part of the larger Pilikula Nisarga Dhama destination. Here are some experiences visitors can enjoy:

🌾 Heritage and Artisan Villages

These areas showcase traditional Tulu Nadu crafts such as pottery, handloom weaving, and stone carving. It’s a cultural journey into the lives and skills of local artisans. 

🌿 Botanical Museum and Arboretum

The nearby botanical sections display regional plant life, helping visitors appreciate plant diversity, medicinal plants, and the botanical richness of the Western Ghats. 

🚣 Pilikula Lake and Lake Garden

The serene lake offers paddle and row boating, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and walking paths — perfect for relaxation, photography, and family outings. 

👨‍🔬 Regional Science Centre and 3D Planetarium

Science lovers, especially students, enjoy hands‑on exhibits and planetarium shows that make learning about astronomy, physics, and technology fun and engaging. 

💦 Recreation and Amusement

Nearby attractions also include a water park and other leisure activities geared especially toward children and families. 

📅 Events and Public Engagement

Pilikula Biological Park hosts various events aimed at spreading awareness about wildlife and nature. For example, in January 2026, the Bird Festival brought together students, birdwatchers, and conservationists to observe and learn about local and migratory bird species. 

Similarly, cultural festivals like the Karavali Utsava often include special programs at Pilikula, such as the public introduction of newly born tiger cubs, which draw attention to tiger conservation and community involvement. 

🎟️ Visiting Information

As of 2026:

Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

Entry Fees: Vary for adults and children, with additional charges for cameras and video equipment. 

Whether you’re a local resident, a student, or a traveler from another city or country, Pilikula Biological Park offers a unique mix of learning, wildlife adventure, and peaceful time spent in nature.

🌟 In Summary

Pilikula Biological Park is much more than a zoo — it is a centre for wildlife conservation, scientific education, and cultural interaction. Its thoughtful design, rich biodiversity, advanced animal care, and immersive visitor experiences make it a must‑visit destination in Karnataka’s eco‑tourism