Nandankanan Zoological Park was set up in 1960. It was opened for public viewing in 1979. It is the premiere zoo in India to become a part of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  It is both a zoo and a horticultural garden and part of it is a confirmed sanctuary. Nandankanan, which literally denotes 'The Garden of Heavens’ is situated near the serene capital city of Bhubaneswar, Orissa. It is located in the vicinity of the evergreen Chandaka forest, which includes the shores of the scenic Kanjia Lake. About 2 million people visit this spectacular Nandankanan every year.

History

At the World Agricultural Fair held in 1960 in Delhi, forest officials decided to include uncommon plants and animals to increase footfalls In the Orissa Pavilion. The forest department could hold captive a Python, two spotted deer, a pair of wild boars, one flying squirrel, two black buck, one mouse deer, one leopard cat, one hornbill, two barking deer, two parrots, one peacock, one racket-tailed drongo, a mongoose, two porcupines, two hill mynahs and two spotted deer.  These animals were relocated to the Delhi fair and showcased at the Orissa pavilion.

Animals

In this zoo, you will find about 42 mammal species, 24 species of reptiles and 54 species of birds which amounts to a total of 1660 inhabitants. The mortality rate of animals here is one of the least in India. Nandankanan is renowned for its white tigers. In 1980, two tawny tigers, Deepak and Ganga  gave bith to the first  of white tigers. Consequent litters of white tigers have been circulated to zoos in India and abroad.

Location

Chandaka Forest, 25-km from Bhuvneswar, Orissa, India.

For further information and assistance, please contact

B. C Prusty ( I F S )
Conservator of Forests (WL) and Director of Nandankanan
Mayur Bhavan, Janpath
Saheed Nagar
Bhubaneswar - 751007
Tel : +91-674-515840(O)
+91-674-520850 [Off, WL],
+91-674-416358 [Res, WL]
+91-674-466075 [Park],
Fax: +91-674-512502

Assistant Conservator of Forests

Nandankanan Zoological Park
Po.Barang
Dist: Cuttack
Phone No: 0674-2466077

Visiting hours:

The Zoo is open to public from 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM from April to September
And from 8AM to 5PM from October to March.

Ticket charges:

Entry is free for all.