Patna: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna zoo, Eco Park, Energy Park and other parks in the city are all set to welcome visitors on New Year’s Day. To avoid overcrowding at the ticket counters, advance ticket booking for the zoo and Eco Park has commenced. The zoo administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors. Ten additional ticket counters have been set up to handle the expected rush of visitors at Patna zoo on January 1.
Tourists can purchase tickets directly at the counters of both attractions. However, the entry fee will be higher on Jan 1. The online booking of entry tickets for Patna zoo for the first day of the New Year will begin on Dec 27.
Patna zoo director, Hemant Patil, said, “The entry ticket will be priced at Rs 100 per person for adults while Rs 50 will be charged for children above the age of five years. Currently, there are four ticket counters at gate number 1 of Patna Zoo and two at gate number 2. Six additional counters have been opened at gate number 1 and four at gate number 2 for booking tickets on Jan 1.”
Patil said around 30,000 visitors are expected to visit Patna zoo on Jan 1. More than 21,000 people registered their presence at Patna zoo on the occasion of Christmas, he said.
“The zoo administration will facilitate the visitors with a helpline number for their assistance in case of any enquiry or an emergency. The battery-operated vehicle and the boating facility will be closed on Jan 1 in view of a large number of visitors on the occasion. The people will be allowed to carry vegetarian foods on the premises but will not be allowed to carry polybags made of plastic,” added the zoo director.
On New Year, many people visit Patna zoo for a picnic. The reason behind this is that the greenery, exotic views, wild animals, birds, colourful fish and the serene, jungle-like atmosphere are unmatched by any other area. However, under the new rules, visitors will not be allowed to bring plastic bottles, polythene or non-vegetarian food items inside the zoo.
“The adults will have to pay Rs 40 per person while the fare for children from five to twelve years old will be Rs 20 for entry into Eco Park. These elevated entry fees will only be applicable on Jan 1, allowing visitors to enjoy the attractions while contributing to potential increased operational costs associated with the holiday. Advance ticket sales are being encouraged to streamline entry procedures and potentially minimise wait times for visitors,” said an official of the Eco Park administration.
Similarly, the entry fee for the Energy Park located in the Board Colony will be a minimum of Rs 100 per person. The fee includes entry into the children’s park with several rides for the children. Boating will be banned on January 1 due to the huge rush of visitors, said an administrative official of Energy Park.
There are many other famous places to visit in the city on New Year. A large number of people also visit the Mahavir Temple near Patna Junction early in the morning on New Year. The belief is that if one connects with God on the first day of the year, the entire year will be blissful. Besides this, people can also be seen celebrating the New Year in various other temples, gurudwaras, parks and restaurants, where special decorations and preparations are being made.