Bhubaneswar: Authorities at Odisha’s popular Nandankanan Zoological Park, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, have announced a special opening for visitors on Monday, June 15, coinciding with Raja Sankranti. The State Botanical Garden adjacent to the zoo will also remain accessible on the day.
Normally, both the zoological park and the botanical garden observe a weekly closu
re every Monday. However, in line with established practice, the parks stay open when a major public holiday falls on that day and shift the closure to the following Tuesday. As Raja Sankranti falls on Monday this year, the revised schedule will see the facilities closed on Tuesday, June 16, instead.
Raja Parba, a vibrant three-day festival (June 14–16) celebrating womanhood, the onset of the monsoon, and Odia culture, draws large crowds every year. The decision aims to accommodate tourists and locals planning to visit Nandankanan during the celebrations.
During previous Raja festivals, the park has recorded significant footfall, with thousands of visitors flocking to enjoy the festive atmosphere alongside the natural exhibits.
Visitors are advised to check the official Nandankanan website or notice boards for exact timings, which currently follow summer hours (typically 7:30 am to 5:30 pm). Entry tickets are available both online and at the counter, with sales usually closing in the late afternoon.