Nandankanan Zoological Park, Zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar, India
Nandankanan Zoological Park is a zoo and botanical garden in Barang, India, covering 437 hectares that include Kanjia Lake and parts of Chandaka forest. The facility combines natural habitats with designed areas where visitors can observe animals from different climates, including reptiles, mammals, and numerous bird species.
The zoo opened in 1960 after a successful wildlife display at the World Agricultural Fair in Delhi led to the creation of a permanent facility. Over the decades, the park grew from a small collection into one of India's largest zoological facilities with a special focus on endangered native species.
The name comes from Sanskrit and means Garden of Heaven, showing the connection between Indian tradition and the care of wild animals. Families from across the region come here to see native species like white tigers and Asian elephants, which hold a special place in local culture.
The park opens daily except Mondays, with the best visiting times being early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. The grounds are extensive and require several hours to explore, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water.
The facility features a rope transit system that was the first of its kind in an Indian zoo, offering visitors an aerial view of different enclosures. The white tiger safari area allows guests to experience these rare animals up close in a simulated natural environment.
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