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Nandan Kanan is a one-stop shop for
entertainment and wildlife tours in Orissa. Tours to Nandan Kanan or
the 'garden of pleasure' lives up to the expectation that its name
inspires in the interested tourists.
Set amidst the Chandaka Forests
in Khurdha on 4.4 sq km of area, Nandan Kanan is an amalgamation of
a wildlife sanctuary, animal zoo, botanical garden, Kanjia Lake,
amusement park and nature trails. Easily accessible from
Bhubaneswar (20 km), it is also quiet near to the Chandaka
Wildlife Sanctuary.
There are some interesting trivia
related to Nandan Kanan, Orissa. It happens to be the only zoo where
a tigress checked in voluntarily in 1967 when tiger population was
near extinction. Nandan Kanan also happens to be the first
captive-breeding center for Gharials and a sanctuary for white
tigers that too were rescued from the brink of extinction. You too
can see these endangered species on your tour to Nandan Kanan in
Orissa.
Besides the 34 white tigers
that are thriving in captivity, there are other endangered species
(68 in total) that are protected within the wildlife sanctuary and
zoo in Nandan Kanan. These species include three species of
Indian Crocodiles, Asiatic Lion, Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur,
Indian Pangolin and mouse deer. There are several species
of birds (81), fishes and reptiles within the wildlife sanctuary in
Orissa that will keep you occupied on your tour to Nandan Kanan.
The schools of freshwater fishes can
be studies at any of the 34 aquariums on your tour to Nandan
Kanan. A life sized Tyrannosaurus Rex stands as a sentinel on the
gates of the Reptile Park that is home to crocodiles, lizards,
turtles and snakes. The Reptile Park at Nandan Kanan is
apt to introduce your kids to the world of reptiles, thereby
infusing interest and eliminating fear from your kids mind.
The Botanical Garden over the
Kanjia Lake can be visited by taking the ropeway from
the zoo. You can also go on boat rides on the lake or get
your kids to board the toy train on your tour to Nandan Kanan.
The presence of so many entertainment options for the entire family
makes Nandan Kanan (open throughout the year) a great place for
daylong excursions on your tour to Orissa.
There are many hotels and lodges near
the Nandan Kanan wildlife sanctuary where you can stay comfortably
during your tour to Orissa.
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N.P. & WL.S |
District |
Area (sq. km) |
Ideal season
for visit |
Contact Officer |
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Nandankanan |
Khurda |
4.40 |
Round the year |
Director,
Nandankanan
Zoological Park, Phone: 2515840(O), 2436573(R) |
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