Near Mayfair Lagoon
Nandankanan Zoological Park
12 km | Approximately 25 minutes
Set amidst a natural forest landscape, Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of Odisha’s best-known wildlife destinations. Opened in 1960 and spread over some 437 hectares of the Chandaka forest, it is built around Kanjia Lake with a botanical garden on the far shore, so the ground between enclosures is woodland. It is best known for its white tigers: the first zoo anywhere to breed them in captivity, in 1980, and now home to the largest population in the world. The white tiger safari that opened here in 1991 was India’s first, and the lion and bear safaris run the same way — the vehicle moves and the animals do not. Closed Mondays.
Also within reach
Lingaraj Temple
An 11th-century architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lingaraj Temple is one of Bhubaneswar’s most revered landmarks.
Odisha State Museum
Established in 1932, the Odisha State Museum offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich artistic and cultural history.
Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves
Dating back to the 1st century BCE, the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves were carved during the reign of King Kharavela as retreats for Jain monks.
Dhauli Hills
Overlooking the Daya River, Dhauli Hills is closely associated with the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s transformation from a conqueror to a proponent of peace and Buddhism.