Nandankanan zoological park

4.4

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

Estimated Visiting Time: 2 to 3 hours

In the Indian state of Odisha, Nandankanan Zoological Park is a 437-hectare zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar. In 1979 it was revealed to the public and in 2009, became the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, though established in 1960. A botanical garden is also provided by the zoo and part of it has been disclosed as a sanctuary. Located near the capital city, Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan, which literally means the Garden of Heaven and includes the 134-acre Kanjia lake.

Attraction

With a white tiger safari, Nandankanan is the first zoo in India. Unique facilities are provided by the zoo where the visitors are determined in a vehicle and the animals roam in the open jungle. Through the zigzag roads crisscrossing the natural forest, a specially protected vehicle takes the audience straight into the boast of a lion in the lion safari, after a short drive of twenty-minute. Through the safari bus service, visitors can also avail an opportunity to slight sloth bears in their natural habitat. Every year, Nandankanan is visited by More than 2.6 million visitors.

History

The zoo was placed at Ghatikia close to Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves after the initial proposal. However, in the future, this was deemed to create water problems. Respectively, this place was visited by a committee consisting of Dr. Radhanath Rath, Sri G.C. Dash, and Sri D.N. Choudhury, the Secretary, Forest, and the Chief Conservator of Forests. Its aesthetic beauty impressed them very much and thus recommended the location of the zoo there with the construction of a straight road with about a distance of 14 to 15 km from Bhubaneswar. Consequently, it was determined to locate the Zoological Park in Jujhagarh Forest Block, the Botanical garden in Krushnanagar Forest Block, and Boating and Angling it was needed to be developed.

However, In 1963, A botanical garden was revealed. From the Alipore Zoo in Calcutta, the first tiger arrived at the zoo in 1964, along with a pair of African lions, a pair of Mugger crocodiles, and a puma. In 1981, the place was renamed Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Inside/Outside Views

To about 1660 individual animals, the zoo is home, representing 166 species, including 67 species of mammals, 81 species of birds, and 18 species of reptiles. Several Bengal tigers of several sizes are contained in the zoo, a few of them are white and a few of them pseudo-melanistic.

Opening Hours

Wednesday 8 AM–5 PM

Thursday 8 AM–5 PM

Friday 8 AM–5 PM

Saturday 8 AM–5 PM

Sunday 8 AM–5 PM

Monday Closed

Tuesday 8 AM–5 PM

Entry & Others Fees

Rs 50 is needed to pay for Indian Nationals above 12 years of age & Rs 10 between 3 & 12 Years of age. Rs100 is needed to pay for Foreign Nationals.
Rs 100 for a handy camera, Rs500 is needed for a High-end Video camera, and for a Movie camera, it is Rs 4000.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is the closest airport in the city. One can easily get a taxi or cab from the station to reach the zoo.

By Rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest railway station. To reach the zoo one can hire a taxi or cab from the station.

By Road: Bhubaneshwar is very well connected to the other major cities through the roadway. There are available public and private transports from Bhubaneshwar city to the zoo.