Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar

Once you are in the capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, visiting the Nandankanan Zoological Park has to be on your itinerary. The zoological park is just 20km (12 miles) from Bhubaneswar, also famous for its unique concept of the gharial breeding center of India. People are drawn to visit this park for a lot of reasons, the name itself means the ‘garden of pleasure’, this was added because the park is said to have some of the most picturesque attractions in this location. You will love to explore the brilliant flora and fauna in their natural habitat. There is another name given to this zoological park as well, it is also known as the Nandankanan National Park.

You will be able to experience some of the recreational activities in this area like boating, exploring the reptile park, white tiger and lion safari, aerial ropeway, and cable cars, etc.

Important Details

Location: Nandankanan Rd, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005

Best time to visit: You can best explore this place in January, February, March, October, November, and December.

Entry Fee: Foreigners INR 100

Timing:

April -September (07.30 hrs. to 17.30 hrs.)

October -March (08.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs.)

History

The history associated with the establishment of this zoological park is quite interesting. Once it so happened that a white tiger entered the Nandankanan and settled in the Zoo, this was considered one of the rarest scenes for the authorities of the zoo. Because people thought no wild animal in the area wanted to live in captivity. This scene inspired them and the zoo was transformed into a sophisticated tiger reserve. This creative idea was suggested by the National Geographical Magazine. The park came into existence and thus over 34 white tigers take shelter in this particular area. This national park was further highlighted in 1980 when two normal color parents gave birth to three white cubs.

Wildlife

The Nandankanan Zoological Park is famous for housing white tigers and today it houses over 34 white tigers in the area. Apart from being known for having white tigers, this place has 67 species of mammals, 81 species of birds, 18 varieties of reptiles and more. You will love the brilliant view of this temple when you will be able to spot the beautiful beast like the lion-tailed macaque, Asiatic lion, Nilgiri langur, crocodiles, Himalayan black bear, mouse deer, rhesus macaque, and Indian pangolin and more.

This brilliant park is spread in an amazing area of 4.4 sq km, another highlight of the Nandankanan Zoological Park is that it is the first breeding place for Black Panther.

Flora

The flora of this place is equally stunning and beautiful to look at. This zoological place is situated in the Chandaka forest that holds some of the lush greenery over 4 sq km of area. This place is considered to be one of the flourishing places to the varieties of unique flora much different from any other park in India. The flora is supported by the waters of Kanjia Lake, and the beautiful trees like Bija, Asana, Anala, and Sal.

Surrounding Attractions

Some of the incredible attraction to the Nandankanan Zoological Parl is as follows:

Nandankanan Botanical Garden

The Nandankanan botanical garden was established in 1963 which is around 18km (11miles) away from Bhubaneswar. This area is made under a wide spread of 173 acres and deciduous forest is hemmed between the two wetlands. Many conservation plans take place in this area to save the animals. It also serves as a natural education center for Odisha. You can visit this place at any time during the day, except on Monday.

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary

This place is located in the Khurdha area towards the North-Eastern Ghats. Spread over 193.30 square kilometres (47691 acres) areas. You will love to explore this brilliant sanctuary that serves as well-known places to shelter the deteriorating elephants of the region. This sanctuary is considered to be a real treasure among all the others.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

These caves are some of the brilliant destinations to explore for tourists. It also serves as one of the religious and historical sites in a close distance to Bhubaneswar. These caves are believed to be carved out of the residential blocks during the ruling of Kharavela king. The Udayagiri has 18 caves while Khandagiri is said to have 15 caves.

How to Reach Nandankanan Zoological Park?

Located 20 km (12miles) from Bhubaneswar; Nandankanan Zoological Park can be reached easily from all transportation routes. Some of the options available are buses, cabs, and auto-rickshaws.

By Air:

Bhubaneswar airport is the nearest airport to Nandankanan which is at a distance of only 13 km (8 miles). Auto rickshaws are one more alternative that is available to visitors. You will be able to find autos outside both the railway station and the airport.

By Rail:

On the East-coast Railway station lies the nearest railway station that is Bhubaneswar Railway Junction, it is considered to be super fast trains that connect all the major cities.

By Road:

Frequent buses are also available from Bhubaneswar to the Nandankanan Zoological Park. The Nandankanan is very well connected to major cities of Odisha such as Bhubaneswar, Nowrangpur, Bhawanipatna and many more.

You can visit this sanctuary between October and March, and this park is opened every day except Mondays. The timing and other details are mentioned; enjoy your visit to this brilliant Zoological Park.