Nandankanan Zoological Park — Timings, White Tiger Safari & Entry Fee

Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar is a premier 437-hectare wildlife destination famous for hosting the world’s first White Tiger Safari and housing India’s largest population of white tigers. Located on the edge of the Chandaka forest, it seamlessly integrates a world-class zoo, a sprawling State Botanical Garden, and the scenic Kanjia Lake.

History & Origins

Nandankanan officially came into existence on 29 December 1960 — and its origin story is genuinely unusual. In 1960, animals from Odisha were displayed at the Odisha pavilion of a World Agriculture Fair in New Delhi. Once the fair ended, the animals needed a home, and the present site at Jujhagarh Forest Block was eventually chosen to establish the park. The name “Nandankanan” roughly translates to “Garden of Heaven” or “Celestial Garden.”

Unlike a traditional zoo, Nandankanan was established within a natural forest setting, with the stated aim of giving animals a relatively natural-looking habitat rather than conventional cages — combining a zoo, a sanctuary-style environment and a botanical garden around Kanjia Lake.

Park Timings & Operational Hours

The park operates on distinct seasonal timelines and remains strictly closed on Mondays.

• Summer Hours (April to September): 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Winter Hours (October to March): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Ticketing Note: Both offline and online ticket booking close strictly at 5:00 PM.

The Famous White Tigers & Safaris

Nandankanan pioneered white tiger breeding in India — per Nandankanan’s official site, it became the first zoo in the world to successfully breed both the white tiger and the melanistic (black) tiger, and it remains associated with ongoing conservation breeding programmes. The iconic White Tiger Safari launched in 1991 and allows you to witness these majestic animals roaming in a large, forested, open-moated natural habitat.

Safari Cost: ₹50 per person for the White Tiger Safari (separate from the main zoo entry fee of ₹50 for adults).

Other Safaris: The park also features three other distinct safaris: Lion Safari, Sloth Bear Safari, and Herbivore Safari.

Other Attractions: Beyond the safaris, the park’s official listings include a Reptile Park, a walk-through Aviary, boating on Kanjia Lake, and other visitor facilities such as a toy train, depending on current operation.

State Botanical Garden

The State Botanical Garden spans 173 acres across Kanjia Lake from the main zoological park. It features distinct highlights like Odisha’s largest Orchid House (with over 1,000 plants), a Butterfly Park, and numerous green lawns ideal for relaxing.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 for individuals above 12 years old (free for children under 12).

Important Detail: The zoo and the botanical garden have separate entry gates. You can seamlessly travel between them by using the lake boating facility (approx. ₹40–₹60 per person), or via the ropeway crossing over Kanjia Lake.