Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, Orissa India

Nandan Kanan is a zoological park situated 15 km outside Bhubaneshwar in Orissa. Its literal meaning is ‘The Garden of Heavens’. It is situated on the Shore of Kanjia Lake. Nandan Kanan was established in 1960 and was stated a zoo in 1979. Nandan Kanan is a member of WAZA (World Association of Zoo and Aquariums).

It has some exceptional and incredible species of animals such as like Mouse Deer, Wild Cat, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Leopard Cat, Pangolin, Flying Squirrel, Hill Mynah, Peacock, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Black Panthers etc. These impressive animals include the rare species of ‘white tigers’ and the pioneer breeding domicile of Captive Gharial Crocodile in the country. Forest safaris and boating can be enjoyed. All these make it a superb destination to spend your holidays. It is a favorite spot among the kids too. It is best to have a trip to Nandan Kanan Zoo between July and October.

Amidst the natural beauty of natural forest adjacent to Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan lies in the vicinity of Kanjia lake. This site covers a portion of Krishnanagar and Jujhagarh Demarcated Protected Forests (DPF) and close to Baranga Railway station on Howrah-Chennai route. Geographically it is located between 200 23' 08" to 200 24' 10" North latitude and 850 48' 09" to 850 48' 13" East longitude (Survey of India Toposheet No. 73 H/15-NW).

The very name of “Nandankanan”, in mythology, delineates the ecstatic but imaginary beauty of the celestial garden. It also indicates the real beautiful spots par excellence on earth, where one can see the panoramic views of nature and appreciate the glamour that exists in the external morphology of plants and animals.

The zoo is enriched with 101 enclosures with 202 sub-enclosures at Nandankanan. It has the significance of having both the cages and open moat enclosures. There are 54 cages and 47 open moated enclosures to house all the captive animals of Nandankanan. It has the glory of having 126 species of animals which includes 40 spp. mammals, 56 spp. birds and 24 spp. reptiles. Nandankanan has huge number of animal collections. There are more than 1580 no animals, including 634 mammals, 812 birds and 134 reptiles. Eighty eight (88) species of indigenous species along with 32 exotic species of animals add glory to the collection of Nandankanan Zoological Park. The animal collection includes 15 spp of endangered mammals, -6 spp of endangered birds and 10 spp of endangered reptiles listed in Schedule I of WPA, 1972.

Nandankanan is the only zoo in India with the credit of having Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas), Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximus) and Open-billed Stork (Anastomus oscitans). Besides, it has the glory among the 2 zoos in India having Orang-Utan (others in Kanpur Zoological Park, Uttar Pradesh), Indian Pangolin (others in Jhargram Zoo, West Bengal), Spotted Munia (Others in Sayajibaug Zoo, Gujurat) and Burmese Python (others in Culcatta Snake Park, West Bengal). It is among the three zoos of India having Green-winged Macaws, Cinereous Vulture and Nicobar Pigeon.

Nandankanan has created its unique place for successful captive breeding of endangered Gharials in 1980. Birth of white tiger from normal coloured tigers has given a special place to Nandankanan over the world as one of the major host zoo for the white tigers.

Nandan Kanan National Park is located 20 kms ahead of the capital city Bhubaneswar in Orissa. By sprawling across dense and tranquil forests of Chandaka, Nandan Kanan serves the first captive gharial breeding center of India. The name that literally means the “Garden of Pleasure” is the most picturesque park to bring an opportunity to discover unique flora and fauna flourishing in their most natural habitat.

The Nandan Kanan National Park is best known as Nandan Kanan Zoological Park where arrays of enthralling facility like boating, white tiger and lion safaris (safari in a sense to encounter these royal animals) reptile park, aerial ropeway and cable car at the zoological park which is a nocturnal animal house established for the wildlife lovers to get a penchant for wildlife. 

Established in 1960, the Nandan Kanan National park has an interesting history to tell the readers and the wildlife enthusiasts. Once a white female tiger passed by the area of Nandan Kanan and found a great enclosure with a local tiger and further stayed here only. This was one of the rarest scenes of the zoo area since no wild animals in the area was willing to stay in captivity. So, an idea of converting this zoo into a sophisticated tiger reserve was proposed by the National Geographical Magazine. The park thus came into existence and houses over 34 white tigers at present. Another beautiful feather was added to the plume of the park in 1980 when three white tiger cubs were born from normal colored parents.

The Sunder Kanan Wild Sanctuary is actually a bastion of white tigers. Apart from Bandhavgarh National Park, the Sunder Kanan is the second home in India for the white magnificent creatures; although in Bandhavgarh today, there are only lesser counts are left. Today, Nandan Kanan National Park has more than 34 white tigers in its vicinity. Besides, the park is also the home to 67 varieties of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds. The animals that are frequently seen in the park are Asiatic lion, lion-tailed macaque, Indian crocodiles, nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, Himalayan black bear, mouse deer, rhesus macaque, black buck and more. By spreading over a sprawling area of 4.4 Sq kms, the park also noticed as the first breeding place for black panthers.

Nandan Kanan national park boasts of a fascinating lake and wonderful lush green environs, which is a virtual paradise for birds inviting native as well as migratory birds. According to forest department, the park has around 75 bird species including some very rare species of birds. Some of the popular birds that can be seen here are white peacock, blue & yellow macaw, open billed stork, green winged macaw etc.

Today this reserve area is being stretched across the area of 4.37 sq km where the protected area is of 3.62 sq km. Due to its rare offerings and serene setting, the park has been now emerged as a much sought after picnic destination for both locals as well as tourists. A joy ride in the toy train to observe the wildlife closely is an all time favorite activity for the tourists and especially the children visiting this park.