Nandankanan Zoological Park, located 20 km north of Bhubaneswar in the Chandaka forest reserve, Khurda district, Odisha, spreads across 437 hectares of natural sal forest. Established in 1960 and opened to the public in 1979, it is globally recognized as the first zoo to breed white tigers and Indian pangolins in captivity. It is also accredited by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Nandankanan Zoological Park
India's Only Zoo With White Tigers in a Natural Forest Reserve
History of Nandankanan Zoo
Establishment (1960)
Nandankanan (meaning "Garden of Heaven") was established in 1960 as a botanical garden adjacent to Kanjia Lake. The 437-hectare site within the Chandaka Elephant Reserve was developed as an integrated zoological park and botanical garden — one of the few zoos in India set within a natural forest ecosystem.
White Tiger Breeding Success
Nandankanan became globally famous in 1980 when it bred white tigers — a genetic variant of Bengal tigers — for the first time in a zoo setting. Today it holds the world's largest captive population of white tigers. The park has since exported white tigers to zoos across 30 countries.
WAZA Accreditation & Conservation
In 2009, Nandankanan became the first Indian zoo to receive WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accreditation — placing it among the world's top zoological institutions. The park runs active breeding programs for Indian star tortoises, saltwater crocodiles, gharials, and the endangered Indian pangolin.
Significance
Nandankanan is Odisha's primary wildlife education and conservation centre. The zoo shelters 166 species — 67 mammals, 81 birds, and 18 reptiles — across its 437 hectares. The adjoining Botanical Garden contains 500+ plant species. The Kanjia Lake within the park attracts winter migratory birds. Nandankanan's white tiger gene pool has been pivotal in preventing inbreeding in global captive white tiger populations.
Festivals & Events
World Environment Day — June 5
Nandankanan hosts a major awareness event on June 5 every year, with free entry for school groups, wildlife exhibitions, and animal adoption certificate drives. The event focuses on Odisha's biodiversity and draws 10,000+ visitors annually to the zoo's education centre.
Wildlife Week — October 1–7
India's national Wildlife Week is celebrated with special activities including nocturnal safari tours (select enclosures), photography competitions, nature art exhibitions, and documentary screenings about Nandankanan's conservation programs — particularly the white tiger and pangolin breeding success stories.
Special Highlight
Did You Know? Nandankanan is the only zoo in the world that has bred Indian pangolins in captivity — one of the world's most trafficked mammals. The park's 1980 white tiger breeding success also revealed a previously unknown genetic lineage; DNA studies on Nandankanan's tigers have contributed to global tiger conservation science.
Travel Guide to Nandankanan
How to Reach
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar — 25 km, ~40 min drive.
By Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station — 20 km; city buses (route 222) and autos connect to the zoo gate.
By Road: NH 55 (Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Road); regular OSRTC buses to Nandankanan from Master Canteen Bus Stand.
Best Time to Visit
October–March is ideal — cool weather makes walking across the 437-hectare park comfortable. Winter months (Nov–Jan) bring migratory birds to Kanjia Lake. The park is open year-round except Mondays. Summer (Apr–Jun) mornings (8–11 AM) are manageable before peak heat.
Local Attractions
Chandaka Elephant Reserve: Adjacent — 175 sq km wild elephant habitat, jeep safaris available.
Lingaraj Temple: 20 km south — Bhubaneswar's iconic 11th-century Shiva temple.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves: 22 km — 1st-century BCE Jain rock-cut caves.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa: 25 km — Buddhist peace pagoda on the historic Dhauli Hill.
Travel Tips
Entry: ₹50 (adults), ₹20 (children). Safari (lion/bear): ₹80 extra. Rope car over the lake: ₹30. Book safari slots online.
Gates open at 8 AM; white tiger enclosure is most active 8–10 AM before midday heat reduces movement.
Zoo is closed every Monday — plan your visit on Tuesday–Sunday only.
Wear comfortable shoes — the full park circuit is 4–5 km on foot; battery cars are available for ₹30.