Nandankanan Zoological Park: A Garden of Heavenly Delights

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.