Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa, is known for its scenic, lively, green and clean, with a rich cultural life. It lies along the axis of the Eastern Ghats mountains at an altitude of 148 Feet above sea level. Though the northern part of the city is an urbanised metropolitan area, the Daya river, Kuakhai river, Chandaka wildlife sanctuary and the Nandankanan zoo envelopes its south, east, west and north side, respectively. This natural sheath makes the place rich in Fauna &amp; flora. The crown of North Bhubaneshwar is the Nandankanan Zoo comprising a wide variety of rare wildlife and offering a surreal experience to visitors.&nbsp;

Let's take a virtual stroll into the Paradise of Nandankanan.

<ul>
<li>Nandankanan zoo is home to 77 species of birds, of which 41 species belong to the exotic variety. You can spot Green-winged Macaws, Red-bellied parrots, violet Turaco, brown fish owls, open-billed storks and many other unique species in the widespread natural habitat.</li>
<li>Including the 10 species of Exotic mammals, 45 species of mammals can be dotted inside the zoo. Hybrid lions, Tufted Capuchin, Giant fruit Bats, and Asiatic Wild dogs -to name a few.</li>
<li>The sight of 29 species of reptiles, including the exotic - Yellow anaconda, Nile crocodile, Red and green iguana, water monitor lizard and Siamese crocodile, would leave you enthralled.</li>
<li>Amphibians - Marbled toads, Asian common toads, Common Indian tree frogs, Indian Skipper frogs, Green pond frogs and Indian bullfrogs are cheerful inhabitants of the Nandankanan Zoological Park.</li>
</ul>

Paddle or row your boats on the wobbling waters of 66 Hectares Kanjia lake, admiring the picturesque surroundings. The abundant diversity of flora and fauna around the lake made it the Wetlands of National Importance to the Government of India. Relax on the renovated multi-storey Boat Ghat, inhaling the fresh air from the lush greens if you are afraid of boating.

Duration: 30 Minutes
Pricing: Paddle Boat (2-seater)- INR 50
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paddle Boat (4-seater)- INR 100
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Family Boat (6-seater)- INR 150

How about hide and seek with White Tigers? Feel the thrill of seeing the white tiger at one arm's distance from you or even nearer. The white tiger safari, established on 1st October 1991, covers an area of 12 hectares in natural surroundings allowing you to experience the surreal opportunity of witnessing the white tigers roaming and playing inside the open jungle.

Duration: 45 Minutes
Pricing: INR 30

Colour-colour what colour do you see in the pupil of a Lion? Stay calm and quiet inside the specially protected vehicle as you progress inside the crisscrossing roads of the natural jungle occupied by Lions. The lion safari was established in 1984, covering an area of 20 Hectares.&nbsp;

Duration: 45 Minutes
Pricing: INR 30

Travel in the safari bus spotting Barking Deers, Spotted Deers, Sambars, Four-horned antelopes, wild boars, jungle fowls, peafowls, Black Himalayan bears, sloth bears and others; in their natural habitat.

Duration: 45 Minutes Each
Pricing: INR 15 Each

Give your kids a fascinating experience. The toy train of Nandankanan zoo starts at its station and goes around the circular track of 1.58 KM, allowing you to spot the free-moving herbivores and stay amazed at the lush green floras of the jungle.

Pricing: INR 30 for Children &gt; 3Yrs &amp; INR 50 for adults.

<ul>
<li>Watch the leopard living its day through the open-top leopard enclosure that ensures your safety and the surreal experience.</li>
<li>Enjoy the sight of amphibians as they exhibit their behaviours inside the Amphibian enclosure with flowing water, live pools, water plants, etc.</li>
<li>Spot the assortments of fishes swimming through the freshwater aquarium set up in 2008.</li>
<li>Interested to know much about wildlife? Stroll into the library with 3000 books and journals on wildlife, veterinary and others.</li>
<li>Know the secret lifestyle of nocturnal animals under the darkness of the Nocturnal Animal House.</li>
<li>Learn the evolution and biology of reptiles from the models displayed at the Reptile Interpretation centre.</li>
<li>Watch the film of Nadakanan depicting the importance of the Zoological Park and other important wildlife areas of Odisha played at the auditorium of the Interpretation Centre near the entrance gate.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The zoo museum is the perfect place for schoolgoers with taxidermy specimens, formalin preserved specimens of early developmental stages of animals and eggs of flightless birds.</li>
<li>The walkthrough aviary elates you with the perches and house of free-flying birds.</li>
<li>Support the funds to the zoo and aid the protection of endangered species by adopting an animal.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shop for keepsake souvenirs from the souvenir shop.</li>
<li>Visit the nearby Botanical garden to enjoy the beauty of myriad flora.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Drinking Water Kiosks</li>
<li>Toilet Complexes</li>
<li>Parking Areas</li>
<li>Sit-outs and Rain Shelters</li>
<li>Tourist Cottages (Only daytime accommodation)</li>
<li>Restaurants</li>
<li>Guide Maps</li>
<li>Baby Care House</li>
<li>R.O Water Plant</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>April to September - 07.30 AM to 5.30 PM.</li>
<li>October to March - 08.00 AM. to 5.00 PM.</li>
<li>Monday is a Holiday.</li>
</ul>

Best time to Visit: October to March (Winter).

By Air: 
<ul>
<li>Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport and the park is at a distance of 20 KM (Approximately) from Bhubaneswar. You can hire a taxi or an auto to reach Nandakanan from Airport.</li>
</ul>

By Train: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest major railway station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), which is connected to all the major railheads of India. You can reach Barang station from BBS through a local train and walk 1.3 KM to the zoo or hire an auto/taxi from BBS to Zoo.</li>
</ul>

By Road: 
<ul>
<li>The Nandankanan is connected to major cities of Orissa- Bhubaneswar, Bhawanipatna, Nowrangpur, Bhawanipatna and many more. A Drive via NH 57/ SH 65 or Nandankanan road leads you to the zoo.</li>
</ul>

Nandankanan is undoubtedly the Garden of Heaven. The bliss you experience inside the zoo is true to its name. Plan a trip to Nandankanan Zoo in winter to experience the other world with the sounds of animals, birds and hushing wind through the rattling leaves of Chandaka forest. The fleet of migratory birds during winter is a delight to watch. Kids would love their time at Nandankanan zoo with the toy trains and safaris. Do not forget to click snaps but be sure you do not cause disturbance to any inhabitants.

Nandankanan zoological park, located 15 KM from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha’s Capital; is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The zoo amazes with the lush green forest enveloping it and the fascinating lake separating it from the botanical garden. The idyll is carved out of the tranquil woods of Chandaka and houses a wide variety of flora and fauna blossoming in their natural habitat. It is home to seven white tigers and many exotic species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and other animals. This reserve area is across 437 hectares, and its serenity and wildlife attract tourists and locals. This most sought-after picnic destination is a utopia for bird watchers and wildlife admirers. Kids would love the toy train and the surreal safaris organised by the zoo. The Nadankanan Zoological park and State botanical garden contribute outstanding aesthetics to Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary. The name ‘Nandankanan’ means The Garden of Heaven.

Location: Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar-754005, Odisha, India

Entry Fee:
<ul>
<li>Child (3 to 12 years) - INR 10</li>
<li>Adult (More than 12 years of age) - INR 50</li>
<li>Foreign Nationals - INR 100</li>
</ul>

Photography:
<ul>
<li>Handy-cam - INR 100</li>
<li>High-End Video Camera - INR 500</li>
<li>Movie Camera - INR 4000</li>
</ul>

Battery operated Vehicle:
<ul>
<li>Reserved: INR 1000 Per group Per Hour</li>
<li>Unreserved: INR 80 per Individual</li>
</ul>

Parking:
<ul>
<li>Bicycle: INR 5 for 6 Hours</li>
<li>Two-wheelers: INR 20 for 6 Hours</li>
<li>Three Wheelers: INR 30 for 6 Hours</li>
<li>Four Wheelers: INR 50 for 6 Hours</li>
<li>Bus: INR 70 for 6 Hours</li>
</ul>

Zoo Guide: For the first 2 hours
<ul>
<li>Special Guide: INR 250 (For 10 visitors) &amp; INR 300 (Visitors &gt; 10).</li>
<li>Senior Guide: INR 200 (For 10 visitors) &amp; INR 250 (For visitors &gt; 10).</li>
<li>Guide: INR 150 (For 10 visitors) &amp; INR 200 (For visitors &gt; 10).</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Free Entry for Children below 3 years.</li>
<li>Students up to 12 years are allowed free entry in the Children's day and Wildlife week subject to submission of ID cards.</li>
<li>No charges for cloakrooms and perambulator for children.</li>
</ul>

Nandankanan zoo has an exciting tale about its establishment. Forest officials of Orissa decided to include some rare wild animals and orchids typical to the state in the Odisha pavilion at World Agricultural Fair 1960 at Delhi to act as a crowd puller. This idea laid a foundation for a mini zoo which then transformed into a Biological park. The initial location of the zoo was Ghatikia, close to Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves. Since Ghatikia might face water scarcity in future, the current site was finalised after intense research and of its accessibility and scenic environment. On 29th December 1960, Sri S.K. Patil inaugurated the Nandankanan Biological park, which was renamed Nandankanan Zoological Park on the recommendation of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Committee on Estimates, 1981-82.

<ul>
<li>First captive breeding centre for endangered Gharials in 1980.</li>
<li>Holds First record of breeding Indian Ratels in captivity (in 2012).</li>
<li>First Indian zoo to be a member of the World Association of Zoos &amp; Aquarium (WAZA).</li>
<li>First birth of a Melanistic tiger in any zoo in India in the year 2014.</li>
<li>It is the second largest heronry for open billed storks (more than 9,000) in Odisha.</li>
<li>Only zoo in India, after which an express train was named by Indian Railways-Nandankanan Express and the only zoo having a Captive Fodder farm (over 33 Acres.) &amp; Slaughterhouse.</li>
<li>Host of white tigers. White tigers were born to normal-coloured parents in the year 1980.</li>
<li>One among the three Indian zoos for breeding Long-billed vultures.</li>
<li>Nandankanan zoo is recognised by Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for the Conservation breeding of tigers, Indian pangolins and long-billed vultures.</li>
</ul>

A Guide to Nandankanan Zoological Park, Orissa

India > Odisha

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Odisha

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