Nestled on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of India’s most distinctive wildlife destinations. The name translates to “The Garden of Heaven“, and the 437-hectare park is built within a natural forest rather than a concrete layout, offering visitors an immersive wildlife experience. The park is recognised for being the first zoo in the world to breed White tigers and Melanistic (Black) tigers in captivity, as well as the first in India to successfully breed endangered Gharials. This guide provides current entry fees, timings, booking procedures, and practical visitor information drawn primarily from the official Nandankanan website.
Information source: Ticket prices, timings and visitor charges in this guide are based primarily on the official Nandankanan Zoological Park website. Because tariffs, operating hours and facilities can change, visitors should confirm details before travelling.
Quick Answer
Nandankanan Ticket Price (Zoological Park) in 2026 is ₹50 for adults, ₹10 for children (ages 3–12), and ₹100 for foreign nationals. The park is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM during summer (April–September) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter (October–March), and remains closed on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased online through the official website or at the counter. Additional charges apply for safaris, ropeway, boating, and toy train. Prices and timings may change, so visitors should check the latest official information before travelling.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Place | Nandankanan Zoological Park |
| Ticket Price (Adult) | ₹50 |
| Ticket Price (Child 3–12 yrs) | ₹10 |
| Ticket Price (Foreign Nationals) | ₹100 |
| Senior Citizen | No separate rate listed on official tariff |
| Student | Free on Children’s Day & Wildlife Week (with ID); otherwise standard rates apply |
| Children Below 3 Years | Free |
| Differently Abled Persons | Free entry + free wheelchair |
| Timings (Summer: Apr–Sep) | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Timings (Winter: Oct–Mar) | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Closed On | Monday |
| Online Booking | Yes (official website & WhatsApp) |
| Location | Nandankanan Rd, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005 |
| Nearest Railway Station | Barang Junction (<1 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (~20 km) |
| Parking | ₹5–₹70 (varies by vehicle type) |
Nandankanan Zoological Park, established in 1960, is a combination of a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, and botanical garden. Located near the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary and encompassing the scenic Kanjia Lake—a wetland recognised as a site of national importance—the park provides a natural habitat for its diverse wildlife. According to the official Nandankanan website, the park is a global leader in white tiger and melanistic tiger conservation and was the first zoo in India to feature an open-top leopard enclosure. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a family on a day trip, or a traveller exploring Odisha, Nandankanan offers a rich and memorable experience.
Nandankanan Ticket Price 2026
According to the current tariff information published by Nandankanan Zoological Park, the following entry fees apply:
Entry Fee (Zoological Park)
| Ticket Type | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | More than 12 years of age | ₹50 |
| Child | 3 to 12 years | ₹10 |
| Foreign Nationals | All ages | ₹100 |
| Children Below 3 Years | Below 3 years | Free |
| Differently Abled Persons | With valid proof | Free |
Note: Students up to 12 years are allowed free entry on Children’s Day and Wildlife Week, subject to production of valid ID cards/documents.
State Botanical Garden Entry Fee
The adjacent State Botanical Garden has a separate entry fee:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Above 12 years | ₹20 |
| Children below 12 years | Free |
Additional Charges
Beyond the entry fee, several attractions and facilities at Nandankanan involve separate charges:
Safaris (Outsourced) — 45 Minutes for 4 Safaris
According to the official ticket page:
| Safari Type | Non-AC | AC |
|---|---|---|
| Lion, White Tiger, Bear & Herbivore Safari | ₹75 | ₹120 |
According to the official Nandankanan website, it was the first zoo in India to introduce a white tiger safari. The safari takes visitors through dedicated zones for tigers (12 hectares), lions (20 hectares), bears (5 hectares), and herbivores (21 hectares) in specially designed vehicles.
Other Attractions
| Attraction | Adult Price | Child Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Train | ₹50 | ₹30 | For children above 3 years |
| Ropeway | ₹135 | ₹85 | Above 12 years / Above 3 years upto 12 years |
| Boating (30 mins) | — | — | Paddle Boat (2-seater): ₹50; (4-seater): ₹100; Family Boat (6-seater): ₹150 |
| Battery Operated Vehicle | ₹100 (unreserved) | — | Reserved: ₹1000/group for 1 hour |
Photography Charges
| Equipment | Price |
|---|---|
| Handy-cam | ₹100 |
| High-end Video Camera | ₹500 |
| Movie Camera | ₹4000 |
Parking Charges (Outsourced) — For 6 Hours
| Vehicle Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Bicycles | ₹5 |
| Motorcycles & two-wheelers | ₹20 |
| Three-wheelers | ₹30 |
| Four-wheelers (LMV) | ₹50 |
| Buses | ₹70 |
Other Facilities
| Facility | Price |
|---|---|
| Cloak Room | Free (per single packet/luggage) |
| Perambulator (Stroller) | Free for toddlers |
| Wheelchair | Free for differently abled persons |
Online Booking
Nandankanan Zoological Park offers online ticket booking through its official website and WhatsApp.
How to Book Nandankanan Tickets Online
- Visit the official ticket booking page
- Select your visit date and ticket category (Adult/Child/Foreign National)
- Enter required details and make payment
- Save the ticket/confirmation and present it at entry (scanners are available at the entrance)
WhatsApp Booking
The zoo also offers ticket booking via WhatsApp. Visitors can use this option to book entry tickets and picnic spots at the botanical garden.
Important: Online booking has been made mandatory at various times in the past to manage crowds. It is strongly recommended to book online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, to skip the physical ticket queues.
Timings 2026
Nandankanan Zoological Park follows seasonal timings as published on the official website:
| Season | Period | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | April – September | 7:30 AM | 5:30 PM |
| Winter | October – March | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
- Closed On: Monday
- Last Entry: Visitors are advised to arrive at least 1–2 hours before closing to explore the park adequately.
Note: Visitors should check the official website for the latest operational hours before travelling, as the official source takes precedence.
Location
Where Is Nandankanan Zoological Park Located?
- Full Address: Nandankanan Zoological Park, Barang, Bhubaneswar – 754005, Odisha, India
- District: Khordha
- State: Odisha
- Country: India
- Landmark: Located near Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to Kanjia Lake
The park is situated approximately 15–20 km from Bhubaneswar city centre and about 17 km from Cuttack.
How to Reach
By Road
Nandankanan is well-connected by road. Visitors can hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, or private cabs from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack. The park is approximately 15–20 km from Bhubaneswar. Regular bus services also operate from Bhubaneswar to Nandankanan.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Barang Junction (East Coast Railway) – less than 1 km from the zoo boundary
- Bhubaneswar Railway Station – approximately 18 km
- Cuttack Railway Station – approximately 15 km
- New Bhubaneswar Railway Station – approximately 2 km from the zoo
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar – approximately 20 km from the park
By Metro
Metro services are not currently available in Bhubaneswar.
Attractions & Things to Do at Nandankanan
Nandankanan offers a wide range of attractions for wildlife lovers and families:
Safaris
- White Tiger Safari – Launched on 1 October 1991, a 12-hectare zone where visitors can observe tigers moving freely within a naturalistic forest environment. According to the official Nandankanan website, it was the first zoo in India to introduce a white tiger safari.
- Lion Safari – Established in 1984 across 20 hectares, offering an approximately 20-minute drive through forested terrain.
- Bear Safari – Commissioned in 2012, spanning over 5 hectares where visitors can observe sloth bears in their natural environment.
- Herbivore Safari – Operational since 2011, a 21-hectare zone where visitors can spot barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, four-horned antelope, wild boar, peafowl, and jungle fowl.
Other Attractions
- Reptile Park – Features 31 species of reptiles including king cobras, pythons, anacondas, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles
- Walk-through Aviary – A bird aviary where visitors can walk among free-flying birds
- Aquarium – Inaugurated on 4 February 2008, featuring educational exhibits on marine and freshwater species
- Toy Train – Battery-operated train with five bogies running on a 1.58 km circular track
- Mono-Cable Ropeway – A scenic round-trip ride over Kanjia Lake
- Boating – Paddle and family boats on Kanjia Lake
- Nocturnal Animal House – Specially designed facility housing nocturnal species like owls, porcupines, pangolins, and civets
- Zoo Museum – Established in 2015, displaying taxidermy specimens and preserved specimens
- Zoo Library and Digital Hub – Houses over 5,000 books and journals on wildlife biology and conservation
- Kanjia Lake – A wetland recognised as a site of national importance
Best Time to Visit
- Best Season: Winter (October–March) – the weather is generally pleasant during this period.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning (around 8:00–8:30 AM) – this is generally a good time to start your visit, particularly if you want to avoid the busiest periods.
- Avoid: Weekends and public holidays if you want to avoid crowds. Queues can become longer later in the morning, particularly on weekends and holidays.
- Monsoon: The park remains open but some activities may be affected by rain.
Recommended duration: Allow at least 4–5 hours to explore the park properly.
Rules and Important Information Before Visiting
- Plastic-Free Zone: The park is strictly plastic-free. Do not bring plastic bags or disposables; they will be confiscated.
- Outside Food: Food items are not allowed inside the zoological park.
- Prohibited Items: Fire sources, arms & ammunition, polythene, and baggage are not permitted inside.
- Cloak Room: Free cloakroom facility is available at the entrance for luggage storage.
- Water Bottles: Disposable water bottles are charged ₹50 (refundable upon returning the bottle).
- Photography: Handy-cam, video camera, and movie camera charges apply as listed above.
- Wheelchair Access: The park is wheelchair-friendly, and wheelchairs are available free for differently abled persons.
- Strollers: Perambulators (strollers) are available free for toddlers.
- ID Proof: Students and differently abled persons must carry valid ID/documents for free entry.
- Vehicles: Only permitted vehicles are allowed inside the park.
Facilities
The following facilities are available at Nandankanan Zoological Park:
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Multi-Level Car Parking | Available (583 cars, 2,000+ two-wheelers) |
| Drinking Water Kiosks | Available (RO facility) |
| Restrooms | Free toilets at convenient locations |
| Special Toilets for Differently Abled | Available |
| Wheelchair Access | Yes (free for differently abled) |
| Ramps for Differently Abled | Available |
| Rest Areas / Sit-outs | Available |
| First Aid | Available |
| Cloak Room | Free |
| Strollers / Perambulators | Free for toddlers |
| Food Outlets | Available (outside food not permitted inside) |
| Safety Equipment | Provided for safaris |
What Does the Ticket Include?
General zoo admission provides access to the park and its included visitor areas. Separate charges apply to services such as safari, ropeway, boating and the toy train.
Included in General Entry Ticket
- General entry to the Zoological Park
- Access to the Reptile Park
- Access to the Walk-through Aviary
- Access to the Aquarium
- Access to the Zoo Museum
- Access to the Orchid House
- Access to the Butterfly Garden
May Cost Extra
- Safaris (Lion, White Tiger, Bear, Herbivore) — ₹75–₹120
- Toy Train — ₹30–₹50
- Ropeway — ₹85–₹135
- Boating — ₹50–₹150
- Battery Operated Vehicle — ₹100 (unreserved) / ₹1000 (group)
- Photography permits — ₹100–₹4000
- Parking — ₹5–₹70
- State Botanical Garden entry — ₹20
How Much Should You Budget for a Visit?
Here is an estimated budget for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children) visiting Nandankanan:
| Expense Item | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee (2 adults × ₹50) | 2 × 50 | ₹100 |
| Entry Fee (2 children × ₹10) | 2 × 10 | ₹20 |
| Safari (4 persons × ₹75 Non-AC) | 4 × 75 | ₹300 |
| Ropeway (2 adults × ₹135 + 2 children × ₹85) | 270 + 170 | ₹440 |
| Toy Train (2 adults × ₹50 + 2 children × ₹30) | 100 + 60 | ₹160 |
| Parking (4-wheeler) | — | ₹50 |
| Estimated Total | ₹1,070 |
Note: This is an estimate. Actual costs may vary based on activities chosen, AC vs Non-AC safari, and food expenses. Food and transport to/from the park are not included.
Visitor Tips
- Book tickets online in advance through the official website or WhatsApp to skip long queues, especially on weekends.
- Arrive early (by 8:00–8:30 AM) – this is generally a good time to start your visit, particularly if you want to avoid the busiest periods.
- Carry valid ID proof if you are eligible for free entry (students, differently abled persons).
- Do not bring plastic bags — the park is strictly plastic-free.
- Use the free cloakroom at the entrance for luggage and bags.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the park is large (437 hectares) and involves a lot of walking.
- Plan for 4–5 hours to explore the park properly without rushing.
- Check the official website before your visit for any changes in timings, prices, or special events.
- Consider the “Adopt an Animal” program to support the zoo’s conservation efforts (details on the official website).
Places to Visit Near Nandankanan
If you have extra time, consider visiting these nearby attractions:
| Place | Approximate Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves | ~13 km | Ancient Jain rock-cut caves with historical and archaeological significance |
| Lingaraj Temple | ~20 km | One of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar |
| Dhauli Shanti Stupa | ~25 km | Buddhist peace pagoda with panoramic views |
| Odisha State Museum | ~18 km | Museum showcasing Odisha’s history, culture, and heritage |
| Chausathi Jogini Temple | ~20 km | Ancient temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis |
| Ansupa Lake | ~60 km | Freshwater lagoon |
2026 Ticket Price Update
The following are the current entry fees listed in the official tariff:
| Category | Current Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult | ₹50 |
| Child (3–12 yrs) | ₹10 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹100 |
Visitors should confirm the latest prices on the official website before travelling, as charges are subject to revision.
FAQs
1. What is the ticket price of Nandankanan Zoological Park in 2026?
Answer: According to the official tariff, the entry fee is ₹50 for adults, ₹10 for children (3–12 years), and ₹100 for foreign nationals. Children below 3 years and differently abled persons get free entry.
2. Is online booking available for Nandankanan Zoo?
Answer: Yes, online booking is available through the official website and via WhatsApp. Online booking is recommended to avoid queues.
3. What are the timings of Nandankanan Zoological Park?
Answer: As per the official website: Summer (April–September): 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Winter (October–March): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The park is closed on Mondays.
4. Is Nandankanan Zoo open on Monday?
Answer: No, Nandankanan Zoological Park is closed on Mondays.
5. Are children charged separately at Nandankanan?
Answer: Yes, children between 3 and 12 years are charged ₹10. Children below 3 years get free entry.
6. Does the ticket include all rides and safaris?
Answer: No, the entry ticket only includes general admission to the zoo and its included visitor areas. Safaris, toy train, ropeway, boating, and battery vehicles have separate charges.
7. What is the nearest railway station to Nandankanan?
Answer: Barang Junction is the nearest railway station, located less than 1 km from the zoo boundary.
8. What is the cost of the safari at Nandankanan?
Answer: According to the official ticket page, the combined safari for Lion, White Tiger, Bear, and Herbivore is ₹75 per person (Non-AC) or ₹120 per person (AC) for 45 minutes.
9. Is there parking available at Nandankanan?
Answer: Yes, multi-level car parking is available. Charges range from ₹5 for bicycles to ₹70 for buses for 6 hours.
10. What should I know before visiting Nandankanan?
Answer: The park is a plastic-free zone — do not bring plastic bags. Outside food is not allowed. Use the free cloakroom for luggage. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Conclusion
For most visitors, the main entry fee is ₹50 for adults and ₹10 for children aged 3–12. Visitors planning to use the safari, ropeway, boating or toy train should budget separately. The park is open daily except Monday, with seasonal timings that vary between summer and winter. Since prices and operating arrangements can change, visitors are advised to check the official Nandankanan website before travelling.
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