Nandankanan Zoological Park

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a large zoo and botanical garden located at Barang near Bhubaneswar in Khordha district, Odisha, set around Kanjia Lake within forested surroundings. Established in 1960 and opened to the public in 1979, it is notable as the first zoo in India to breed white tigers and for its lion, tiger and bear safaris, diverse animal collection, State Botanical Garden, and conservation and captive breeding programmes.

Visitors can explore a sprawling zoo complex with enclosed animal habitats, open safari enclosures for lions, tigers and bears, a botanical garden and Kanjia Lake. The setting combines natural forest, lake and landscaped gardens with walkable pathways, battery-operated vehicles and boating facilities. Areas to explore include mammal, reptile and bird enclosures, aquarium, reptile park, nocturnal animal house, safari routes and lakeside viewpoints.

Established on 29 December 1960 and opened to visitors in 1979, Nandankanan was developed from forest around Kanjia Lake. It gained international recognition as the first zoo in India to successfully breed white tigers in captivity in 1980 and has since become a leading centre for conservation breeding of endangered species including white tigers, gharials and pangolins.

The name Nandankanan means 'Garden of Heaven' and the park serves as a major recreational, educational and conservation institution in Odisha, promoting wildlife awareness and housing the State Botanical Garden that showcases regional flora.