Nandankanan is one of India’s rare zoological parks where the landscape feels inseparable from the zoo itself. Established in 1960 in a natural forest near Bhubaneswar, the park grew around the Kanjia Lake ecosystem instead of being carved out of a dense city neighbourhood. The result is a zoological experience of forest paths, water, tall trees and large habitat zones, with the adjoining State Botanical Garden and sanctuary landscape extending the sense that visitors have entered a broader nature complex rather than a conventional zoo.
Its reputation is built on far more than its famous white tigers. Nandankanan was the first zoo in the world to breed white tigers and melanistic tigers, pioneered captive breeding of endangered gharials in India and remains internationally known for Indian pangolin conservation. The open-top leopard enclosure, reptile facilities, walk-through aviary and large safari zones add to that conservation identity, while Kanjia Lake brings an important wetland element to the park.
For families, Nandankanan is also one of the most feature-rich zoo visits in eastern India. Lion, white tiger, bear and herbivore safaris, battery-operated vehicles, boating, a toy train and a ropeway are available as separately priced experiences. That makes ticket planning important: the inexpensive basic zoo entry does not automatically include every activity. From April through September 2026, the zoo follows its summer schedule of 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM; from October through March, the schedule shifts to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Quick About Nandankanan Zoo
| Particular | Details |
| Official name | Nandankanan Zoological Park |
| Location | Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005 |
| Established | 29 December 1960 |
| Setting | Natural forest beside Kanjia Lake |
| April to September timing | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| October to March timing | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Weekly closure | Monday |
| Adult entry | Rs. 50, above 12 years |
| Child entry | Rs. 10, age 3 to 12; below 3 free |
| Foreign visitor | Rs. 100 |
| Best time | November to February; early morning |
Nandankanan Zoo Opening and Closing Timing
| Day / Season | Opening | Closing / Details |
| April to September | 7:30 AM | 5:30 PM |
| October to March | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Monday | Closed | Weekly holiday |
| Recommended arrival | Within first hour | Useful for zoo plus add-on activities |
The official Nandankanan website specifically confirms the 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM summer timing from 1 April to 30 September 2026. Safari, boating, toy-train and other service ticket counters may stop sales before the zoo itself closes.
Nandankanan Zoo Ticket Price
| Ticket / Facility | Category | Price / Details |
| Zoo entry | Adult above 12 years | Rs. 50 |
| Zoo entry | Child 3 to 12 years | Rs. 10 |
| Zoo entry | Below 3 years / differently abled visitor | Free |
| Foreign national | Entry | Rs. 100 |
| Safari – Non-AC | Four safari zones / about 45 minutes | Rs. 75 |
| Safari – AC | Four safari zones / about 45 minutes | Rs. 120 |
| Battery vehicle | Unreserved per person | Rs. 130 |
| Toy train | Adult / child above 3 | Rs. 50 / Rs. 30 |
| Ropeway | Adult / child 3-12 | Rs. 135 / Rs. 85 |
| State Botanical Garden | Adult above 12 | Rs. 20; children below 12 free |
| Cloakroom | Single packet / luggage | Free |
The basic zoo ticket covers zoo entry only. Safaris, battery vehicles, boating, toy train, ropeway and the State Botanical Garden have separate charges. Rates can change through official notifications, so check the current price list if travelling later.
Can Nandankanan Tickets Be Booked Online?
Yes. Nandankanan provides official online quick booking as well as a rescheduling facility for zoo-entry and Botanical Garden entry tickets.
Online tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded. However, the booking date can be changed under the zoo’s rescheduling policy for eligible zoo and Botanical Garden entry tickets.
What to See at Nandankanan Zoo
White tigers remain the iconic attraction, but the zoo’s distinctive conservation exhibits extend far beyond them. The open-top leopard enclosure, gharials, Indian pangolin conservation work, reptiles and walk-through aviary make the park particularly rewarding for visitors interested in zoo design and breeding programmes.
The safari complex provides separate lion, white tiger, bear and herbivore zones on one ride. The 618-metre ropeway over the Kanjia Lake landscape connects the zoo side with the State Botanical Garden and offers a completely different view of the wider Nandankanan setting.
How to Reach Nandankanan Zoo
From Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan is about 15 to 20 km from the city depending on the starting point and route. Bus, taxi, app cab and private vehicle are all practical.
From Bhubaneswar Railway Station: The official zoo information places the station about 18 km away.
From Biju Patnaik International Airport: The airport is about 20 km from the park. A cab is the easiest option for visitors arriving by air.
From Barang Railway Station: Barang is less than 1 km from the zoo boundary, making it the nearest rail stop for local trains.
From Cuttack: The zoo is roughly 17 km from Cuttack and can be reached by road.
Best Time to Visit Nandankanan Zoo
November to February is the most pleasant season for walking, especially for families and senior citizens. Odisha’s summer can be hot and humid, although the zoo compensates by opening earlier from April to September.
Arriving within the first hour is particularly useful if you want the zoo plus safari, ropeway or Botanical Garden. Popular add-ons can involve queues or stop ticket sales before the main zoo closes.
Visitor Facilities at Nandankanan Zoo
Nandankanan provides drinking-water kiosks, toilets, parking, sit-outs and rain shelters, restaurants, cloakrooms, wheelchairs, first-aid facilities, battery vehicles, guide maps, a souvenir shop, baby-care facilities and RO water.
Wheelchairs are listed as free for differently abled visitors, and perambulators for children are also listed without charge. The free cloakroom is useful because baggage is not permitted inside the zoological park.
Important Rules Visitors Should Know
Food items, polythene and baggage are not allowed inside the zoological park under the official ticket guidelines. Use the cloakroom for luggage and follow staff directions regarding permitted personal items.
Do not feed animals, carry fire sources, arms or ammunition, or leave designated visitor routes. Safari visitors must remain within the authorised vehicle and follow driver instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the safari included in the normal Nandankanan entry ticket?
No. The lion, white tiger, bear and herbivore safari ride has a separate ticket, with different rates for AC and non-AC vehicles.
Q. Can an online Nandankanan ticket be refunded if plans change?
No. Online tickets are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled or transferred. Eligible zoo-entry and Botanical Garden tickets can have their date rescheduled.
Q. Is the State Botanical Garden included in the zoo ticket?
No. It has a separate adult entry ticket. Children below 12 currently receive free Botanical Garden entry.
Q. Can I carry my own food and large bags inside the zoo?
Official ticket guidelines say food items and baggage are not allowed inside the zoological park. A cloakroom is available for luggage.
Q. Is there any support for wheelchair users or parents with small children?
Yes. Wheelchairs for differently abled visitors and child perambulators are listed as free facilities, subject to availability.
