23.229677.3659Manali, Madhya Pradesh

WILDLIFE

Van Vihar National Park - Bhopal's Urban Wildlife Sanctuary

An urban national park in Bhopal on the Upper Lake's shore, housing rescued wildlife like tigers and sloth bears in large, naturalistic enclosures.

Manali, Madhya Pradesh2-3 hours6:30 AM – 6:30 PM₹60No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit is from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable to walk or cycle through the park. This period also coincides with the arrival of migratory birds, enhancing the birdwatching experience. Avoid the summer months of April to June when temperatures can be very high. The monsoon season from July to September brings lush greenery, but heavy rains can sometimes disrupt a visit.

Duration:2-3 hours

Entry (Indian):₹60

Entry (Foreign):₹550

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Van Vihar National Park?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Van Vihar National Park is an unusual wildlife sanctuary located right in the heart of Bhopal, on the edge of the scenic Upper Lake. It's not a typical zoo; instead, it functions as a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals. The animals here live in large, open-air enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, separated from visitors by trenches and walls. The park is divided into two main zones: the carnivore area and the herbivore area. As you travel along the main paved road, you'll see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and hyenas in their spacious enclosures.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and school holidays due to pleasant weather and tourist season.

Moderate

October-November and February-March, particularly on weekdays.

Low Season

April-June due to extreme heat, and during heavy monsoon days in July-August.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹60

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹550

Per person

Opening Hours

6:30 AM — 6:30 PM

The park is open all days except Tuesday. Timings may vary slightly depending on the season (sunrise and sunset times). Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing time. It's best to confirm timings on public holidays.

Entry fee for Indian adults is ₹60, students with ID ₹25. Two-wheeler entry: ₹40. Car/Jeep entry: ₹250. Mini Bus entry: ₹500. Still camera fee (professional): ₹500. Video camera fee (professional): ₹5000. Fees are subject to change. Check official sources for the latest rates.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Bhadbhada Road, Near Sair Sapata, Prempura

Coordinates

23.2296, 77.3659

Nearest City

Manali

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) in Bhopal is the nearest airport, located about 16 km away. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the park by taxi.

By Train

Bhopal Junction (BPL) is the main railway station, about 9 km away. The recently developed Rani Kamalapati Station (RKMP) is about 11 km away. Both are well-con...

By Road

Bhopal is well-connected by National Highways like NH-46. Regular state-run and private bus services connect Bhopal to cities like Indore (195 km), Ujjain (190 ...

Local Transport

Within Bhopal, auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transport. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber are also widely available. Local city buses have routes t...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Established as a national park in 1979, Van Vihar was created on a patch of degraded forest land. The primary objective was to provide a natural habitat for orphaned, rescued, or zoo-born animals that could not survive in the wild. The area was developed with stone walls and trenches to secure the a...

Significance

Van Vihar's main significance is its unique identity as a national park located within a city's municipal limits, serving as a 'green lung' for Bhopal. It's a prime example of ex-situ conservation, where animals are protected outside their natural habitat. The park plays a crucial role as a rescue a...

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