Uttarakhand has its first white tiger. Tejas, a blue-eyed white tiger, arrived at Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park) on Mussoorie Road on September 28, 2026, under an animal exchange with Gwalior Zoological Park. He is currently in quarantine, and zoo officials say visitors will be able to see him in his enclosure by the end of October 2026.
If you are planning a visit, this guide covers when Tejas goes on display, the current ticket price, timings, location, how to reach the zoo, and what else to see while you are there.
Quick answer: The white tiger at Dehradun Zoo is expected to go on public display at the end of October 2026, once his 30-day quarantine and fitness test are complete. The zoo is on Mussoorie Road, Malsi, about 9 km from Clock Tower. Entry is about ₹100 per person, and the zoo is closed on Mondays.
When Can You See the White Tiger at Dehradun Zoo?
| Milestone | Date / status |
|---|---|
| Central Zoo Authority approval | Early September 2026 |
| Tejas arrives from Gwalior | September 28, 2026 |
| Quarantine (CZA 30-day rule) | Running through late October |
| Fitness test, then move to public enclosure | End of October 2026 (expected) |
| Public viewing | Expected from the last days of October |
The zoo has not announced an exact opening date. Dehradun Zoo’s veterinary officer said Tejas will be moved to the display enclosure soon if everything stays normal, and the zoo’s range officer said preparations for the enclosure are almost complete. If you want to be sure, call the zoo or check local news before you go, especially in the first week of November.
Why the wait?
Every animal moved between zoos goes through a 30-day quarantine under Central Zoo Authority rules. The move is stressful, so vets monitor the tiger’s eating, droppings and behaviour before he is shown to visitors.
Meet Tejas: Uttarakhand’s First White Tiger
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Tejas |
| Age | About 2 years 3 months |
| Came from | Gwalior Zoological Park, Madhya Pradesh |
| Journey | About 550 km by road, over 14 hours, at controlled speed |
| Arrived | September 28, 2026 |
| In exchange for | A normal-coloured tiger sent from Dehradun Zoo to Gwalior |
| Look | White coat, dark stripes, blue eyes |
Zoo staff say Tejas has settled in calmly and is active for his age. His routine and behaviour are being recorded daily.
Is a white tiger a different species?
No. A white tiger is a Bengal tiger with a rare inherited gene that turns its usual orange fur white. It still has dark stripes, so it is not an albino. Its behaviour and natural traits are the same as any other tiger.
Is a second white tiger coming?
The Central Zoo Authority has approved bringing two white tigers to Dehradun. The second, a male, is planned from Nandankanan Zoo in Odisha. In earlier talks, Odisha asked for a pair of Himalayan gorals from Dehradun Zoo and a pair of red pandas from Nainital in exchange. No date has been announced for that transfer.
Zoo safari and new animals
Dehradun Zoo is also planning a zoo safari for visitors and may add wolves, foxes and jackals in future. These are plans, not confirmed dates.
Dehradun Zoo Ticket Price 2026
The zoo’s main entry ticket is about ₹100 per person. It was raised from ₹50 to ₹100 in November 2024, after two Bengal tigers arrived from Corbett’s Dhela rescue centre. Many older websites still show ₹20 or ₹30, which is outdated.
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Entry ticket | About ₹100 per person |
| Parking | Extra (depends on vehicle) |
| 3D theatre | Extra |
| Locker | Extra |
| Aquarium and other sections | May be charged separately |
The zoo has not announced any separate charge to see the white tiger. Rates can change, so confirm at the ticket counter.
Dehradun Zoo Timings
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday, usually from about 10 AM to 5 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Some sources list seasonal hours (earlier opening in summer, earlier closing in winter), so check the day’s timings before you go, especially after November 1, when winter hours may apply.
Dehradun Zoo Location and How to Reach
Address: Mussoorie Road, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009
| From | Distance | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) | About 9 km | Auto, cab or bike via Rajpur Road and Mussoorie Diversion |
| ISBT Dehradun | About 16 km | Cab or auto; around 40 minutes in normal traffic |
| Dehradun Railway Station | About 11 km | Auto or cab |
| Jolly Grant Airport | About 33–37 km | Cab |
| Mussoorie | Downhill on the same road | Easy stop on the way to or from Mussoorie |
Because the zoo sits on the Mussoorie road, weekend traffic heading up to the hills can slow you down. Go early on a weekday if you can.
What Else to See at Dehradun Zoo
The zoo has about 500 animals across 47 species. Besides Tejas, look out for:
- Bengal tigers D2 and D5, brought from the Dhela rescue centre in Corbett
- Leopards and a rescued bear
- Deer (the zoo began as Malsi Deer Park)
- Aviary with a wide range of birds
- Reptile section with crocodiles, turtles and snakes
- Fish aquarium and the 3D theatre
The zoo is very popular: it drew about 6.82 lakh visitors in 2024–25, and weekend and holiday crowds are heavy.
Tips for Seeing the White Tiger
- Go in the morning. Big cats are usually more active in the cooler early hours, and crowds are thinner.
- Avoid the first weekend after the launch. Expect long queues at the tiger enclosure when Tejas first goes on display.
- Skip Mondays, when the zoo is closed.
- Be gentle with the animals. Zoo officials have asked visitors not to throw stones or tease animals to get their attention.
- Carry cash and water, and keep extra for parking and add-ons like the aquarium or 3D theatre.
- Combine your trip with Mussoorie, Rajpur Road cafes or Sahastradhara on the same day.
White Tiger Dehradun Zoo: FAQs
Is there a white tiger in Dehradun Zoo?
Yes. Tejas, a blue-eyed white tiger from Gwalior Zoo, arrived at Dehradun Zoo on September 28, 2026. He is Uttarakhand’s first white tiger.
When can I see the white tiger at Dehradun Zoo?
He is expected to go on public display at the end of October 2026, after his 30-day quarantine and a fitness test. No exact date has been announced.
What is the Dehradun Zoo ticket price in 2026?
About ₹100 per person for entry. Parking, the 3D theatre, lockers and some sections are charged extra.
Is there an extra ticket to see the white tiger?
No separate white tiger ticket has been announced. Viewing is expected to be part of regular zoo entry.
What are Dehradun Zoo timings?
The zoo is open Tuesday to Sunday, usually about 10 AM to 5 PM, and is closed on Mondays. Hours can vary by season.
Where is Dehradun Zoo located?
On Mussoorie Road in Malsi, about 9 km from Clock Tower and 16 km from ISBT Dehradun.
How old is Tejas, the white tiger?
About two years and three months old.
Is a white tiger an albino?
No. A white tiger is a Bengal tiger with a rare gene that makes its fur white, but it keeps its dark stripes. It is not an albino or a separate species.
Will Dehradun Zoo get another white tiger?
The Central Zoo Authority has approved a second white tiger from Nandankanan Zoo in Odisha, but no date has been announced.
More Dehradun Insider Guides
- Dehradun to Jim Corbett: Route, Safari, Cost & Booking: see tigers in the wild
- Sahastradhara: Timings, Entry Fee & Ropeway
- Maldevta Dehradun: Entry Fee, Timings & Things to Do
- Tourist Places in Dehradun 2026
- Best Cafes on Rajpur Road: on the way to the zoo
- Top 5 Luxury Hotels on Rajpur Road
- Best Resorts in Dehradun with Swimming Pool
- Mussoorie Packed? What Families Can Do in Dehradun Instead
Final Word
Tejas makes Dehradun Zoo the only place in Uttarakhand to see a white tiger. If all goes to plan, he will be in his enclosure by the end of October, so the first week of November is a good time to plan a family visit. Dehradun Insider will update this page with the official display date as soon as the zoo announces it.
