Nandankanan Zoological Park

The Nandankanan Zoological Park, nicknamed Garden of God, is a must visit for wildlife lovers. Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the 400-acre Nandankanan Zoo has around 1580 animals that include 634 mammals, 812 birds and 134 reptiles. This is a host zoo for white tigers and the only zoo in the country, which has Patas Monkeys, Eastern Rosella variety of parakeet and Open-billed Stork (it is the second largest heronry for Open billed Storks in Odisha). It is also the first zoo in the country where Gharials were born in captivity in the 80s. Special attractions here are the Bear Safari, Lion Safari and a unique White Tiger Safari. One can take a toy train ride within the park for just Rs 10 per head. Nandankanan currently has 34 tigers including White Tigers and Black or Melanistic Tigers.
After going round the zoo, take a boat ride in Kanjia Lake, a wetland of national importance located along the Nandankanan Zoological Park, or visit the State Botanical Garden on the opposite side of the lake. The park remains closed on Mondays and visiting hours are from 8 am to 5.30 pm. Entry fee for Indians is Rs 20 per person and for a foreign national, the charge is Rs 100. More than 2.5 million people visit Nandankanan every year.