Nandankanan Zoological Park
The Nandankanan Zoological Park is a zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It covers an area of 437 hectares and has more than 1600 animals of 166 species. It is the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. It also has a sanctuary for endangered animals and plants.
The zoo was established in 1960 when some forest officials decided to exhibit some rare animals and orchids from Odisha at the World Agricultural Fair in Delhi. They collected various animals from the wild and sent them to Delhi. After the fair, they brought them back to Bhubaneswar and housed them temporarily at Khandagiri. The then Chief Minister of Odisha, Dr. H.K. Mahatab, visited the animals and approved the idea of starting a zoo in Odisha.
The zoo was initially proposed to be located at Ghatikia near Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves, but later it was shifted to its present location near the Kanjia Lake. The zoo was opened to the public in 1979 and since then it has grown into a major attraction for tourists and wildlife lovers. The zoo has many features, such as a white tiger safari, a lion safari, a reptile park, an aquarium, a nocturnal animal house, and a botanical garden.
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Why is Nandankanan Famous?
The zoo is also famous for its conservation and breeding programs for endangered species, such as the gharial, the Indian pangolin, the mouse deer, the white-backed vulture, and the Asiatic lion. The zoo has also successfully bred many exotic animals, such as the black panther, the orangutan, the hippopotamus, and the giraffe.
Opening and Closing Timings of Nandankanan
The zoo is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Mondays.
Nandankanan Ticket Price or Entry Fees
The entry fee is Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. There are also additional charges for some attractions, such as safaris, boating, battery-operated vehicles, etc.
What to See in Nandankanan Zoological Park
List of attractions and things to see in Nandankanan Zoological Park:
- White Tiger Safari: Nandankanan is famous for its successful breeding of white tigers. The White Tiger Safari allows you to see these magnificent creatures in a spacious and naturalistic environment.
- Lion Safari: Witness the regal Indian and African lions as they roam in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats.
- African Safari: The African Safari section of the park showcases a range of animals from the African continent, including giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
- Bear Safari: This area features bears like the sloth bear and Himalayan black bear. You can observe their behavior in settings designed to resemble their native environments.
- Herbivore Safari: Encounter herbivores like deer, antelopes, and wild boars as they graze and interact in spacious enclosures.
- Reptile Park: Explore the Reptile Park, home to various species of reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles.
- Primate Park: Visit the Primate Park to observe various species of monkeys and apes in settings designed to mimic their natural habitats.
- Aquarium: The aquarium showcases a variety of aquatic life, including colorful fish, amphibians, and even a walk-through tunnel for a unique underwater perspective.
- Nocturnal Animal House: Discover the world of nocturnal animals, including owls, bats, and other creatures that are active during the night.
- Aviary: The Aviary is home to a diverse collection of bird species, allowing visitors to observe their behavior and vibrant plumage up close.
- Reptile House: Get a close look at various reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles, while learning about their unique characteristics.
- Butterfly Park: Step into Butterfly Park, a haven for colorful and delicate butterflies, where you can witness their beauty and learn about their life cycle.
- Toy Train: Enjoy a ride on the toy train that takes you around the park, providing a convenient and enjoyable way to see the different sections.
- Botanical Garden: Nandankanan also features a Botanical Garden with a rich collection of native and exotic plant species, offering a serene environment for nature lovers.
- Conservation Breeding: Nandankanan is involved in several successful conservation breeding programs, contributing to the survival of endangered species like the Indian pangolin and the Indian crocodile.
- Educational Programs: The park offers educational programs, guided tours, and interactive sessions to promote awareness about wildlife conservation.
If you want to plan your trip to the Nandankanan Zoological Park and enjoy its history, culture, and nature, you should visit Mypuritour Website. This is a puri tour and travel agency that offers various puri holiday packages and puri sightseeing tours. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the wildlife and nature of Odisha.
