Nandankanan Zoo, located in the midst of greenish environment of Chandaka Forest, has credited with some rare species of animals. Nandankanan is composed of a botanical Garden, a sanctuary and a zoo and is in the shore of picturesque Kanjia Lake.
Nandankanan, literally means Garden of Heaven, was established during 1960 and declared open as a sanctuary and zoo in 1979. The spectacular animals in the zoo include the rare species of white tigers. The zoo is also a home to the Captive Gharial Crocodile breeding center, first in the country.
The sanctuary is habitat to many rare and endangered species of wild animals such as, lion-tailed macaque, black panthers and many other types of animals. Facilities for boating and forest safaris are available in this zoo. July to October is good for visit in this zoo.