Nandankanan Zoological Park: Wildlife Oasis of Bhubaneswar, Odisha

A preferred destination for all wildlife lovers, families, and tourists looking for nature by their side, the Nandankanan Zoological Park is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Chandaka Forest and forms part of the Kanjia Lake. It lies on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Nandankanan is considered one of the most beautiful and well-managed zoos in India, showing a true combination of nature and wildlife. The zoological park was established back in 1960 and shelters various animals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo gained popularity for the conservation measures that were undertaken here as well as for the education courses.

This article will outline the facts including ticket prices, timings, what is there to expect during visitation, and planning a day out at the zoo in an eventful manner.

A Glance at Nandankanan Zoological Park

The Nandankanan Zoological Park occupies space over 400 hectares and carries in its bosom above 1,000 animals from 125 species. Nandankanan is famous for the White Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, and the Crocodile Sanctuary. The special feature of this zoo is the successful breeding of rare and endangered species. White Tiger, Indian Crocodile, and Asiatic Lion are all found here. It has become a sanctuary in protecting these species from extinction.

Aside from the main zoo, Nandankanan Zoological Park contains the Botanical Garden, offering species of numerous flora, as well as the Reptile Park, so tourists can obtain firsthand knowledge on snake, crocodiles and similar reptilians existence. Beautiful landscape, richness and peaceful calm within the Park contribute to easy conducting of trekking and making an ideal tourist for photography.

Timings Of Nandankanan Zoological Park

In prior to planning for visiting Nandankanan Zoological Park, one must note down the timing. The park remains open through all the week except on Monday since it's under maintenance.

General Timings of Nandankanan Zoological Park:-

Summer Timing: March - June 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

Winter Timings: October to February: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The zoo starts pretty early, about early in the morning; thereby giving a pretty good scope of the visiting experience at such an hour where you would want animals to move freely and, maybe, engage well. Provided this, I found that you arrive there before so you might visit at very empty times at a lot of spots in the place. That opens throughout the whole day and all exhibits will therefore be within visitable leisure periods.

Nandankanan Zoological Park Ticket Price

The price of a ticket to the zoo needs to be known before going. Ticket charges for the Nandankanan Zoological Park differ from one individual to another as well. The difference depends upon their nationality, age, and some other activity, such as a safari or boat ride. A general estimation of the cost of a ticket is depicted in the figure shown below.

Indian Adult: INR 40-50

Indian Children (5-12 years): INR 20-30

Foreign Nationals: INR 200-300

Foreign Children: INR 100-150

Safari Tickets (Lion Safari, White Tiger Safari, etc.): Additional INR 50-100, depending on the safari type.

Entry ticket apart, the park also allows you to book combined tickets, which are tickets for special rides like Lion Safari or Boat Ride at Kanjia Lake that attract a great number of tourists. You may either buy one at the counter on the ground or through the online booking facilities. This means you will find everything hassle-free and convenient to access.

Booking Tickets for Nandankanan Zoological Park

Tickets are available at the entrance of Nandakanan Zoological Park. You can also pre-book online for tickets. A big benefit is that while pre-booking an online ticket you can choose a date and the time when you want to embark on a tour, saving yourself from the hassle of standing long queues, such as at a ticket counter.

If you are interested in activities such as The Lion Safari or Boat Ride, advance booking of those tickets is advisable, as they are extremely popular, mainly on weekends and holidays. During the main tourist season, a few restrictions may apply for ticket availability.

Attractions at Nandankanan Zoological Park Bhubaneswar Odisha

Nandakanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, It gives the opportunities to experience a magic of an animal empire. Beautiful setting in which some major attractions are:-

White Tiger Safari: Nandakanan is one of the very few zoos in the world where you get to see white tigers, which are not only rare, but also royal. White Tiger Safari gives visitors the opportunity to see beautiful tigers closely in the preserved environment.

There is a great section for Asiatic lions at the zoo, and Lion Safari is surely a thrilling experience. Here, you will get a real insight of one of the World's greatest majestic big cats, right before your eyes. The safari takes place inside an open jeep, so you witness the lions in their natural space.

This sanctum sanctorum has a number of crocodiles including the Indian Crocodile, Crocodile, Saltwater Crocodile, and the Gharial. This section of the zoo would provide much information on the life and its conservation.

Reptile Park: If one is interested in reptiles, then this Reptile Park at Nandankanan simply must be seen. It has on display quite a variety of snakes, lizards, and all other reptiles, making it an education for all visitors.

The Botanical Garden: Nandankanan ensures a beautiful visit after all the wildlife encounters. You can be able to view a variety of plants, trees, and flowers in the botanical garden. Indeed, it's the best place to walk quietly to enjoy nature.

Bird Sanctuary: Nandankanan has a diverse array of bird species such as peafowls, hornbills, and pelicans. It shows the close view of birds; hence one can easily understand the behavior and habitats of the birds.

Nandankanan Zoological Park Photos: Capture the Moment

This time during your visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park, you get the maximum chances to take snaps of wonderful snaps as the zoo will offer enough options of taking nice clicks either of the bright rays of sun from the sleeping tigers to beautiful colors of the birds. Be sure to take your camera or smartphone and shoot as much memory as possible. Be kind with the animals so do not create a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Nandankanan Zoological Park

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Because the park is pretty big, you will do a lot of walking. The comfortable shoes make sure that you enjoy the day without any uneasiness.

Stay Hydrated: Keep water with you, especially when you are planning to visit the zoo in the summer. This place covers vast ground, so it is pretty important to be hydrated for an enjoyable visit.

Respect the Animals: Do not attempt to feed or provoke the animals. Maintain a safe distance and follow the zoo's guidelines.

Plan for Special Activities: If the visitor is a safari or a boat ride fanatic, then booking a combined ticket before time reduces waiting time considerably.

Arrival Time: People prefer to start their day well in advance at the zoo where the animals seem to be highly active when people arrive early once the zoo just opens.

Conclusion

Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a marvellous tourist spot for wildlife-loving families to splurge in the scenery. The collection of animals, bird sanctuaries, botanical gardens, and interesting safaris certainly promise a perfect day out at Nandankanan. It is a place to learn for wildlife enthusiasts or just enjoy a day out with family members as it offers an experience of wonder to every visitor of whatever age may be. Timings, ticket prices, and other special activities should be checked before planning to visit the place in order to not miss a precious moment at this zoological park.