Nandankanan Zoological Park

The star attraction of this large zoo, located about 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Bhubaneshwar, is its rare white Bengal tigers. There's also an impressive variety of other animals, and the zoo, unlike many in India, which are often depressingly cramped and unkempt, is in a well-tended forested setting. Most travelers base themselves in Bhubaneshwar and visit the zoo from there.

How to Get There
From Bhubaneshwar, there are frequent daily buses to Nandankanan village, which is about 1,312 feet (400 meters) from the zoo. You can also hire a private taxi from Puri or join one of the rather hurried tours run by the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) in Puri (Marine Parade).

Attractions
Apart from its Bengal tigers (including some rare white ones), the 5.4-square-mile (14-square-kilometer) Nandankanan Zoological Park, established in 1960, also houses other dwindling species, such as rhinoceroses and Asiatic lions. It also has monkeys, tigers, Himalayan black bears, zebras, deer, around 60 species of birds, and a range of reptiles. There are short wildlife safaris operated by the park, which cost less than $1 per person.

General Tips
The prime time to visit the park is from October to June (to avoid the monsoon).

For More Information
Orissa Tourism Paryatan Bhawan, Museum Campus, Bhubaneshwar; tel. +91 (0)674 243 2177.