Nandankanan- ‘The Garden of Heaven’ is a Zoological park and Botanical garden, located 15 kms from Odisha’s capital Bhubaneshwar, this heavenly garden is based in the environs of the Chandaka forest and Kanjia lake.
Unlike other zoos Nandankanan has a lot to look into like Tiger safari, Lion safari, Bear safari, Herbivore (Deer) Safari, Reptile park, Boating, Toy train, Zoo Museum and much more. One can traverse Nandankanan strolling in and around or by BOV (Battery Operated Vehicles).
Entry to Nandankanan Zoo is Rs.50/- per head. Entry to Safari (Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, Bear Safari, Herbivore (Deer) Safari) is available for tourists on payment of Rs.60/- per head. BOV (Battery Operated Vehicles) are available for tourists on payment of Rs.80/- per head. Waiting period for Safari is approx. 30 mins-1.5 hours. The Safari ride in the bus is approx. 30 mins.
One can enjoy the entire day in Nandankanan by prior booking tourist cottages inside the zoo for accommodation only during day time. Getting to Nandankanan is quite easy from Bhubaneshwar. One can opt to travel through private cars which cost around Rs.1000-1500/- to & fro, also option of Uber cabs is available, auto rickshaws cost around 600-800/- to & fro. If you are staying near Master Canteen/Around Bhubaneshwar railway station area, then the best mode of transport is through MO AC bus route no 12 which starts from Master Canteen to Nandankanan Zoo and the cost of AC bus ticket is Rs.30/- only one way. The frequency of the bus is every 20-25 mins.
Do visit amidst the natural beauty of Nandankanan. The first zoo in the world to breed White tiger and Melanistic tiger. Nandankanan is the only zoological park in India to become an institutional member of World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA).
Odisha has India’s Best Kept Secret.
