Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 8 km from Bhopal Junction, Van Vihar National Park is a national park located in the beautiful city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of Upper Lake, it is one of the popular parks in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-visit places as part of Bhopal Packages.

Declared a national park in 1979, Van Vihar covers an area of about 4.45 sq. km. It has the status of a national park but is developed and managed as a modern zoological park, following the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. The animals here are kept closest to their natural habitats, making it a haven for people who love nature. Most of the animals here are either orphaned and brought from various parts of the state or exchanged from other zoos. The park is unique because visitors access it from a road through the park, and security of animals assured from poachers by building trenches and walls, chain-link fence.

Van Vihar National Park categorizes animals into 2 categories, i.e., carnivores and herbivores. All carnivorous animals are kept inside enclosed areas and herbivores are allowed to roam freely. The park is home to 200 species of birds, 60 species of butterfly, along with a vast variety of animals including leopards, cheetah, Neelgai, panthers, etc. A visit to Van Vihar National Park becomes more enjoyable when you take the safari ride offered by the park management as it takes the visitors into the internal portions of the park. Furthermore, the adjoining Upper Lake enhances the beauty of this park.

There are two entry points to Van Vihar National Park - Chickoo Dwar is on the end of Lake View Road and Ramu Dwar is towards Bhadbhada Bridge / Prempura Ghat end. Visitors can take their own vehicles / hired vehicles inside after paying appropriate fees. However, walking through the park is one of the best options though consumes a lot of time as it is a 5 Km long road. Besides, one can get rental bicycles or electric Golf Carts from the ticket counter for exploring the park.

Timings: 6.30 AM - 6.30 PM, Closed on Fridays, Holi, Rangpanchami, & Diwali

Entry: Rs. 20 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners, Rs. 30 for Cycle Tour, Rs. 60 for Bike, Rs. 120 for Auto, Rs. 250 for Car, Rs. 1000 for Mini Bus, & Rs. 40 for Camera