Nandankanan Zoological Park: A Garden of Heavenly Delights

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Explore diverse wildlife in their natural habitat at Nandankanan Zoological Park, the 'Garden of Heaven,' near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. A must-see for nature lovers!

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Zoo Museum

Nandankanan Zoological Park, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a sprawling zoo and botanical garden within the Chandaka Forest. Established in 1960 and opened to the public in 1979, it's renowned for being the first zoo in the world to breed both white and melanistic tigers. Home to a diverse collection of animals, it offers a blend of wildlife conservation and recreation.

A brief summary to Zoo Museum

Monday 7 am-6 pm
Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
Thursday 7 am-6 pm
Friday 7 am-6 pm
Saturday 7 am-6 pm
Sunday 7 am-6 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is large and requires a lot of walking.
Visit early in the morning or post-monsoon for the best experience.
Pre-book safari and entry tickets online to avoid long queues.
Carry water and sun protection, as the park is mostly outdoors.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Bhubaneswar, the most economical way to reach Nandankanan Zoological Park is by bus. Capital Region Urban Transport operates buses from Satya Nagar to Nandan Kanan High School every 15 minutes. The journey takes approximately 31 minutes, and the ticket costs ₹40. From the Nandan Kanan High School bus stop, it is a short walk to the zoo entrance.
Taxi

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Bhubaneswar for direct transport to Nandankanan Zoological Park. A taxi ride from Bhubaneswar to the zoo typically takes around 16 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 16.4 km, and costs between ₹230 to ₹280. Note that prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Discover more about Zoo Museum

Nandankanan, literally meaning 'The Garden of Heaven,' is a 437-hectare (1,080-acre) zoo and botanical garden located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Established in 1960, the park provides a natural habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna. Nandankanan stands out as the first zoo in the world to breed both melanistic and white tigers. In 1980, three white tiger cubs were born from normal-colored parents, adding a significant milestone to its history. The zoo is also a dedicated conservation breeding center for Indian Pangolins. It was the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. The park is home to 1,580 animals, encompassing 634 mammals, 812 birds, and 134 reptiles. Visitors can explore the zoo museum, which showcases animal specimens of zoological importance. The park also features a unique white tiger safari, allowing visitors to observe these animals in their natural surroundings from the safety of a vehicle. In addition to the zoological park, Nandankanan includes a botanical garden established in 1963, with a diverse collection of indigenous plants. Other attractions include the Kanjia Lake, reptile park, nocturnal animal house, and interpretation center.