Despite its rapid urbanization, Bhubaneswar retains a high percentage of green cover and borders significant natural reserves.
* **Nandankanan Zoological Park:** Located on the outskirts, this world-renowned zoo is famous for its white tiger breeding program, pangolin conservation, and the adjoining Botanical Garden. * **Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary:** A large protected forest area on the city's northwestern fringe, offering eco-tourism and a safe haven for the Indian elephant. * **Urban Parks:** **Ekamra Kanan** (the city's largest botanical garden, famous for its rose garden), **Indira Gandhi (IG) Park**, **Forest Park (Biju Patnaik Park)**, and **Buddha Jayanti Park** provide beautifully landscaped spaces for morning walks and family picnics.
