Complete Visitor Guide: Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens (RPRC), Bhubaneswar
Located approximately 7 km from PRR Guest House in Kalinga Nagar, Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is a 500-acre green escape in Nayapalli — home to Asia’s largest cactus collection, a scenic boating lake, and the city’s most loved rose garden.
🏨 Stay Near the Caves: PRR Guest House offers 28 fully air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities just minutes away from the cave site.
Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens at a Glance
Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens — officially the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) — is a 500-acre botanical garden and research institute in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. Managed by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha, it features a 2-acre lake, Asia’s largest cactus collection, tissue culture labs, and public recreational areas.
Location
VIP Road, IRC Village, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751015
Timings
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Summer) | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Winter)
Entry Fee
₹25 (Adults), ₹10 (Children below 12)
Highlights
Rose Garden, Cacti & Succulent Houses, Boating Lake, Children’s Park
A Legacy of Plant Conservation Since 1985
Established in 1985 under the Department of Forest & Environment, Government of Odisha, Ekamra Kanan operates as an autonomous research institute focused on:
Institutional Purpose
– Ex-situ conservation of plant diversity
– Micropropagation of rare and endangered species
– Molecular biology research
– Environmental education for students and the public
Governing Body Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha
Official Website : https://www.rprcbbsr.in/
Quick Visitor Information
Visitor Requirement | Details & Specifications |
Official Name | Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) / Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens |
Alternative Names | Regional Plant Resource Center, Ekamra Kanan Park |
Type | Botanical Garden, Plant Research Institute & Public Eco-Park |
Location | VIP Road, IRC Village, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
District | Khordha |
PIN Code | 751015 |
Geographic Coordinates | 20.3011° N, 85.8118° E |
Nearest Landmark | IRC Village / CRPF Square, Nayapalli |
Distance from PRR Guest House | ~7 km (approx. 15–18 minutes) |
Summer Hours | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April–September) |
Winter Hours | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (October–March) |
Morning Walkers | 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Monthly/Annual passes available) |
Entry Fee | ₹25 (Adults), ₹10 (Children under 12) |
Boating Charges | Approx. ₹50–₹100 per boat slot |
Ideal Duration | 2 to 3 Hours |
Best Season | October to March |
Inside the 500-Acre Garden: Top Attractions
🌵Cactus & Succulent Collection
Houses over 1,000 species and varieties of cacti and succulents — recognised as one of the largest germplasm collections in Asia. A must-see for plant lovers and photographers.
🌹Rose Garden
Spread over several acres, featuring hundreds of hybrid tea, floribunda, and miniature rose varieties. Peak bloom season is December to February.
🎋Bambusetum & Palmetum
Dedicated germplasm collections of native Indian bamboos and palms — a living library of tropical flora.
🌴Medicinal Plants Garden
A repository of rare indigenous medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional Odia and Ayurvedic healing.
🌊Central Lake & Boating
A scenic 2-acre artificial lake offering recreational paddle boating and attracting local waterfowl. Boating tickets are charged separately (₹50–₹100 per slot).
👧 Children’s Park
A dedicated play area making Ekamra Kanan a popular family weekend destination.
Events Worth Planning Your Trip Around
State-Level Flower Show
Hosted annually in January by the Odisha Botanic Garden Society and RPRC. Features competitive floral displays, landscaping exhibits, and cultural programs — one of Bhubaneswar’s biggest winter events.
Before You Go — Visitor Rules & Tips
Photography Rules
Mobile photography is allowed. Commercial photography or videography requires prior written permission and applicable fees.
Prohibited Items
Single-use plastics, alcohol, weapons, pets, and plucking flowers or damaging plant specimens are strictly prohibited.
Facilities Available
Vehicle parking outside main gate, drinking water stations, public restrooms, children’s play area, resting benches, and a plant nursery selling saplings.
Accessibility
Paved main pathways are accessible for strollers and senior citizens. Certain natural dirt tracks and greenhouses have step barriers for wheelchairs.
When Should You Visit?
Season | Months | Conditions | Recommendation |
Winter | October – March | Cool, pleasant | Best time — peak rose bloom season |
Summer | April – June | Hot & humid (38°C–43°C) | Visit early morning only |
Monsoon | July – September | Moderate rainfall | Lush greenery but slippery paths |
Getting to Ekamra Kanan from PRR Guest House
By Auto / Cab
Request an auto-rickshaw or book an Ola / Uber / Rapido from our reception. The drive takes approximately 15–18 minutes via Kalinga Nagar Road and NH-16.
By Mo Bus
Mo Bus service connects IRC Village and Nayapalli directly. Nearest stop: IRC Village / Nayapalli. Our front desk can guide you to the nearest boarding point.
By Personal Vehicle
Head toward Ghatikia Chhak, join NH-16 heading north, exit at CRPF Square, and continue on VIP Road toward IRC Village. Parking is available outside the main gate.
How Far Is Ekamra Kanan From Key Locations?
Origin Point | Approx. Road Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
PRR Guest House, Kalinga Nagar | ~7 km | 15–18 mins |
Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI) | 8.0 km | 20 mins |
Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) | 7.5 km | 20 mins |
Lingaraj Temple | 10.5 km | 30 mins |
Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves | 6.5 km | 15 mins |
Cuttack City | 26 km | 45 mins |
Make a Day of It — Nearby Places to Visit
Attraction | Distance from Ekamra Kanan | Why Visit |
Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) | ~2.5 km | State natural history exhibits and skeleton displays |
ISCKON Temple Bhubaneswar | ~2.0 km | Major Krishna temple in Nayapalli |
Odisha State Tribal Museum | ~3.0 km | Ethnographic museum dedicated to 62 indigenous tribes |
Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves | ~6.5 km | 2nd-century BCE rock-cut Jain caves |
Suggested Half-Day Plan from PRR Guest House
7:00 AM – Depart PRR Guest House | 7:30 AM – Morning walk at Ekamra Kanan | 9:30 AM – Cactus House & Rose Garden | 11:00 AM – Boating | 12:00 PM – Visit Tribal Museum | 2:00 PM – Lunch at Ekamra Haat | 4:00 PM – Return to guest house
FAQs — Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens
Q1: What is the entry fee for Ekamra Kanan?
₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children below 12 years. Boating is charged separately at approximately ₹50–₹100 per boat slot.
Q2: What are the opening hours?
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM in summer (April–September) and 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM in winter (October–March). Morning walkers can enter from 5:00 AM with a monthly or annual pass.
Q3: Is Ekamra Kanan the same as RPRC?
Yes. Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is the public-facing name of the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), managed by the Government of Odisha.
Q4: Does Ekamra Kanan have Asia's largest cactus collection?
Yes. The cactus and succulent collection here houses over 1,000 species and varieties, recognised as one of the largest germplasm collections in Asia.
Q5: How far is Ekamra Kanan from SUM Ultimate Medicare Hospital?
Approximately 7 km — roughly a 15–18 minute drive via Kalinga Nagar Road and NH-16.
Q6: Is boating available at Ekamra Kanan?
Yes. Paddle boating is available on the 2-acre central lake. Tickets cost approximately ₹50–₹100 per boat slot.
Q7: Is photography allowed?
Mobile photography is allowed. Commercial photography or videography requires prior written permission and applicable fees.
Q8: What is the best time to visit Ekamra Kanan?
October to March is ideal. Early morning (5:00 AM – 8:00 AM) is best for bird watching and walking; late afternoon (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM) is best for photography.
Q9: Is Ekamra Kanan wheelchair accessible?
Paved main pathways are stroller and senior-citizen friendly. However, some natural dirt tracks and greenhouses have step barriers that may limit wheelchair access.
Q10: Are pets allowed inside Ekamra Kanan?
No. Pets, single-use plastics, alcohol, and weapons are strictly prohibited inside the garden.
Plan Your Bhubaneswar Sightseeing Stay at PRR Guest House
Enjoy clean, budget-friendly AC rooms, bathtub amenities, and 24/7 room service — all located just minutes from Nayapalli, CRPF Square, SUM Ultimate Medicare, and Bhubaneswar’s top attractions.
🛏️ 28 AC Rooms | 📍 ~7 km from Ekamra Kanan | 🕐 24/7 Reception | 🚗 Cab & Auto Assistance