Central Odisha
Nandankanan
A zoological park and botanical garden on the edge of Bhubaneswar, notable for its white tiger breeding programme and lake-boating.
Nandankanan sits around Kanjia Lake, about 20 km from central Bhubaneswar, combining a zoo, botanical garden and a walk-through lion and tiger safari zone. It is best known for having bred white tigers since the 1980s, a programme that continues today.
It suits families and anyone travelling with children more than wildlife purists — for genuine wild sightings, Similipal or Bhitarkanika are the better choice, but Nandankanan is a reliable, easy half-day out from the city.
Why visit
- White tiger breeding programme, one of the longest-running in India
- Walk-through safari enclosures for lions and tigers
- Boating on Kanjia Lake
- Easy half-day trip from Bhubaneswar suited to families
Things to do
- Tour the lion and tiger safari enclosures
- Visit the reptile and botanical sections
- Boat ride on Kanjia Lake
- See the white tiger enclosure
By road
About 20 km from Bhubaneswar city centre, roughly 40 minutes.
From Bhubaneswar
20 km, about 40 minutes by road.
Gallery
Nandankanan in pictures
Points of interest
Attractions in and around Nandankanan
Plan your journey
Tour packages covering Nandankanan
6 Days / 5 Nightsfamily · heritage · beach
Odisha Family Holiday
Bhubaneswar — Konark — Puri — Chilika
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Old Town temple walk (family-paced)
- Konark Sun Temple
comfort itineraryView itinerary
4 Days / 3 Nightsfamily · beach · pilgrimage
Puri Family Vacation
Puri — Konark
- Puri Jagannath Temple darshan
- Konark Sun Temple day trip
- Puri beach mornings and evenings
comfort itineraryView itinerary
Cabs & transport
Cabs and transport for Nandankanan
Bhubaneswar Local Sightseeing Cab
Sedan or SUV with chauffeur
- Capacity
- 3 – 6 passengers
- Luggage
- 1 – 2 bags for a day out
Subject to availability. Vehicle category is confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
Read before you go
Travel guides for Nandankanan
Planning · 7 min read
Odisha with Family: Planning a Trip with Kids
Bhubaneswar, Puri and Nandankanan Zoological Park form a manageable family route that balances temple visits with beach time and wildlife that appeals to children.
FAQs
Nandankanan travel questions
Continue exploring
Destinations near Nandankanan
Central Odisha
Bhubaneswar
The Temple City and state capital — the densest surviving concentration of Kalinga temple architecture in India, plus the region's main air and rail gateway.
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Central Odisha
Cuttack
Odisha's former capital and silver-filigree city, set on an island between the Mahanadi and Kathjodi rivers.
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Central Odisha
Dhauli
The site of the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts, marked today by a white Japanese-built Shanti Stupa.
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Raghurajpur
A heritage crafts village where nearly every household practises Pattachitra painting, palm-leaf engraving or mask-making.
ExploreSpeak with a specialist
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