Abheda Mahal and Biological Park Kota: Palace and Animals

Aabheda Mahal (also spelled Abheda or Abhera) is a small royal palace beside a tank on the edge of Kota, and next to it is the Abheda Biological Park, the city’s modern animal park run by the forest department. Rajasthan Tourism describes the palace as a medieval recreation spot of the rulers of Kota, about 8 km from the city, where they came to enjoy wildlife and the natural setting. Together with the nearby Karni Mata temple, the palace and park make an easy half day, and the park is one of the best outings in Kota for children.

Aabheda Mahal

The palace stands on the bank of a tank (pond), with pavilions and arches that look best from the water’s edge in soft morning or evening light. Rajasthan Tourism calls it a medieval palace used by the Kota rulers as a retreat for enjoying wildlife and nature. Little detailed history has been published about who built each part, so treat the dates you hear locally with caution. Close by is the temple of Karni Mata, described by Rajasthan Tourism as the reigning deity of Kota; see our Karni Mata temple page.

The tank attracts waterbirds in winter, and the area is a pleasant place for a short walk.

Abheda Biological Park

Rajasthan Tourism says the biological park on the Nanta road near Abheda Mahal was newly built by the forest department as an eco-friendly place for wild animals. The Central Zoo Authority’s reports describe it as established in December 2021 to its guidelines, to take over from the old, cramped Kota zoo, with large, naturalistic enclosures that try to imitate the animals’ natural surroundings.

What to expect:

• Animals in large enclosures rather than small cages, so you may need patience to spot them.
• Paths between enclosures that involve a fair amount of walking.
• More activity in the morning, when animals are alert and the heat is lower.

The list of species changes as animals are moved between parks, so check what is on show at the entrance rather than relying on old lists. Opening hours and the weekly closing day also change; confirm them before you go.

Why a new park was built

Kota’s old zoo was a small mini-zoo with cramped enclosures that did not meet modern Central Zoo Authority standards, and the authority repeatedly asked for the animals to be moved to a better facility. A forest block near Abheda Mahal was chosen for a new biological park, where animals could be kept in larger, more natural spaces and visitors could still see them easily. The result is a park designed around animal welfare first, which is worth remembering when an enclosure looks empty: the animals have room to choose where they rest.

Visiting tips

• Go early in the day, especially from March to June.
• Carry water and a hat; shade between enclosures is limited.
• Do not feed or tease animals and keep noise down.
• Keep children close near barriers and water.
• Combine the park with the palace and the Karni Mata temple in one trip.

Practical details

Detail	Information
Where	Nanta road area, on the edge of Kota
Distance from central Kota	About 8 km (Rajasthan Tourism)
Best time	October to March, mornings
Run by	Rajasthan forest department
Entry	Ticketed; check current charges and the closing day at the gate
Getting there	Auto-rickshaw, app cab or own vehicle

Combine Aabheda with nearby places

The park is one of our top picks in places to visit in Kota with family. In the city, the Chambal Riverfront is a good evening follow-up, and Chambal Garden offers a boat ride on the river. For wildlife beyond the city, see the safaris and wildlife hub and the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve.