Declared a national park in January 1983, Van Vihar National Park covers an area of about 4.45sqkm.
It is located on the bank of Bhojtal (formerly known as Upper Lake) and is also one of the smallest national parks in India. Van Vihar combines the thrill of a jungle and the learning experience of a zoo. Although it has the status of a national park, the tourist zone of Van Vihar is operated as a modern zoological park. It also houses rescue centre to take care of orphaned animals and a conservation breeding centre.
Sightseeing around the park is quite easy as visitors can access it through a road, named after the famous birdman of India, Dr Salim Ali. The park has an aviary, snake park, deer park, tiger point, leopard point, and crocodile point. The park houses at least 700 species of plants, 210 species of birds, 60 species of butterflies and a large number of carnivores and herbivores.
Entry to the park is INR 20 per person and tourists have an option to rent a cycle at the park gate for INR 10 per hour or alternatively take battery-operated golf cart. Overall, Van Vihar National Park is a real treasure of nature and wildlife to be explored by both the wildlife enthusiasts as well as casual tourists. A must-stop next time you visit Bhopal.
Abhinav Kakkar
Vihar Veethika, an interpretation centre at the park, not only provides
information about the park but also organises conservational events
Abhinav Kakkar
The park has a large number of carnivores including tigers, lions, panthers,
hyenas and golden jackals
Abhinav Kakkar
Sambhar deer is another popular attraction at the park
Abhinav Kakkar
White tiger, a rarity, gets its pale colour due to lack of melanin pigmentation
Abhinav Kakkar
Snake park has big glass windows where tourists can see different species of
snakes.
Abhinav Kakkar
The park is known for more than 200 species of birds and a large number of
butterflies and dragonflies
Abhinav Kakkar
Tourists can rent a cycle to explore the park
Abhinav Kakkar
An oasis for your mind, body and soul
Abhinav Kakkar
A blackbuck rests in the shade
Abhinav Kakkar
A haven for bird watchers