The much-awaited Raja festival kicked off with a bang at Nandankanan Zoological Park as favourable weather and dazzling new attractions drew a record-breaking 29,380 visitors on the very first day.
This year’s turnout marks a significant surge from last year’s 24,856 visitors, reflecting the growing popularity of Odisha’s premier tourist destination. Of the total footfall, 27,192 enthusiasts explored the zoo, while 2,188 headed to the lush Botanical Garden and the scenic banks of Kanjia Lake to enjoy the traditional swing rides and lakeside vibes.
Officials attributed the massive response to both the festive spirit of Raja and the park’s impressive ongoing transformation. Nandankanan is rapidly acquiring an international look with several major upgrades. A brand-new main entrance welcomes guests in style, while a state-of-the-art enclosure for the Indian pangolin — built at a cost of crores — showcases India’s unique wildlife. New “Dubai-style” enclosures for small wild cats along the elephant safari route are turning heads, and specially designed selfie points are keeping visitors excited.
To ensure a smooth and safe experience amid the huge crowd, the Nandankanan authorities left no stone unturned. A total of 104 security personnel, including members of the Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) and retired army personnel, were deployed. Thirty-one drinking water kiosks (13 permanent and 18 temporary) were set up to beat the summer heat, while 30 trained zoo volunteers remained on duty throughout the day to guide visitors, manage crowds, and offer assistance.
Special traffic arrangements were also made in certain areas where maintenance work is underway, ensuring visitors could move around comfortably.
Nandankanan will remain open for tourists on Monday, June 15, 2026 (second day of Raja). The weekly closure will be observed on Tuesday, June 16, as usual.
With its perfect blend of conservation, recreation, and now a modern makeover, Nandankanan has once again proven why it remains the heartbeat of Odisha’s tourism and a must-visit destination during the Raja celebrations.
