Nandankanan Zoo - Bhubaneswar

 

Initial Thoughts Upon Arrival

Nandankanan Zoo exceeded our expectations. It was much larger than we anticipated and featured a greater variety of animals than we expected to see. From the moment we entered, it was clear that this was one of the premier attractions in the Bhubaneswar area.

Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. The zoo is extremely family-friendly, and you'll find plenty of local families visiting with young children. There are animals and exhibits that can keep children entertained for hours, making it a great destination for a family outing.

Accessible to Most People?

Yes. The zoo is very accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The pathways are suitable for walking, strollers, and wheelchairs. For those who would rather not walk long distances, golf cart transportation is available for an additional fee and can help you move between exhibits more comfortably.

Money / Costs

General admission is very affordable:

• Adults (12 years and older): ₹50
• Children (3–12 years): ₹10
• Children under 3 years old: Free

Safari rides range from approximately ₹75 to ₹120 per person depending on whether you choose a non-air-conditioned or air-conditioned vehicle. The zoo also offers additional attractions such as a ropeway and toy train for an extra charge. Although we did not try these attractions, they appeared reasonably priced and worthwhile.

Foreigner-Friendly?

Yes. Nandankanan is an excellent attraction for foreign visitors. One of the unique aspects of the zoo is its collection of animals native to Odisha and India, including the famous black tiger, which is a rare sight for many international travelers.

Overall Impression

Nandankanan truly impressed us with both its size and the diversity of animals on display. We highly recommend including the safari experience during your visit. Few places offer the opportunity to potentially see both a black tiger and a white tiger on the same day!

Travel Tips

Our biggest recommendation is to consider using the golf cart service to explore the zoo. The grounds are enormous, and walking the entire park can easily take most of the day. If you focus only on the major exhibits—such as the otters, tigers, lions, and giraffes—you may still find yourself covering a significant distance on foot.

Using the golf carts can help you see more exhibits in less time and may leave you with enough energy to enjoy the safari before or after exploring the main zoo grounds. While the cart ride can feel a bit rushed at times, it is a great option if you're short on time or traveling with young children.