How About Visiting White Tigers at Nandankanan Zoological Park & Botanical Gardens

By George On

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a Zoo and Botanical Garden situated in Bhubaneswar. It was the first zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) from India in 2009. This park is also known as Nandankanan National Park and is situated adjacent to Chandaka – Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. The Zoo offers the best views of nature.

Nandankanan Zoological Park or Nandankanan Zoo

A White Tiger inside Nandankanan Zoological ParkA White Tiger inside Nandankanan Zoological Park

Nandankanan Zoological Park was established in 1960 and opened in 1979. It is spread over an area of 400 hectares. The Zoo is extended over the protected areas of Krishnanagar and Jujhagarh Forests.

Nandankanan Zoo has 101 enclosures with 202 sub-enclosures, both cages and open moat enclosures. The Zoo has a total of 126 species, of which 40 are mammal species, 56 bird species, and 24 reptile species. 88 species are indigenous. 32 exotic species of animals are found in the Nandankanan Zoo.

White tiger safari is available inside the Zoo. This Zoo has the unique distinction of giving birth to White tigers in 1980 from normal-colored tiger parents inside the cage. Endangered Gharials were also born in the Zoo in the same year. Many other species are bred inside the Nandankanan Zoo premises. The zoo has Breeding Centers for mouse deer, Indian Pangolin, and White-backed vultures.

The Zoo is home to many endangered animals. Five endangered mammal species, six endangered bird species, and ten endangered reptile species are found in the Nandankanan Zoo.

You can adopt any animal at Nandankanan Zoological Park by paying a fixed amount for that species. The adopted animal remains in the Zoo. No transfer of ownership rights is allowed. It’s a program to create awareness about wildlife conservation and to support the world-class care and services given to the animals at the Zoo. NGOs, Corporate companies, or Individuals can be part of this program.

Nandankanan Botanical Garden

Nandankanan Botanical Garden has an area of 173 acres inside the Zoological Park. It was established in 1963. It is between the wetlands of Kiakani Lake and Kanjia Lake. Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden, Medicinal Garden, Japanese Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, Heritage Garden, Dry Garden, Evolution Garden, Arboretum Park (Botanical Garden for Trees), and Mughal Garden are there inside the Nandankanan Botanical Garden.

Nandankanan Zoological Park is closed on Mondays.

Ropeway between Nandankanan Zoo & Botanical Garden

On 18 November 2023, the ropeway between Nandankanan Zoo & Botanical Garden was re-reintroduced. It was shut down in February 2011. The ropeway is over the Kanjia Lake. It has a length of 626 meters.

Twelve cars are there in this Ropeway at Nandankanan Zoological Park. Each cable car can accommodate six people. The ticket charge per adult is Rs 120. Those aged between 3 and 12 need to pay only Rs 10. For those aged between 12 and 18, the amount is Rs 50. The ride is free for those below three years.

Toy Train in the Zoological Park

There is also a Toy Train in the Nandankanan Zoological Park, which was re-introduced after nine years on the 8th of November, 2023. It has four bogies. It covers a distance of 1.6 kilometers in 20 minutes.

How Do I Go to Nandankanan Zoological Park?

Nandankanan Zoo is located near Bhubaneswar, which is well connected to other parts of the country.

Baranga Railway station is the nearest railway station at around one kilometer away. Bhubaneswar Railway Station is at around 18 kilometers distance, and Cuttack Railway Station is approximately 15 kilometers from the zoo. Bhubaneswar Airport is the nearest airport to Nandankanan Zoological Park, about 20 kilometers away.