Nandankanan Zoological Park

The basics

For many visitors to the park, witnessing animal feedings is a big highlight, and feeding timings are posted on the zoo’s website. Guide services are also available, ideal for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of the animal and bird species found in the zoo. There’s also a botanical garden full of all sorts of shrubs and flower species.

Things to know before you go

• The zoological park is a must-see for families traveling with kids.

• Cottages are available to rent for overnight stays, but you’ll need to book in advance.

• The park is wheelchair accessible and loaner chairs are available.

• On-site amenities include restaurants, free purified drinking water, and a gift shop.

How to get there

Nandankanan Zoological Park is situated on the grounds of the sprawling State Botanical Garden in Bhubaneswar, about 30 minutes from Bhubaneswar Railway Station (going north) or 30 minutes from Cuttack Railway Station (heading southwest). While there is bus service to both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from the zoo, it’s easier to visit by taxi or auto-rickshaw instead.

When to get there

The zoo and botanical garden are both open daily except for Monday, with slightly extended hours from April through September. Visiting on a weekday usually means fewer crowds, except when school groups are visiting. Check the zoo’s website for schedule info, especially if you’d like to see an animal feeding.

See the botanical garden

While animals may be the biggest draw, the park is also home to the State Botanical Garden, a 185-acre (75-hectare) expanse full of all sorts of plants, trees, and flowers. Highlights include a massive glass house for succulents, a cacti house, a bonsai collection, a rose garden, and a medicinal garden with hundreds of types of plants. There’s also a large butterfly park, complete with a waterfall and a variety of colorful blooms.