Nandankanan Zoological Park is a premier large zoo of India. Unlike other zoos in the country, Nandankanan is built right inside the forest and set in a completely natural environment. The animals are housed in enclosures with greenery with a feel of the real forest and live with no fear or apprehension of becoming the hunter's prey.

Nandankanan is 15 km from Odisha's capital, Bhubaneswar. The Bhubaneswar railway station is at a distance of 18 km and the Biju Patnaik International Airport is at a distance of 20 km. Tourist cottages inside Nandankanan are available for accommodation, only during day time, on prior reservation from the office of Deputy Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park.