In a special arrangement for Republic Day, Nandankanan Zoological Park and the State Botanical Garden will stay open on January 26, despite it falling on a Monday.
Typically closed every Monday for maintenance, the park authorities have decided to keep the gates open for visitors on this national holiday and shift the weekly closure to Tuesday, January 27. This update has been officially announced on the Nandankanan Zoological Park’s website.
The decision aims to accommodate the expected influx of tourists and families celebrating Republic Day, a major national festival. Authorities stated that this adjustment will ensure greater convenience for visitors looking to enjoy the park’s attractions during the holiday.
Nandankanan, a pride of Odisha and one of its premier tourist destinations, is world-renowned for its rare and exotic animals, including white tigers, African lions, Asiatic lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and a variety of birds. Nestled alongside a natural lake and lush greenery, it serves as an ideal spot for family picnics and outings, blending wildlife viewing with serene natural surroundings.
In 2025, the park achieved a record-breaking visitor count of 4,020,539, marking the highest in a calendar year. Of these, 3,843,028 visited the zoological park, while 177,511 explored the botanical garden. This surge in footfall generated over Rs 23.23 crore in revenue for the park.
With Republic Day approaching, officials anticipate even larger crowds and have urged visitors to book tickets online to avoid long queues at the counters. They also emphasised the importance of adhering to environmental protection rules to preserve the park’s ecosystem.
Park authorities encourage everyone to plan their visit responsibly and make the most of this special opening.
