Van Vihar, Bhopal

Van Vihar, Bhopal Overview

Located in Bhopal, Van Vihar is a National Park and a Zoological Space that operates under the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. It is located just adjacent to the Upper Lake in Bhopal, near Shymala Hills. The animals here are kept closest to their natural habitats, making it a haven for people who love nature. You can spot a vast variety of animals including leopards, cheetah, Neelgai, panthers, etc. as well as birds such as kingfishers, bulbuls, wagtails, and some migratory species. The best time to visit here is between July and September when the chances of seeing a white tiger are the highest. Sprawling over a vast area of 4.45 sq.km, this protected area ensures complete security to animals from poaching and other illegal activities.

The national park categorises animals in 2 categories, i.e., carnivores and herbivores. Herbivores are allowed to roam freely whereas carnivores are kept in enclosed areas. The land is strictly under protection so as to safeguard its flora and fauna. A visit to Van Vihar National Park becomes more enjoyable when you take the safari ride. Furthermore, the adjoining upper lake enhances the beauty of this park. It gets even prettier during the winter season when its time for the birds to migrate. Sightseeing around the park is quite easy as it gives access to its visitors via a network of roads passing through it.

Flora and Fauna at Van Vihar

The National Park has a massive variety of Flora and Fauna. The animals you find here are either orphaned or brought from different places for their betterment while the birds fly to the area during their migration. It offers a safe asylum for the species inside. Below is the list of the animal and plant community which you may encounter in Van Vihar.

Flora: The vegetation belongs to the southern dry deciduous scrub forests. The primary species are Doodhi, Bel, Amaltas, Saja, Amla, Teak, Palas, Kardhai and Tendu. There is also a variety of grasses such as Dub, Kusai, Lapusari, Bhanjura, and Phulera. The creepers include Bangoon Creeper, Karech, Gomachi, and Malkangni.

Captives- The Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Indian Wolf, Wild Cats, Sloth Bear, Red Fox, Striped Hyena, Indian Jackal, Wild Dog, Mugger, Crocodile, Gharial, Mongoose, Snakes, Python, etc., are kept within the enclosed areas.

Herbivores- These include Red Monkey, Sambhar, Blackbuck, Blue Bull, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Porcupine, Hare, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, etc. These animals are set free in the areas similar to their natural habitat as they are harmless.

Avian Fauna- A large number of birds pay a visit to the park during their migratory period. Around 200 species of birds have been recorded yet, one being of Oriental white-backed vultures. In the 2010s, a vulture breeding centre was developed for the restoration of the populations of Oriental white-backed vultures. Pintail, spot bills, brahminy duck, gadwall, red-crested pochard, peacocks, etc. along with 60 species of vividly colourful butterflies are found here.

Transport inside Van Vihar

There are various ways of commuting within the park. You can either walk or take your own vehicle inside. Another option is to hire a bicycle which is available at a nominal price of INR 10 per person for one hour. You also need to give INR 50 as a security deposit which later is refunded. Van Vihar also has electric Golf Carts which can carry a maximum of five people for INR 275. If two more people wish to join the group, they need to pay INR 55 each.

The Park Management has also started safari rides which take the visitors into the internal portions of the park. It charges INR 50 per person, the condition being there are minimum six people up for it otherwise if an individual wishes to go alone, he has to pay INR 300.

History of Van Vihar

The area where Van Vihar finds itself today was once prone to some illegal stone quarries. Not only this but the beauty of the place was a prey to many commercial organisations who wished to take over the valuable piece of land. The realisation of this threat to the natural cover made the government shelter it under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972. A considerable committee of experts was brought to the table only to declare it as a Protected area and a National Park in 1983. The first technical document, also known as Management Plan was written by Jagdish Chandra, IFS and Ex-Director of Van Vihar in the year 2000.

It covers an area of 4.45 km sq, out of which 3.8 belongs to the government and the rest to the villagers of Amkheda, Dharmapuri, and Prempura. To acquire the private area of 0.5 km sq., villagers were given a compensation of INR 23.52 Lakhs. Now, this area is fenced and stone chained for protection purposes of both the people who visit and the animals residing inside the park. Since the very day, Van Vihar has been in existence; substantial efforts have been made for its transformation into an oasis of greenery. Today, the precious land serves as the green lung of the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.

Tips For Visiting Van vihar

1. The entry ticket has a limit of hours per ticket.
2. There is a food zone inside the park which sells snacks and drinks. However, not many options are available, so you can carry something to munch on. 3. Please note that while the park is open to the public, it should be kept clean. Please keep the environs clean and do not litter. 4. Wear neutral coloured clothes in the park so as not to excite the animals.

How To Reach Van Vihar, Bhopal

Located in the heart of the city, Van Vihar has easy access. It has two entrances, Chickoo Dwar and Ramu Dwar. The nearest Bus Stop to Cheeku Dwar is Kilok Park. You can also visit the Lake Road as the park is situated at the end of this road. Next, Bhadbhada Bridge for Ramu Dwar is the nearest point. You need to take a private vehicle, a car or an auto rickshaw as no public transport reaches towards the gate of Van Vihar.

You can get rental bicycles from the ticket counter for exploring the park. Alternatively, you can wander through the park on foot.

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Van Vihar Reviews

Your rating

Virendra Gaur

on Van Vihar 3 years ago

Never visit any tourist plce in mp...in van vihar...I gave him 100 rs for one ticket they said we don't hv change u hv to give 20rs change ..there r no options for online payment there....dekhne ke l (Read More)iye kuch bhi nahi h ..yaha ....

rajesh raj

on Van Vihar 4 years ago

watch vanvihar 4k video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXQRxmmk7-w Van Vihar is a National Park and a Zoological Space that operates under the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. also check my (Read More)website;