Nandankanan Zoological Park Bhubaneswar: Location, Timings, Entry Fee, Safari & Images

Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of India’s most famous and unique zoos. Unlike traditional zoos, it is built inside a natural forest, giving animals a habitat that closely resembles their real environment and offering visitors a more authentic wildlife experience.

Nandankanan is globally recognized for its conservation efforts and holds the rare distinction of being the first zoo in the world to breed white tigers and melanistic tigers. It is also the only conservation center dedicated to Indian pangolins. As a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and recognized by the Central Zoo Authority, the park stands as a symbol of wildlife protection and innovation.

Meaning “Garden of the Heavens,” Nandankanan truly lives up to its name and is a must-visit destination for families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Bhubaneswar. Find details on Location, Timings, Entry Fees, Safari & Images below.

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Nandankanan Zoological Park Location & How to Reach

Nandankanan Zoological Park is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, near the Chandaka forest region, providing a natural habitat for wildlife.

• Distance from Bhubaneswar Railway Station: Approximately 15–18 km
• Distance from Biju Patnaik International Airport: Approximately 20 km

How to Reach:

Reaching the zoo is convenient due to its good connectivity:

• By Cab/Auto: Easily available from all parts of Bhubaneswar and the most comfortable option.
• By Bus: Local buses frequently operate towards Nandankanan.
• By Personal Vehicle: Roads are well-maintained, and parking is available near the entrance.

Using Google Maps is recommended for smooth navigation.

Nandankanan Timings (Zoo, Safari & Boating)

Planning your visit according to the timings of Nandankanan Zoological Park is essential to make the most of your trip, especially if you want to experience the zoo, safari, and boating activities.

• Zoo Opening Time: 8:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM
• Weekly Off: Monday

Safari Timing:

• Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Safari is one of the most popular attractions in Nandankanan, allowing visitors to see lions, tigers, and herbivores in open enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Morning safari is particularly recommended as animals are more active, and the experience is more enjoyable in cooler weather.

Boating Timing:

• Boating at Kanjia Lake starts from 9:00 AM and continues till evening.

Boating offers a serene break from walking around the zoo and provides a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding forest areas. Evening boating, in particular, is ideal for capturing stunning sunset views and photography.

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Nandankanan Entry Fee & Ticket Price

Nandankanan Zoological Park offers an affordable entry fee, making it accessible for families, tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo ensures that visitors of all age groups can enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration without spending too much.

Entry Fee:

• Adults: ₹50 (approx.)
• Children: ₹20–₹30

Camera Charges:

• Mobile phones: Free
• DSLR/Professional Cameras: ₹100–₹200

Battery Vehicle Charges:

• ₹100–₹150 per person for battery-operated vehicles available inside the park, ideal for those who prefer not to walk long distances.

Safari Charges:

• Lion/Tiger Safari: ₹100–₹150 per person
• Herbivore Safari: ₹50–₹100 per person

The safari experience is a must-do, offering a chance to observe majestic lions, tigers, and other herbivores in open natural enclosures.

Boating Charges:

• ₹50–₹100 depending on the type of boat
• Boating at Kanjia Lake provides a relaxing break from walking and an opportunity to enjoy scenic views and capture amazing photographs.

Online Booking:

Visitors can conveniently book tickets online through the official website, which is highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons. Online booking saves time, avoids long queues, and helps plan your day efficiently.

Nandankanan Zoological Park Images

Animals & Major Attractions at Nandankanan Zoological Park

Nandankanan Zoological Park —it is a complete wildlife and nature experience. Spread across a vast forested area, the park houses hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic animals in carefully designed enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.

Must-See Animals

• White Tigers: The pride of Nandankanan, these rare tigers were first successfully bred here, making them a major attraction.

• Royal Bengal Tigers: Housed in open-top enclosures, visitors can witness their natural behaviors up close.

• Lions & Leopards: Open enclosures provide safe yet realistic environments to observe these big cats. The leopard enclosure is India’s first open-top design.

• Crocodiles & Reptile Park: Home to gharials, crocodiles, snakes, and other reptiles, many of which are part of long-term breeding programs.

• Exotic Birds & Aviary: A haven for bird watchers, the aviary features colorful species such as peacocks, hornbills, and parrots.

Zoo Architecture & Safari Zones

The zoo has 210 enclosures, including 94 open moats and 116 cages, housing over 3000 animals. The four major safari zones include:

• Lion Safari: 49 acres
• White Tiger Safari: 29 acres
• Herbivore Safari
• Bear Safari

The zoo hosts 262 reptiles, 1175 mammals, 1546 birds, and 21 amphibians, featuring both exotic and native species.

Botanical Gardens & Themed Parks

Nandankanan is not just about animals—it also boasts 24 beautifully designed satellite gardens and parks, offering a rich botanical experience.

Key Gardens & Attractions

• Butterfly Park: Spread over 36,950 sq ft with over 6,400 butterfly-dependent plants and more than 81 species of butterflies. Features a cascading waterfall, bridges, and fountains.

• Cacti House: Home to around 1,200 varieties of cacti in 1,080 sq ft.

• Glass House & Green House: Displaying succulents, indoor plants like Cordyline, Aglaonema, Monstera, and more.

• Philodendron House & Bonsai Garden: Showcasing over 2,000 philodendrons and 300 bonsai plants of 55 varieties.

• Dry Garden & Landscape Garden: Designed to replicate dry zones and natural landscapes with diverse trees and shrubs.

• Rosarium & Medicinal Garden: Over 1,200 rose plants and 225 medicinal species for both beauty and educational purposes.

• Orchid House: Largest in Odisha, with more than 1,000 orchids across 57 types.

• Mughal & Japanese Gardens: Beautifully themed gardens with flowing streams, small hills, and flowering plants.

• Evolution Garden & Heritage Garden: Educational spaces displaying plant evolution and traditional flora, including old banyan trees and tribal hut models.

• Palm & Bougainvillea Gardens: Featuring 29 varieties of palms and over 1,000 bougainvillea plants in different colors.

• Carnivorous Plant & Hibiscus Gardens: Unique plant species, including carnivorous plants in a natural landscape, and colorful hibiscus displays.

• Buddha Park & Children’s Park: Serene spaces for relaxation and recreation, featuring a Buddha statue, sit-outs, slides, swings, and galleries.

• Artificial Zoo: Educational models of animals designed to teach children about wildlife and habitats.

Scenic Kanjia Lake

Kanjia Lake adds a natural charm to the zoo. Boating here is a popular activity and provides a peaceful break from walking around, offering excellent photo opportunities and chances to spot migratory birds during certain seasons.

Visitor Tips Before Visiting Nandankanan Zoological Park

To make your visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park enjoyable, safe, and memorable, it’s important to plan ahead and follow some practical tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes – The park is large and involves a lot of walking.
• Carry essentials – Water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats are recommended.
• Follow rules – Do not feed animals or cross safety barriers.
• Book tickets in advance – Especially during weekends and holidays to avoid long queues.
• Start early – Morning visits offer cooler weather and more active animals.
• Bring a camera or binoculars – For safaris, birds, and scenic spots.
• Pack rain gear during monsoon – July to September may have sudden showers.
• Supervise children – Keep kids close near safari zones and water bodies.
• Respect the environment – Avoid littering and use designated bins.

Following these tips ensures a safe, enjoyable, and memorable visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park.

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Nandankanan Zoological Park is a must for wildlife and nature lovers, offering everything from majestic tigers to beautiful gardens and Kanjia Lake. To enjoy a stress-free trip and explore Bhubaneswar’s top attractions, consider booking a Bhubaneswar tour package for a complete and memorable experience.