Nandankanan Zoological Park
Park Overview and Location:Established in 1960 and opened in 1979, Nandankanan (Garden of Heaven) is a premier large zoo and botanical garden spread across 437 hectares (1,080 acres) situated within the Chandaka Forest and encompassing the beautiful Kanjia Lake (134 acres): Unique Status:It is the f irst zoo in India to become a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009 and is internationally acclaimed for its conservation efforts and successful breeding programs: Key Exhibits:The park features a diverse range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles (including a large Reptile Park), and a dedicated Aquaria and Orchid House, all housed in naturalistic enclosures: Conservation Milestone:It is particularly famous as the first zoo in the world to successfully breed the rare White Tiger in captivity and is the only conservation breeding center for Indian Pangolins globally:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4-6 HoursPlace Type:
Zoo, Nature, Wildlife, Botanical GardenEntry Fees:
Entry Fee (Indian):
Typically Rs.50-80 per person:
Entry Fee (Foreigner): Higher fee (check locally, often around Rs.100-200):
Bus Safari (White Tiger/Lion): Separate fee (e. g.Entry Fee (Indian):
Typically Rs.50-80 per person:
Entry Fee (Foreigner): Higher fee (check locally, often around Rs.100-200):
Bus Safari (White Tiger/Lion): Separate fee (e. g.
, Rs.70-100 per person per safari):
Boating Fee (Kanjia Lake): Separate charge based on boat type (Paddle/Motor) and duration:
Ropeway/Cable Car: Separate ticket (e. g.
, Rs.100-150 per person):
Camera/Video Fee: Separate nominal fee for DSLRs/video cameras is often charged:Timing:
Regular Timings:Typically 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (April to September) and 8:00 AM to 5:
00 PM (October to March):
Ideal Visit Time:Early morning (at opening time) is best when animals are most active and the temper...Regular Timings:Typically 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (April to September) and 8:00 AM to 5:
00 PM (October to March):
Ideal Visit Time:Early morning (at opening time) is best when animals are most active and the temperature is cooler;
plan a full day for a complete experience:
Closed Day:
Remains closed on Mondays:Special Events:
Wildlife Week Celebrations:A major event in the first week of October featuring awareness programmes, film shows, and competitions to promote wildlife conservation:
World Environment Day:Special educational programs and tree planting drives a...Wildlife Week Celebrations:A major event in the first week of October featuring awareness programmes, film shows, and competitions to promote wildlife conservation:
World Environment Day:Special educational programs and tree planting drives are held on June 5 every year:
Annual Animal Birthday Celebrations:Often, birthdays of popular animals, like the White Tigers, are celebrated with cake cutting ceremonies and public awareness events:Best Photo Spots:
The White Tiger Enclosure:The most sought-after spot for capturing the iconic White Tigers and their cubs in a natural setting:
Ropeway/Cable Car View:Excellent for wide-angle landscape shots of the entire park, the surrounding forest, and th...The White Tiger Enclosure:The most sought-after spot for capturing the iconic White Tigers and their cubs in a natural setting:
Ropeway/Cable Car View:Excellent for wide-angle landscape shots of the entire park, the surrounding forest, and the majestic Kanjia Lake:
The Open-top Leopard Enclosure:Offers unique, unrestricted views for photographing Leopards in their habitat without bars:
The Lake Shore:Provides serene, picturesque views, especially during sunrise or sunset, with the reflections of the forest on the water's surface, perfect for landscape and nature shots:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Go for the White Tiger Safari:Experience the thrilling bus safari through the forest to see the White Tigers and Lions in a large, relatively open environment:
Enjoy a Boat Ride on Kanjia Lake:Hire a paddle boat or a motorboat for a relaxing ride and stunning views of the surrounding forest and hills:
Visit the Reptile Park:Explore the vast collection of snakes, turtles, and crocodiles, including the rare Gharials and King Cobras:
Take the Ropeway/Cable Car Ride:Enjoy a panoramic, aerial view of the Kanjia Lake and the entire park, offering a unique perspective:
Explore the Botanical Garden:Stroll through the medicinal plant garden, the cactus house, and the Orchid House to appreciate the botanical diversity:
Read MoreGo for the White Tiger Safari:Experience the thrilling bus safari through the forest to see the White Tigers and Lions in a large, relatively open environment:
Enjoy a Boat Ride on Kanjia Lake:Hire a paddle boat or a motorboat for a relaxing ride and stunning views of the surrounding forest and hills:
Visit the Reptile Park:Explore the vast collection of snakes, turtles, and crocodiles, including the rare Gharials and King Cobras:
Take the Ropeway/Cable Car Ride:Enjoy a panoramic, aerial view of the Kanjia Lake and the entire park, offering a unique perspective:
Explore the Botanical Garden:Stroll through the medicinal plant garden, the cactus house, and the Orchid House to appreciate the botanical diversity:
Adopt an Animal:Participate in the "Adopt-an-Animal" program to contribute directly to the welfare and conservation of a specific animal:
Bird Watching:Carry binoculars to spot diverse avian species, especially around Kanjia Lake and in the forested sanctuary area:
Information
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Why Famous:
Home of the White Tiger:The park is world-famous as the place where the legendary White Tiger was first bred in captivity, making it a pivotal center for the conservation of this magnificent species:
WAZA Membership:Its membership in WAZA und...Home of the White Tiger:The park is world-famous as the place where the legendary White Tiger was first bred in captivity, making it a pivotal center for the conservation of this magnificent species:
WAZA Membership:Its membership in WAZA underscores its adherence to high global standards for animal management, welfare, and conservation:
Successful Breeding Programs:It has an excellent international reputation for successful captive breeding of endangered species like the Gharial (Crocodile), Indian Pangolin, Black Panther, and Melanistic Tiger (Black Tiger):
Nature within a City:The unique setting within the natural Chandaka Forest offers a wildlife experience unlike any other zoo, blending the managed zoo environment with a true forest landscape: -
Architecture:
Design Philosophy:The zoo is uniquely built inside a natural forest, distinguishing it from conventional zoos; the architecture is deliberately minimal to maintain a natural, forest-like environment for the animals:
Enclosure Design:Enclosur...Design Philosophy:The zoo is uniquely built inside a natural forest, distinguishing it from conventional zoos; the architecture is deliberately minimal to maintain a natural, forest-like environment for the animals:
Enclosure Design:Enclosures are large, open, and feature natural boundaries, giving animals a near-real habitat feel; the architecture prioritizes animal welfare and psychological well-being over purely display-centric structures:
Specific Structures:The park includes the modern, spacious Reptile Park, an Aquarium building, a Cable Car system for aerial views, a dedicated Orchid House, and a unique Open-top Leopard Enclosure, the first of its kind in India:
Water Body Integration:The presence of Kanjia Lake is integral to the park's design, offering natural water activities and a crucial wetland habitat within the zoo's total area: -
How To Reach:
By Air:Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approx. 20 KMS away;
hire a taxi or app-based cab:
By Train:The nearest major station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approx. 18 KMS...By Air:Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approx. 20 KMS away;
hire a taxi or app-based cab:
By Train:The nearest major station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approx. 18 KMS away; the closest local station is Barang (1 KM);
use auto-rickshaws or taxis from BBS:
By Road:Well-connected to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack (approx. 17 KMS); hire a private taxi, or use the public bus service that runs frequently to the park gate:
By Local Transport:Taxis and auto-rickshaws are the primary means of reaching the park; due to the distance, negotiate the return fare or use a hired car for the day: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons:Best in Winter (October to March) for pleasant weather and animal activity; Monsoon offers lush greenery but can be humid;
avoid Summer midday heat:
Different Parts of the Day:Earl...Different Types of Seasons:Best in Winter (October to March) for pleasant weather and animal activity; Monsoon offers lush greenery but can be humid;
avoid Summer midday heat:
Different Parts of the Day:Early morning (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM) is the prime time for viewing animals, especially the big cats, and the safaris usually start early: -
Near Tourist Places:
Barang Railway Station (1 KM), Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary (Adjoining), Bhubaneswar Railway Station (18 KMS), Cuttack (17 KMS), Regional Museum of Natural History (9. 1 KMS), ISKCON Temple (12 KMS), Udayagiri Caves (15 KMS), Lingaraja Temple (22 KMS), Dhauli Shanti Stupa (25 KMS), Cuttack Chandi Temple (18 KMS):
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing; carry sun protection (hat/sunglasses/sunscreen); follow all safety rules, especially during safaris, and do not feed the animals:
Packing:Carry binoculars for bird watching,...Health & Safety:Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing; carry sun protection (hat/sunglasses/sunscreen); follow all safety rules, especially during safaris, and do not feed the animals:
Packing:Carry binoculars for bird watching, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a water bottle; outside food is generally not allowed, but there are multiple canteens/stalls inside:
Accommodation:Tourist cottages are available inside the park for day-time use (prior reservation required);
otherwise, stay in Bhubaneswar or Cuttack:
Other Different Topics:Book safari and ropeway tickets immediately upon entry as lines can be long; plan the route in advance to cover all key exhibits;
be prepared for a lot of walking:
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