Forest Park, Bhubaneswar – A Green Haven in Odisha’s Capital

From Forest Park to Biju Patnaik Park

The present name comes from the Biju Patnaik statue inside the grounds.

The statue was unveiled on March 5, 2002, according to the Bhubaneswar city portal. Naveen Patnaik and Ram Vilas Paswan were present for the unveiling.

Older references continue to use Forest Park. That name is also still common in local conversation.

So there are two names to remember when looking up the place:

• Forest Park — older/common name
• Biju Patnaik Park — current official name

What is inside the park

The park is laid out around its walking and running tracks, with recreational facilities placed around them.

The city administration lists:

• 23-acre park area
• 1.25 km of walking/running tracks
• Clay, tiled and concrete track sections
• Open-air gym
• Children's activity area
• Three water bodies
• Landscaped gardens
• Benches
• Public toilets
• Parking

The toilets include facilities for differently abled visitors. Parking is available.

BDA also lists two acupressure walkways at the park and records barrier-free access.

The walking and running track

The track is about 1.25 km long.

Instead of one surface throughout, the city lists clay, tiled and concrete sections. Regular walkers and runners use the track, particularly during the morning and evening hours.

Yoga groups and laughing clubs are also mentioned in the city's description of the park.

For longer runs, visitors can complete multiple rounds. For a normal walk, the listed track length is suitable for a short daily session.

Geographical Features

The park covers a large area for a city park, with landscaped sections, open spaces and three water bodies listed among its features.

The water bodies form part of the park's overall layout, while the planted areas provide space around the walking routes and other facilities.

Recreational Facilities

The open-air gym is located within the park and can be used along with the walking track.

There is also a children's activity area. BDA lists two acupressure walkways as part of the park's facilities.

These facilities are intended for everyday recreation and exercise rather than commercial entertainment.

Biodiversity

The landscaped sections contain planted areas and trees across the park. Older descriptions of Forest Park also refer to flowering plants, rockeries and other landscaped features.

Some older descriptions refer to features that may have changed over time, so they should not be treated as a current inventory of every plant or garden feature.

The Biju Patnaik statue

The statue is located inside the park.

According to the official city information, it was unveiled on March 5, 2002. The date was Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary.

The statue is also the reason the park now carries the name Biju Patnaik Park.

Timings, entry and basic rules

The current timings published by the Bhubaneswar city portal are:

Morning: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry is free and parking is available.

The current city listing says pets are not allowed inside the park.

When the park gets busy

The official description identifies morning and evening as the busier periods. Walking, running, yoga and other fitness activities take place during these hours.

For people using the park for exercise, early morning is a common choice. Evening is another regular visiting period.

The park closes between the two listed sessions, so it is not open continuously through the afternoon.

Location

Biju Patnaik Park is near Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar.

The current official name is the better one to use when searching online. Older websites and local references may still show Forest Park.

For visitors to Bhubaneswar

Forest Park is not one of Bhubaneswar's main heritage attractions. Its primary use is as a public recreation and exercise space.

Visitors staying nearby can include it in a morning walk or a short stop. People looking specifically for temples, caves, museums or other heritage sites will find those elsewhere in the city.

Things to know before visiting

• Entry is free.
• Parking is available.
• Pets are not allowed.
• The park operates in two daily time periods.
• Walking and running tracks are available.
• An open-air gym is available.
• There is a children's activity area.
• Two acupressure walkways are listed by BDA.

Park timings and facilities can change, so visitors planning around a particular facility should check the latest local information before travelling.

Forest Park, Bhubaneswar: Common Questions

What is Forest Park called now?

The current official name is Biju Patnaik Park. Forest Park is the older and commonly used name.

Where is Forest Park located?

It is located near Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

How large is Biju Patnaik Park?

The park covers about 23 acres.

How long is the walking track?

The listed track length is about 1.25 km, with clay, tiled and concrete sections.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Entry is free.

Does Forest Park have an open gym?

Yes. There is an open-air gym inside the park.

Are pets allowed?

No. The current city listing says pets are not allowed.

What are the timings?

The current listed timings are 4:00 AM–11:00 AM and 4:00 PM–9:00 PM.

Does the park have parking?

Yes. Parking is available.

Forest Park, Bhubaneswar

Forest Park, now officially Biju Patnaik Park, is a 23-acre public park near Capital Hospital. Its main facilities are the walking and running tracks, open-air gym, children's activity area, landscaped sections and water bodies.

It is free to enter and is primarily used for walking, exercise and regular outdoor recreation.