Ekamra Kanan is like a botanical garden in Bhubaneswar.
Can’t say only a botanical garden, because it has a cactus garden, a beautiful flower garden, a lake for boating, a children’s play area, and even a musical fountain. And the cherry on top? It’s maintained by the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), which means you can expect some seriously awesome plant life here.
If you’re wondering why it’s called the Cactus Garden, that’s because there are over 1000 varieties of cactus plants here! And if you’re not a fan of cacti, don’t worry, there are other sections of the park that you can explore. The flower garden is a must-visit – with 72 different species of scented flowers and 52 species of hibiscus, it’s a feast for the senses. And if you’re a fan of roses, then the rose garden with over 1000 species of roses is definitely worth a visit.
If you have kids with you, they’ll love the small play area with slides and swings. And who doesn’t love a musical fountain? There’s even a lake where you can enjoy boating in a four-seater or two-seater boat. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during winters, you might spot some migratory birds in the lake.
When you’re done exploring Ekamra Kanan, head to the nearby Ekamra Haat. This small market is lined with shops selling local handicrafts and handloom items. And if you’re feeling hungry, there are food stalls serving hot local delicacies.
The entry fee for adults is Rs 25 and for children between 3 and 10 years it’s Rs. 10. And if you’re a senior citizen above 60 years, there’s no fee for you! Boating charges for two-seater and four-seater boats are Rs. 50 and Rs. 100, respectively. The park is open every day, except for the Holi festival.
If you’re an early bird, you’ll be happy to know that the park is open for walking/jogging from 5:00 am to 7:00 am (March to October) and 5:30 am to 8:00 am (November to February).