Zoo in Bhubaneswar – Nandankanan Zoological Park Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar Zoo -

Greetings, fellow wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers! Welcome to an enthralling expedition through the lush landscapes of Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, India. Our blog is a portal to the captivating world of Nandankanan, where the magic of biodiversity unfolds with every step. Established in 1960, this remarkable zoological park is a sanctuary of conservation, education, and appreciation for the rich tapestry of Earth’s fauna. Join us as we unravel the tales of the wild inhabitants, conservation endeavors, and the unparalleled experiences that make Nandankanan Zoological Park a sanctuary where every creature has a story to share. Let’s embark on this unforgettable journey, immersing ourselves in the magic of Nandankanan.

About Bhubaneswar Zoo

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a 437-hectare (1,080-acre) zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Established in 1960, it was opened to the public in 1979 and became the first zoo in India to join World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared a sanctuary. Nandankanan, literally meaning The Garden of Heaven, is located near the capital city, Bhubaneswar, in the environs of the Chandaka forest, and includes the 134-acre (54 ha) Kanjia lake.

Nandankanan is home to over 2,600 animals from over 166 species, including tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and birds. The zoo also has a breeding program for endangered species, including tigers, lions, and leopards.

Nandankanan is a popular tourist destination known for its well-maintained enclosures and educational programs. The zoo also plays a vital role in the conservation of wildlife.

Bhubaneswar Zoo Location

Address: Nandankanan Rd, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005, India

Bhubaneswar Zoo Timing

Bhubaneswar Zoo, also known as Nandankanan Zoological Park, is open seven days a week from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

The zoo is closed on Mondays.

Layout of Bhubaneswar Zoo

Bhubaneswar Zoo, known as Nandankanan Zoological Park, is a large zoo spread over 437 hectares (1,080 acres). The zoo is divided into several sections, including:

The main entrance: The main entrance to the zoo is located on Nandankanan Road. There is a ticket counter and a visitor center at the main entrance.
The animal enclosures: The animal enclosures are located throughout the zoo. The enclosures are well-maintained and give the animals plenty of space to roam.
The botanical garden: The botanical garden is located in the zoo’s centre. The botanical garden has a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world.
The Kanjia lake: The Kanjia lake is a large lake located within the zoo. The lake is home to a variety of birds and aquatic animals.
The zoo museum: The zoo museum is located near the main entrance. The museum has a collection of artifacts related to the zoo and its animals.

Wildlife of Bhubaneswar Zoo

Bhubaneswar Zoo, also known as Nandankanan Zoological Park, is a wildlife sanctuary home to over 2,600 animals from over 166 species. These animals include a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Some of the most popular animals at Bhubaneswar Zoo include:

Tigers
Lions
Elephants
Giraffes
Zebras
Monkeys
Birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and vultures
Reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, and crocodiles
Amphibians, such as frogs and toads

The zoo also has some endangered species, including:

White tigers
Black panthers
Indian gaur
Indian rhinoceros
Swamp deer
Hangul deer
Red panda

Bhubaneswar Zoo is committed to the conservation of wildlife and plays a vital role in protecting the animals of India. The zoo has a breeding program for several endangered species and educates visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation.

In addition to the animals listed above, Bhubaneswar Zoo is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including:

Insects, such as butterflies, beetles, and spiders
Fish, such as carp, catfish, and murrel
Other small mammals, such as squirrels, rabbits, and porcupines

The zoo’s diverse wildlife makes it a great place to learn about the natural world and see various animals up close.

Fun activities at Bhubaneswar Zoo

Here are some fun activities you can do at Bhubaneswar Zoo:

See the animals: The zoo is home to various animals from all over the world, including tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and birds. You can see the animals up close and learn about their habitats.
Take a safari: The zoo offers a ride through the tiger enclosure. This is a great way to see the tigers up close and in their natural habitat.
Visit the botanical garden: The zoo has a botanical garden with various plants and flowers. You can learn about these plants and flowers and see them up close.
Take a boat ride on Kanjia Lake: The zoo has a large lake called Kanjia Lake. You can take a boat ride on the lake and see the variety of birds and aquatic animals.
Visit the zoo museum: The zoo has a museum with a collection of artifacts related to the zoo and its animals. You can learn about the history of the zoo and its animals at the museum.
Have a picnic: The zoo has several picnic areas to enjoy lunch with your family and friends.
Take a walk through the zoo: The zoo is a large and beautiful place to take a walk. You can enjoy the scenery and see the animals up close.
Attend a special event: The zoo hosts special events throughout the year, such as educational programs, animal feeding demonstrations, and cultural performances. These events can be a lot of fun for the whole family.

Bhubaneswar Zoo Museum

The Bhubaneswar Zoo Museum is located inside the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The museum was established in 1988 and is dedicated to preserving and displaying the zoo’s natural history collection.

The museum’s collection includes a variety of specimens, including:

Taxidermy specimens: The museum has a collection of over 2,000 specimens of animals worldwide.
Formalin preserved specimens: The museum also has a collection of formalin preserved specimens, including the early developmental stages of animals and eggs of flightless birds.
Skeletons: The museum has a collection of skeletons of various animals, including elephants, tigers, and lions.
Antlers and horns: The museum also has a collection of antlers and horns of various animals, including deer and buffaloes.
Birds’ nests: The museum has a collection of birds’ nests from different parts of India.

The museum also has many exhibits on the natural history of Odisha, including the state’s geology, geography, and flora and fauna.

Nandan Kanan Zoo Safari

Nandankanan Zoological Park offers four types of safaris:

Lion Safari: This safari takes visitors through the lion enclosure, where they can see lions up close in their natural habitat. The safari is conducted in a special protected vehicle.
White Tiger Safari: This safari takes visitors through the white tiger enclosure, where they can see white tigers up close in their natural habitat. The safari is conducted in a special protected vehicle.
Bear Safari: This safari takes visitors through the bear enclosure, where they can see sloth bears up close in their natural habitat. The safari is conducted in a special protected vehicle.
Herbivore Safari: This safari takes visitors through the herbivore enclosure, where they can see a variety of herbivores, such as deer, zebras, and giraffes, up close in their natural habitat. The safari is conducted in a special protected vehicle.

Experienced guides conduct all of the safaris at Nandankanan Zoo. The guides provide information about the animals and their habitats. The safaris are a great way to see the animals up close and learn more about them.

Best time to visit Bhubaneswar Zoo

The best time to visit Bhubaneswar Zoo is during the winter months (October to March). The weather is pleasant during this time of year, making it ideal for walking around the zoo and seeing the animals. The animals are also more active during winter, so you are likelier to see them up close and moving around.

The summer months (April to June) can be sweltering and humid in Bhubaneswar, making walking around the zoo uncomfortable. The animals are also less active during summer, so you may be less likely to see them up close and moving around.

How to Reach Bhubaneswar Zoo

There are several ways to reach Bhubaneswar Zoo, also known as Nandankanan Zoological Park:

By air: The nearest airport to Bhubaneswar Zoo is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), about 13 kilometers from the zoo. There are regular flights to Bhubaneswar from major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to the zoo. The journey will take 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic.

By train: The nearest railway station to Bhubaneswar Zoo is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), which is located about 6 kilometers from the zoo. There are regular trains to Bhubaneswar from major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Once you arrive at the railway station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to the zoo. Depending on the traffic, the journey will take about 15-20 minutes.

By road: Bhubaneswar is well-connected to other cities in India by road. There are regular buses to Bhubaneswar from major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Once you arrive in Bhubaneswar, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to the zoo. The journey will take 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Places to Visit near Bhubaneswar Zoo

There are many places to visit near Bhubaneswar Zoo, including:

ISKCON Temple: This Hindu temple is one of Bhubaneswar’s most popular tourist destinations. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
Lingaraj Temple: This Hindu temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and towering shikhara.
Parasurameswara Temple: This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its unique black stone idol of Lord Parasurama.
Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves: These two caves are located near Bhubaneswar and are home to many Buddhist and Jain sculptures. The caves are also known for their beautiful architecture and their historical significance.
Dhauligiri: This hilltop location is about 8 km from Bhubaneswar and is home to the Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist peace pagoda. It is also known for its beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Ratnagiri: This hilltop location is about 15 km from Bhubaneswar and home to many Buddhist and Jain temples. It is also known for its beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Puri: This coastal town is located about 60 km from Bhubaneswar and is home to the Jagannath Temple, one of India’s most important Hindu temples. Puri is also known for its beautiful beaches and its lively atmosphere.
Konark: This coastal town is located about 65 km from Bhubaneswar and is home to the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sun Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and unique chariot-shaped design.
Chilika Lake: This is the largest saltwater lake in India and is located about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. It is a popular tourist destination for bird watching and boat rides.
Gopalpur Beach: This beautiful beach is located about 150 km from Bhubaneswar and is known for its white sand and clear blue water.