Nandan Kanan

Nandan Kanan means '"garden of pleasure", and this combination of zoo, botanical garden and sanctuary 20 km from Bhubaneswar, in the splendid environs of the Chandaka Forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia lake, fits the description. The zoo has created history in many ways. In 1967, a wild female tiger approached Nandan Kanan, and scaling a high fence, she crept around until she found the tiger enclosure. She then climbed up a concrete wall, and leapt down into the enclosure, thus perhaps becoming the only wild animal in existence who has ever opted to join in a zoo. In commenting on this rare occasion, the National Geographic magazine pointed out that Orissa must be the only place in the world with enough sophistication to have a modern, well designed zoo, and enough tigers to stock it by voluntary membership.

Nandan Kanan also has the distinction of the first captive-breeding center for gharial crocodiles, a task facilitated by the gift of an adult male by the Frankfurt Zoo. The zoo has also given a new lease of life to one of the rarest creatures of the world - the white tiger, with important research and concerted efforts on to breed them in the natural environs of Nandan Kanan. This regal animal first came to Nandan Kanan in 1980 when the first litter of white tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga, two normal tawny tigers. Subsequent litters of white tigers have been distributed to Zoo's both in India as well as abroad.

Currently Nandan Kanan has one of the largest collections in the world with over 34 white tigers. In addition to the white tigers, endangered species such as the Asiatic Lion, three Indian crocodilians, sanghai, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles, and fish have been breeding successfully here. There is also a successful Black Panther breeding programme. In all, over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds co-exist in the deeply forested boundaries of Nandan Kanan.The 34 aquaria, which are home to a large variety of freshwater fish, and the Reptile park, home to numerous species of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and snakes, which is guarded by the image of a life sized Tyrannosaurus Rex, are perpetual crowd-pullers.

Safaris for viewing the white tigers and lions in the natural habitat in specially designed protected buses are added attractions. The rope-way connecting the Zoo with the Botanical Gardens over the lake, the boating facilities, the Lion Safari ( a wide stretch of open ground infested with Lions where the visitors get to see them in their natural habitat) and the toy train for children have added new feathers to Nandan Kanan's cap, making it a hot family favourite.Nandan Kanan, with its Zoo, the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the lake, nature trails and facilities for amusement, is a definite must for all visitors to Orissa.

Located at a distance of 20 kms from Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan justifies its literal meaning i.e. "Garden of Pleasure" picturesque Nandankanan, or the Garden of the Gods, is a beautiful biological park, 20 kms from Bhubaneshwar, established in 1960. It sprawls across the Chandaka forest, where the flora and fauna flourish in their natural habitat. The park houses the very first captive gharial breeding centre of the country. The zoo at Nandakanan is world-renowned for its white tigers. In 1980, for the very first time, three white tiger cubs were born from normal coloured parents. With facilities for boating, white tiger and lion safaris, a nocturnal animal house, reptile park, aerial ropeway and cable car, it is the place for a person with a penchant for the great outdoors.

Nandankanan's beatifully versatile environs offer the tourists a great opertunity to be advanturous or laid back......If you donot feel like tearing aroud sighting animals and watching the birds, you can settle down to a leisurly picnic and mid-afternoon nap under the trees. If you feel a little more energetic you can meander along one of their nature trail. One of the rarest creature in the World, the regal white tiger, received the new lease of life with the important reaserch and concereted efforts initiated to try and breed then in the natural invirons of Nandankanan. In 1980 on a day full exitement and jubilation, the first litter of White tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga, to twany tiger. Subsequent litters of white tigers have been distributad to zoos both at home and abroad. Currently, Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers. The sanctuary can be approached by bus from Bhubaneswar. National Parks >> Nandan Kanan National Park