Odisha's Garden of Heaven — a 437-hectare zoo and botanical garden near Bhubaneswar, famed for white tigers, gharial breeding, 1,600+ animals and the Chandaka forest setting.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park was set up in 1960 and is situated at Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha. It is a premier 437-hectare zoo and botanical garden, known for its natural forest vibe and pioneering conservation efforts. The place also feels like a green sanctuary even when you walk in. The term Nandankanan basically means "Garden of Heaven".
History of Nandankanan Zoological Park
In 1960, forest officials decided that adding rare plants and animals to the Odisha pavilion at the World Agricultural Fair in Delhi would help with attendance. The forest department was asked to capture as many small animals as possible for the show display. They managed to capture two spotted deer, two barking deer, two black buck, one mouse deer, one leopard cat, one flying squirrel, one racket-tailed drongo, one hornbill, two parrots, two hill mynah, one peacock and a mongoose.
The divisional forest officer of Deogarh caught a pangolin and two porcupines, while the divisional forest officer of Puri caught a pair of wild boars and a python. All of these animals were brought to the Delhi fair and shown at the Odisha pavilion.
Later, the State Finance Department raised objections to a zoo in Odisha, mostly about the expense of setting it up and keeping it running. During the debate, the animals arrived back to Bhubaneswar in May 1960, creating housing and feeding problems for the forest department. P. Mohandra and G. K. Das put together temporary structures at Khandagiri for the animals. The Jain community also stepped in and helped feed them with steady care that kept everything from falling apart.
Location of Nandankanan Zoological Park
It is in Barang village of Odisha, India, tucked within the natural setting of the Chandaka forest. It lies midway between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, about 20 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar.
Animals of Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan is home to about 1,600 animals, representing roughly 166 species including 67 mammal species, 81 bird species and 18 reptile species. It is internationally recognized for its white tigers, open enclosures, and the first-ever captive breeding of gharials.
Famous and Notable Animals
White Tigers and Royal Bengal Tigers
Nandankanan is world-famous for its white tigers and Royal Bengal tigers in naturalistic open enclosures.
Primates
The chimpanzees, stump-tailed macaques, bonnet macaques and black-tufted marmosets.
Carnivores
Asiatic lions, African lions, leopards, Indian wolves, dholes, and sloth bears.
Herbivores
Giraffes, plains zebras, Indian elephants, hippopotamuses, sangai (brow-antlered deer), swamp deer, and nilgai.
Exotic Species
Red-handed tamarin, small Indian civet, and various macaques.
Recent Additions (2026)
Ring-tailed lemurs, dholes (Asiatic wild dog), sulphur-crested cockatoo, nilgai, and bonnet macaques.
Reptiles in Nandankanan Zoological Park
This specialized reptile park houses 31 species including:
- King Cobras
- Indian Rock Pythons
- Yellow Anacondas
- Mugger Crocodiles
- Gharials
Bird Species of Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan has a vast collection of birds including:
- Mandarin ducks
- Black swans
- Various pheasants
- Emu and ostrich
- Various lorikeets and parakeets
Aquarium and Aviary of Nandankanan Zoological Park
- A freshwater aquarium with colorful fish.
- Big aviaries with exotic as well as native birds.
- Butterfly-rich green pockets that are eye-catching.
- Bird lovers can spot parrots, peacocks, hornbills and water birds too.
Conservation and Research of Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan plays a big part in wildlife rescue, helping with breeding for endangered species, animal research, and environmental teaching. Conservation efforts include gharial breeding programmes, white tiger conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Best Time to Visit Nandankanan Zoological Park
The best season to visit Nandankanan Zoological Park is generally between October and March. It feels calmer and the air is cooler, so roaming around outside seems more enjoyable. The zoo is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.
How to Reach Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nearest Railway Station
Barang Railway Station (East Coast Railway) is less than 1 km from the zoo boundary.
Nearest Airport
Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is roughly 20 km away — the nearest airport to Nandankanan.
Activities for Visitors of Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Wildlife photography
- Boating
- Safari tours
- Nature walks
- Educational tours for students
Nearby Attractions of Nandankanan Zoological Park
Kanjia Lake
Kanjia Lake is a beautiful natural water body that surrounds the zoo area. Boating facilities and scenic views make for a laid-back place for tourists and nature lovers.
Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
This is just to the south of the zoo. It is great for eco-tourism, jungle treks, and seeing elephants in their natural habitat.
State Botanical Garden
You can find it right across the lake from the zoo. It includes a large cactus house, a rose garden, and the calm Kiakani Lake too.
