Nandankanan

Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar (celebrated globally across wildlife zoology as the 'Garden of God / Garden of Heavens' and one of India's premier zoological parks, established in 1960 across 437 hectares along Kanjia Lake, world famous as the first zoo in the world to breed the rare White Tiger in captivity from normal Bengal tiger parents in 1980, first zoo in India to breed Indian Pangolins and Gharials, thrilling bus safaris covering Lion, White Tiger, and Sloth Bear enclosures, aerial passenger ropeway over Kanjia Lake, nocturnal animal house, walk through aviaries, and expansive botanical garden), located in the northern suburbs of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, stands as Odisha's premier wildlife attraction and eco tourism destination.

Carved out of the natural Chandaka Dampara forest ecosystem, Nandankanan is uniquely designed within a living forest environment where 156 animal species live in expansive moated open air enclosures that replicate their natural wild habitats.

It's the home of the famous White Tiger enclosure where glorious white felines lounge beneath sal canopies, the exhilarating 45 minute AC bus safari taking visitors directly through open lion territories, the passenger cable car ropeway offering high angle aerial views of Kanjia Lake, the reptile park housing 20 foot king cobras, peaceful paddle boating on the freshwater lake, and an intensely peaceful, deeply engaging wilderness atmosphere filled with refreshing forest breezes.

It represents a rich Odisha biodiversity heritage, captive breeding triumphs, and family eco safari tourism where white tigers, lion safaris, Kanjia lake cable cars, and Bhubaneswar day tours unite in Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Located 14 km north of Bhubaneswar city center near Barang, it sits 16 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 18 km from Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), 15 km from Cuttack, and 75 km from Puri, easily reached in 25 to 30 minutes via the 4 lane Nandankanan Road by city bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw.

The White Tiger Capital & Captive Breeding Triumphs

Nandankanan gained international acclaim in 1980 when normal colored Royal Bengal tigers Deepak and Ganga gave birth to the first litter of white cubs in a zoo without parent inbreeding.

Today, the zoo has successfully bred over 40 white tigers and is home to endangered species including Asiatic lions, leopards, Indian one horned rhinoceros, black panthers, and chimpanzees.

Truth is, taking the guided safari bus into the tiger territory and watching a Royal Bengal tiger walk inches past your reinforced glass window will get your heart racing.

Lion Safari, Kanjia Lake Ropeway & Botanical Garden

4 in-1 Guided Safari: A special fleet of safari buses takes visitors across 20 hectare fenced wilderness enclosures for Lions, White Tigers, Bengal Tigers, and Sloth Bears living freely in natural forest cover.

Kanjia Lake & Botanical Garden: Across the 66 hectare natural wetland lake lies the State Botanical Garden, featuring glass greenhouses, butterfly parks, medicinal plant arboretums, and romantic pedal boat rides.

Nandankanan Full Day Eco Tour Plan

The Wildlife Day Itinerary: Depart Bhubaneswar city center early (8:00 AM) -> arrive at Nandankanan main gate (8:45 AM) -> board morning 4 in-1 Safari bus to avoid crowds (9:15 AM to 10:15 AM) -> explore White Tiger enclosure, Reptile Park & Aviary on foot or battery operated golf cart (10:30 AM to 1:00 PM) -> restaurant lunch -> ride Kanjia Lake passenger ropeway (2:00 PM to 3:00 PM) -> botanical garden stroll -> return to city for evening temple visit.

Battery Vehicle & Toy Train: Eco friendly battery operated golf carts and a scenic mini toy train operate continuously inside the zoo to help senior citizens and children handle the vast compound comfortably.

After experiencing the wildlife wonders of Nandankanan, visit Dhauli Shanti Stupa, explore Mukteshwar Temple, or tour Lingaraj Temple.