Pilikula Nisargadhama is an eco-tourist attraction with an integrated Park, Zoo, Botanical Garden & Boating facilities located at Vamanjoor, in eastern Mangalore. This was established in 1990 by the former deputy commissioner of South Canara Mr. Bharat Lal Meena accompanied by Mr. John Richard Lobo KAS, known as J R Lobo an eminent Karnataka State Administrative Service Officer to conserve bio-diversity and heritage of Tulunad. The word “Pilikula” is a combination of two Tulu words where pili mean Tiger and kula mean Pond. There is a saying long ago Tigers used to drink water from a pond near this place and hence the name was derived.
Pilikula is spread across 370 acres. Pilikula has many attractions of cultural, educational, and scientific interest. It comprises a tropical forest and the enchanting Pilikula Lake. Presently it includes
- Biological Park (Zoo)
- Arboretum
- Science Centre
- Swami Vivekananda Taralaya (3D planetarium)
- Lake Park
- Heritage Village
- Golf Course
- Water Amusement Park (Manasa)
- Boating Centre
The park has an area of 150 acres. The park has been recognized by The Central Authority Of India as a major. It serves as an educational center for students in improving their knowledge about wildlife. The Pilikula Zoo consists of 1200 animals of 120 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. As it is a Biological park, one can find animals roaming within the protected area.
The fees and timings are as follows
Visiting Hours:
10:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
Weekly Holiday Monday
Open on all other days including Public holidays
Fees:
Adult (above 10 yrs.) Rs.70/-
Children (between 3-10 yrs.) Rs.30/-
School Children above 15 In Group Rs.20/-
CollegeChildren 15 in group Rs 50/-
Children (below 3 yrs.) Free
Camera Rs.150/-
Video Camera Rs.500/-
Foreigners Rs.100/-
The Pilikula Science Centre is set up in an area of about 10 acres. It consists of 3 exhibition galleries, a temporary exhibition hall, an activity area, a 3D theatre, an inflatable dome planetarium, and many more. Outside the science center building, there is a dinosaur park.
The fees and timings are as follows
Visiting Hours:
10.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Fees:
Adult Rs.30/-
Student/child Rs.20/-
Camera Rs.150/-
Video Cam Rs.500/-