The 'Garden of Pleasure', a combination of a beautiful botanical garden, a zoo and a sanctuary, Nandankanan National Park, situated 20 km from Bhubaneshwar, provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its quiet environment is set amidst a vast expanse of the Chandaka forest where the flora and fauna flourish in their most natural habitat and environment.

The zoo at Nandankanan is world famous for its white tigers. In 1980, for the first time, three white cubs were born to ordinary tiger parents. Leopards, lions, bears and other reptiles and smaller mammals keep the tigers company. Among other sanctuaries, Nandankanan also has the first gharial (Crocodile) breeding centre.

Nandankanan's beautifully versatile environs offer tourists a great opportunity to be adventurous or laid back. If you do not feel like tearing around sighting animals and watching the birds, you can settle down to a leisurely picnic and mid-afternoon nap under the trees. If you feel a little more energetic you can meander along one of their nature trails.