National Parks In India

Nandankanan National Park

The Nandankanan national park located Orissa was the first national park to attain the membership of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This national park was established in the year 1960 and it is both a zoo as well as an open sanctuary. There is a botanical garden located inside the campus of the national park. The park is having a significant population of the white tigers. There are very few Zooz in India having such a considerable population of white tigers and Nandankanan is one of them.  The park is a home to around forty three species of mammals and around twenty three different varieties of reptiles.

The zoo is having a successful breeding program that involves breeding of tigers, panthers, gharial crocodiles and various other animals. The zoo is having a unique feature that includes adopting an animal program. Here people can go for adopting six animal species which are endangered including orangutan,white tiger, rhinoceros, etc.

The zoo of the Nandankanana National Park is having a distinct position as the mortality rate of the captive animals is very low here. The first initiative taken to adopt an animal was by state bank of India. And till date it is providing remarkable support to the program. The park is located around twenty kilometers from the Bhubanaeshwar the capital of Orissa. The park has exotic variety of Flora and fauna. The Park was originally founded on National Geographic Magazine’s recommendation. This was done after a wild tigress was brought to the zoo. A tiger enclosure was found and the tigress stayed in the park. The largest tiger safari of India is found in the park. A reptile park, Nocturnal Park for animals and a botanical garden is also housed in the park.

General Information

State	Orissa
District(s)	Bhubaneswar
Established	1960
Nearest city	Bhubaneswar
Time zone	IST  (UTC +05:30)
Area	4.4  sq kms
Elevation	153-305 m above sea level
Climate	Hot Summers and Mid Winters
Precipitation	High with 1560 mmannual rainfall
Temperature
Summer	35°C - 45°C
Winter	15°C - 25°C

History

The park has an interesting history associated with it. A white tigress passing through the park saw the tiger enclosure and stayed in the park. It was very astonishing as it is very uncommon that wild animals wish to stay in captivity. Hence the idea came from the National Geographic magazine to convert the zoo into a state of the art tiger reserve.  There are around thirty four white tigers in the park presently. Later in the year 1980 the park gain more fame when normal colored pair of tigers gave birth to three cubs of white tigers. The largest tiger safari of India is found in the park. A reptile park, Nocturnal Park for animals and a botanical garden is also housed in the park.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the national park is during the winter months which are from the month of December to February. It should be avoided to visit the place during summers as the climate is very hot and humid during these days. The tourists who visit the national park during summers should be ready to bear the temperature in thirties which seems hotter because of high level of humidity.  It is difficult to explore the national park during the monsoons also.

Distance From – Nandankanan National Park

Cuttack – 10 km

Bhubaneswar - 17 km

Konark – 70 km

Puri- 74 km

How To Get There

The tourists can reach the national park by many ways. There are options of cabs, buses and auto rickshaws. Many buses are available from the airport of Bhubaneshwar to the national park. Taxis from the airport are also available and it is the best option to reach the park. Prepaid taxis can be books from the airport to the park. These taxis provide very quick and comfortable services and charge near about Rs 500.

Auto rickshaws are also available both from the airport as well as the railway station. These are cheaper mode of transport and charge around Rs 200 per trip but if the journey is long and the luggage is in large quantities then it is advised to hire a taxi.

The buses are also available from Bhubaneshwar to the national park. These buses are available at regular time intervals. The cheap buses are available at the main bus terminus. The fare is around Rs 50. But the journey by bus is quite uncomfortable for those with heavy luggage as the buses are crowded most of the times.

Things To Do In - National Park

The park is mostly visited for the white tiger Safari. The services of guide are taken and they ensure that the tiger will be spotted for sure.

Those having passion for photography can find exotic flora and fauna to capture in their camera.

The national park cum zoo offers safe and exciting trip to explore the wildlife. The bus trip is very safe even for remotest regions.

The tourists can go for the boat ride in the lake present in the park.

Location Map

Accommodation

The visitors can chose from yatri nivas, government owned hotels, lodges and guest houses. Many luxury as well as budget hotels are available in Bhubaneshwar.

Weather

Summer: The summer season lasts from the month of March to May. The temperature during this season ranges between 35°C to a maximum of 45°C. The thunder showers are experienced when the temperature becomes extreme hence providing a relief from intense heat.

Winter: Winter lasts from the month of December to February. The temperature during winters ranges between 15°C to 25°C.  The temperature usually drops down during night.

Monsoon: The monsoon lasts from the month of June to September. The periodic rainfall is brought by the South West Monsoon.

Photo Gallery