The capital of Odisha, Bhubaneshwar is also well known as the “Temple City” of India. The city is dotted with a plethora of temples. With the passage of time, Bhubaneshwar has witnessed many changes in its infrastructure and the present city boasts of various renowned parks spread out over this land of shrines that absolutely complement its historical environs. These picturesque parks offer a relaxed retreat for both the young as well as old generations with a few of them serving as major tourist spots ofBhubaneshwar. The article features the top famous parks of Bhubaneshwar city.
Indira Gandhi Park
This renowned park of Bhubaneshwar is dedicated to Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India. It is at the site of this very park Mrs. Gandhi uttered her last speech before her assassination. The park occupies an area of about 10.60 acres. This park was earlier a parade ground. Presently the park includes a plethora of trees, well-manicured areas of grass, flower gardens, bushes and fountains. The Indira Gandhi Park of Bhubaneshwar is flocked by a large number of joggers, morning walkers and locals who enjoy leisure walk inside the park. The carved statue of Indira Gandhi which is placed inside the park is the icing on the cake!
City Center Park (Previously BDA Nicco Park)
This well-known
amusement park of Bhubaneshwar lies at the center of the city. The park
is crowded with games and rides for people belonging to all age groups.
There is an artificial lake which streams through the park’s center and
is surrounded by huge verdant lawns. The park is covered with a variety
of seasonal flowers like white and red roses, petunia, sunflowers, water
lilies, dahlia and may more varieties that blossom all through the
year. There is also a musical fountain nestled at the center of the park
which enhances its charm.
Regional Science Park
The
Regional Science Park is nestled on the Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru road in
the vicinity of Acharya Vihar Square in Khorda. This park is just 4 kms
away from the city of Bhubaneshwar. The park encompasses 4 halls which
comprise more than 100 displays to make science and technology popular
among the school students. This park was constructed in the year 1989
and has a compilation of models, instruments, scientific gadgets and
principles to impart knowledge in a fun way. Besides, it also houses a
game corner which is the main attraction of this park for kids. A
prehistoric theme park is another important feature of this park. Apart
from all these, there are regular seminars, training programs for
educators and fairs that take place here from time to time.
Biju Patanaik Park (Earlier known as Forest Park)
This
park is one of the biggest and superb parks of Bhubaneshwar which
occupies a land of 7 acres. The park encompasses well-maintained lawns
that are surrounded by plenty of trees. The park is embellished with a
floating mountain, a musical fountain and a number of attractive lamps
which light up the park at night and transform it into a luminous
display. A myriad of visitors flock the park daily to enjoy numerous
activities like evening or morning walk, jogging, boating etc. The Biju
Patanaik Park of Bhubaneshwar is quite popular among the kids.
Nandan Kanan National Park
This is a biological park which is
located about 20 kms away from the city of Bhubaneshwar. This park
extends over the Chandaka forest and is a natural home to flourishing
flora and fauna. Nandan Kanan is world famous for the white tigers and
is also India’s first breeding centre of “Gharials”. There is a zoo
inside this park which accommodates the white tigers. The other
characteristics of Nandan Kanan Park are- the nocturnal animal house,
lion and white tiger safaris, reptile farm and boating facilities and
all of these add up to a spectacular and gratifying experience.
Buddha Jayanti Park
This historical park serves as a memorial to the Kalinga War which took place during the 261 BC when Buddhism was embraced. It was during this period when Ashoka built many Buddhist monuments and sites in Bhubaneshwar. This park is one among those historical sites which venerates the history of Kalinga. The Buddha Jayati Park boasts of lush green areas of land which abounds with trees, flowers, pathways, shrubs, a lake and a Buddha Stupa. The serene atmosphere of the park fascinates all and sundry and makes it an ideal place to unwind and chill out.
Jaydev Vatika Park
This
park is visited by thousands of visitors daily. Its huge area of
foliage occupies a land of 3 hectares loaded with groves, meadows,
man-made freshwater rivers, a range of flowers and trees. Besides these,
the park also consists of over ten thousand rare plants out of which a
few have therapeutic properties as well. The park proves to be a boon
for nature lovers and botanists. Being abundant in scenic attributes,
the Jaydev Vatika Park of Bhubaneshwar is a heaven on earth.
Mahatma Gandhi Park
This beautiful park was established by the Development Authority of Bhubaneshwar. The park comprises picturesque lawns adorned with a watercourse, rock gardens and a fountain. There is also a jogging track for the fitness fanatics. In the evening the park is illuminated with a stunning lighting system. The main attraction of this park is a mammoth statue of Mahatma Gandhi resting in a prayerful posture.
Ekamra Kanan
This is a renowned botanical garden located in the Bhubaneshwar city and is stretched over a land of 512 acres. Ekamra Kanan is adorned with numerous nurseries and rose gardens. There is also a lake inside the park which offers a scenic view of the environs. Besides, there is also a pyramidal shaped greenhouse which is one of the main attributes of this park. There are numerous playgrounds spread over the park where kids can play. Tourists can take pleasure in the boating activity or just wander around to absorb the splendor of the breath-taking scenery. Ekamra Haat lies in the vicinity of the Ekamra Kanan which offers various shops from where the tourists can buy a variety of handloom and handicraft items.
Subash Bose Park
This park was built to commemorate Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who was one of the famous freedom fighters of India. This renowned park of Bhubaneshwar also serves as one of the renowned tourist spots of the city. The Subas Bose Park is adorned with lighting systems, sprinklers, pathways and jogging tracks which attract an abundance of visitors to this park daily. There are big benches fixed all over the park so that people can be seated and take pleasure in the scenic beauty of the park. The fresh air and delightful lush green environs of the park enthrall the visitors and compels them to visit the park numerous times.
IMFA Park
This is another famous park of Bhubaneshwar which is located in Sahid Nagar locality. The park offers a peaceful ambiance and attracts a lot of visitors to spend a relaxed time in the lap of nature. The gorgeous flower beds, the verdant lawns and lush green foliage create a charismatic atmosphere within the park. Sports activities are also encouraged in this park and there is also a basketball court here which invites the promising talents to hone their skills. The tranquil atmosphere of the park attracts a plethora of joggers and walkers daily. The huge space inside the park attracts the kids to run and have fun.