One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the Bhubaneswar area is Nandankanan Zoological Park, particularly for families with young children. The zoo, which is situated close to Kanjia Lake in a natural forest, feels very different from a typical metropolitan zoo. There are various animal enclosures built around the natural environment, as well as open areas, vegetation, and walking trails.
Nandankanan can also be included in a Bhubaneswar sightseeing itinerary for those who are staying in Puri. Depending on traffic and starting position, it takes about two hours to go by road from Puri to Bhubaneswar, which is about 20 miles away.
The white tiger is the main draw for many tourists, but there is much more to see. Boating, the open-top leopard cage, the toy train, the reptile park, safari rides, and other amenities allow visitors to spend several hours at the park without having to rush from one area to another.
Where Is Nandankanan Zoological Park Located?
Nandankanan Zoological Park is situated in Barang, Odisha, around 20 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar. The trip there seems very different from going to a zoo in the center of a busy metropolis because the zoo is situated near Kanjia Lake and is encircled by areas of natural forest.
Nandankanan is around 65–70 miles away from Puri, and depending on traffic, it often takes 1.5–2 hours to get there by car. It is fairly accessible as a day trip from Puri, particularly if you leave early.
It is much simpler to get to the zoo from Bhubaneswar. The road trip typically takes 40 to 60 minutes, and there are taxis, private vehicles, and other local transportation alternatives available. With little ahead planning, Nandankanan can also be added to the itinerary if you are staying in Puri and have already scheduled a day of sightseeing in Bhubaneswar.
Nandankanan Zoological Park Timings
Nandankanan Zoological Park follows different visiting hours in summer and winter. From October to March, the zoo is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From April to September, the visiting hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The zoo remains closed every Monday.
| Season | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| October – March | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| April – September | 7:30 AM | 5:30 PM |
Weekly closure: Monday.
The weekly closure day is Monday. Additionally, the zoo may alter its opening schedule on specific days or events, so it’s a good idea to find out the most recent time before you go.
Morning travel is typically the easiest choice for families with kids. You have plenty of time to explore the zoo rather than attempting to see everything in the final hours before it closes, and the weather is more pleasant.
Nandankanan Zoo Ticket Price
One reason the zoo is a great place for a family outing is because the admission fee is affordable.
The official list of current ticket prices:
- Adults above 12: ₹50
- Children aged 3 to 12: ₹10
- Foreign guests: ₹100
- Youngsters under three: Free
Activities and amenities including safari rides, boating, toy trains, ropeways, and battery-powered vehicles have their own fees.
For instance, the official rate now offers AC safari tickets at ₹130 per person and non-AC safari tickets at ₹80 per person. A 30-minute paddle boat costs ₹50 for two people, ₹100 for four, and ₹150 for a family boat for six, while a battery-powered vehicle costs ₹130 per person.
It makes sense to check the official Nandankanan website prior to your journey, especially if you are traveling with a larger family or party, as the costs are subject to change.
What Can You See Inside Nandankanan?
There is more to see at Nandankanan than just the primary animal enclosures due to its size. You can stay here for three to five hours, depending on your speed, without feeling like you’ve seen everything too soon. The reptile park, lake, boating facilities, and other attractions are worth including in your trip, although the white tigers and safari areas typically receive the most interest.
White Tigers
One of the main draws at Nandankanan is the white tigers. Being the first zoo in the world to successfully produce white tigers, the zoo has a unique bond with white tiger breeding. Another peculiar aspect of its wildlife history is that it has produced melanistic tigers.
The most anticipated occasion for many tourists is witnessing a white tiger. In particular, kids often spend a lot of time observing them. The tigers may be strolling about the cage, taking a nap in the shade, or just avoiding the viewing area, depending on when you come. Therefore, don’t be shocked if you have to wait a little while for a nice view.
Lion and Other Safaris
Rather than traveling from one enclosure to another, the safari sections allow you to view some animals from a car. There are safari facilities for lions, white tigers, bears, and herbivores at Nandankanan.
It is best to check the available arrangements when you arrive because a safari can take up a significant portion of your touring time. Popular events might grow crowded on weekends and holidays. Don’t wait until the last hour of your visit if you have a certain safari in mind.
Seeing animals from the standard viewing locations is not the same as this experience. Animal sightings will always depend on where the animals are at that moment, but you are traveling across their environment rather than just stopping at an enclosure.
Reptile Park
When most visitors are focused on the larger animals, it’s easy to ignore the reptile park, but it’s worth a visit. Reptiles that you might not encounter on a typical tour through Odisha can be seen here.
Additionally, Nandankanan has contributed to the captive breeding and conservation of the gharial, an endangered species of crocodile. One of the reasons the zoo is well-known for more than simply animal exhibits is its work with gharials.
You can easily incorporate the reptile exhibit while visiting other areas of the zoo because it doesn’t take as long as some of the larger sections.
Open-Top Leopard Enclosure
The open-top leopard enclosure is another feature that attracts attention at Nandankanan. Its design gives visitors a somewhat different view of the leopards compared with a conventional enclosed animal habitat.
When you get there, there’s no assurance that a leopard will be perched in the ideal place for observation. They might be hidden from view, wandering around the enclosure, or resting. Instead of just glancing at it and moving on, give it a few minutes.his can also be a fun area to explain to kids how leopard enclosures are made to give the animal room while keeping guests secure.
Kanjia Lake
Nandankanan has a far more natural setting thanks to Kanjia Lake than one might anticipate from a zoo visit. The lake is a significant feature of the park’s surroundings and is encircled by greenery.
The freshwater lake, which is encircled by vegetation, has a far calmer environment than the zoo’s busier areas. This is a great spot to take a break after exploring and observing the wildlife. It is a lovely section of the trip to Nandankanan because of the lake, open space, and surrounding trees, especially if you wish to stop for a little while before moving on.
Boating
Boating is available as another activity inside Nandankanan. The visitor facilities include paddle boats and family boats, making it a popular option for families who want something different from walking around the animal areas.
If you are travelling with children, they may enjoy the boating more than another round of enclosures. It is also a simple way to take a break during a longer visit. Boat operations can vary depending on the day’s conditions, so check the availability when you reach the park. I would treat it as an optional activity rather than something that needs to be fixed into your schedule
Toy Train and Ropeway
Nandankanan also has a toy train and a mono-cable ropeway among its visitor facilities.You don’t necessarily have to walk everywhere inside Nandankanan. The park also has facilities such as a toy train, mono-cable ropeway and battery-operated vehicles.These can be particularly useful for families with small children.
After walking through several animal areas, young children can get tired fairly quickly, and using one of these facilities gives everyone a chance to rest while still moving around the park.The toy train is more of an enjoyable ride for children, while the other transport options can be useful when you want to reduce the amount of walking. Availability and operating arrangements can change, so check what is running on the day of your visit.
How Much Time Do You Need at Nandankanan?
Give yourself at least three to four hours if you want to take your time seeing Nandankanan’s main attractions. The real time will depend on what you want to do in the park.
Three hours might be sufficient if the zoo and animal cages are your primary interests. However, it is preferable to set around four to five hours for activities like boating, safaris, and reptile parks. Due to the park’s vast size, it takes some time to get from one part to another. Instead of trying to fit Nandankanan in between other locations, I would save the most of the day for guests coming from Puri.
Children typically want to stop at the animal enclosures, take breaks, and enjoy activities like the toy train or boats, so families with kids might need a little more time. Rushing through the park to claim to have covered everything is not very beneficial. Here, a leisurely visit is far more pleasurable.
Best Time to Visit Nandankanan
October to March is generally the more comfortable period for visiting Nandankanan because the weather in Odisha is more pleasant than during the hotter months. Odisha Tourism also lists October to March as the best time to visit.
Even during the cooler months, try to start your visit early. Morning hours are more comfortable for walking, and you can take your time before the afternoon heat becomes stronger. During summer, an early visit becomes even more useful. Carry water for the journey, wear comfortable footwear and avoid planning an unnecessarily packed schedule.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting
A little planning can make the Nandankanan visit much easier, especially if you are travelling from Puri. The park is fairly large, so it is better to decide what you want to see before you arrive rather than trying to cover everything at the last minute.
- Check the weekly closing day: Nandankanan is generally closed on Mondays. Check the latest information before leaving, particularly when your Puri trip is planned around fixed dates.
- Start early: Morning is a better time to visit, especially during the hotter months. It also gives you more time for the zoo, safari and other activities.
- Wear comfortable footwear: There is quite a bit of walking involved. Comfortable shoes will make a noticeable difference, particularly if you are visiting with children or older family members.
- Carry drinking water: Walking around the park can be tiring in Odisha’s heat. Carry water and keep yourself hydrated during the visit.
- Do not try to see everything in a hurry: Nandankanan has several sections, and some activities take additional time. Pick the attractions that interest you most and leave some room in your schedule.
- Check safari and activity availability: Safari rides, boating and other facilities may have their own operating arrangements. Check at the park on the day of your visit instead of assuming every facility will be running throughout the day.
- Keep some extra time for the return journey: If you are visiting from Puri, don’t plan your return too tightly. Traffic around Bhubaneswar can affect the journey, and leaving the zoo with some spare time makes the day less stressful.
- Follow the zoo rules: Avoid feeding the animals, making loud noises near the enclosures or trying to attract an animal’s attention for a photograph. These small things help keep the visit safe for both visitors and animals.
Nandankanan Zoological Park is worth keeping on your list if you want to see more than just the usual sights in Bhubaneswar. The white tigers may be the biggest draw, but there is plenty more to see, from the safari and leopard enclosure to the reptile park and Kanjia Lake. Before you go, check the current timings and ticket prices and decide which activities you want to include. Give yourself a few hours rather than trying to finish the park quickly. With a little planning, you can enjoy the visit at your own pace and see the parts that interest you most.