Nandankanan Zoological Park: Home to white tigers and a paradise of nature.
Nandankanan Zoological Park, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is one of the finest zoos not only in India but in the world. If you are a nature lover or want to spend a memorable day with your family, this “Garden of Heaven” (which is what Nandankanan means) is the perfect place for you.
Located amidst the Chandaka forest on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoological Park is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Spread over 437 hectares, it is the first zoo in India to receive membership from WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
Main features of Nandankanan
Nandankanan is not just a zoo, but also a major center for the conservation of endangered species.
- Home to White Tigers: This is the world’s first zoo where white tigers were born to normally colored parents. Today, it is home to a large population of white tigers.
- Melanistic Tigers: This is the only place in the world where you can see the rare ‘melanistic tigers’ with their distinctive black stripes.
- Enjoy a Safari: Here you can enjoy a tiger safari, lion safari, bear safari, and herbivore safari.
- Kanjia Lake: This large lake located inside the park is famous for boating and has been declared a ‘Wetland of National Importance’.
- Reptile Park: Here you can see giant crocodiles, king cobras, and rare turtles.
The best time to visit Nandankanan.
Bhubaneswar is quite humid during the summer months, so the best time to visit is between October and March.
- Timings: * April to September: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- October to March: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Note: Nandankanan remains closed every Monday.
How to reach Nandankanan Zoological park
- Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), which is approximately 18 km away.
- Rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest. For travelers coming from Delhi, the Nandan Kanan Express is a direct option.
- Road: From Bhubaneswar city, you can easily reach here by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus (Mo Bus).
Travel Tips
- Arrive early: The safari and the entire tour require at least 4-5 hours, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
- Plastic-free zone: This is a no-plastic zone, so do not carry any polythene bags.
- Comfortable shoes: The park is quite large, and there’s a lot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Battery-operated vehicles: If you don’t want to walk, you can use the battery-operated vehicles (BOVs) inside the park.
Have you ever seen a white tiger up close? Share your experience of visiting Nandankanan with us in the comments!
Would you like me to also provide information about other tourist attractions located near Nandankanan, such as the Dhauli Shanti Stupa or the Konark Temple?
