Are you planning to go out with your friends and families to Madhya Pradesh? Then, don’t miss out on experiencing the majestic wildlife, animals and birds in their natural habitat in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. We are talking about the renowned Van Vihar National Park, an iconic national park and wildlife sanctuary located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It promises to give the most amazing and unique wildlife experience to its tourists. This blog will tell you about this national park, including wildlife, flora and fauna, adventure activities, and more. Read this complete guide to Van Vihar National Park.
About Van Vihar National Park
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Van Vihar National Park is unlike a typical zoo, where the animals are confined in cages and chambers. Instead, it follows the open cage system, making it an open zoological park. Here, the animals can roam and feel like they are in their natural habitat. Van Vihar National Park is a perfect destination for wildlife and nature lovers. This park is spread over an area of about 5 sq km and is a lively home for 200 species of animals, birds, insects, and reptiles. It is also a conservation breeding and rescue centre for numerous threatened species of animals, such as gharials, sloth bears, hyenas, white tigers, etc. Apart from this, one can also experience several activities, such as watching exotic birds, thrilling safari rides, participating in nature camps, or watching animal documentaries.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Bhopal
Places To Visit Near The National Park
If you are planning to visit the Van Vihar National Park, then here is a list of other places that you can visit which is near the Van Vihar National Park:
1. Upper Lake
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Nestled in the heart of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh is the biggest and most famous Upper Lake, also renowned as Bhojtal. It is an iconic and oldest man-made lake about 15 kilometres from Van Vihar National Park. The lake is also known as “Bada Talab” by the locals and offers an amazing sightseeing view with serene surroundings. The major purpose of this lake is to hold 30 million gallons of water that can be supplied to the whole city of Bhopal for drinking water and daily uses. The Bhojtal is named after King Bhoj, who built this lake on the Kolans River in the 11th century. Tourists can visit this nearby attraction from Van Vihar National Park to experience the serene atmosphere with panoramic views.
Location: 69J8+VHM, Lake View Walk Path, Krishna Nagar, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002
Timings: 6:00 AM – Noon and 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Entry Fees: No entry fee is required to access Upper Lake.
2. Bharat Bhavan
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It is another nearby tourist destination named Bharat Bhavan, the most famous and independent multi-art complex and Museum located in Bhopal, about only 5 kilometres from Van Vihar National Park. The museum is a centre of interaction between performing, visual and verbal arts. Bharat Bhawan is a unique national institute in India that is famous for its innovative classics, traditions, and creations. Tourists can see the antique preserved traditional fork arts in the museum and have an opportunity to learn about its rich culture and heritage. Ar designed the museum. Charles Correa in the year of 1992. The architecture of the museum shimmers like a diamond. Tourists can witness the ancient artefacts in the museum.
Location: 2nd floor, 53, J, Harshavardhan Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462003
Timings: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and remain closed on Monday for maintenance.
Entry Fees: ₹10 to ₹20 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners.
Suggested Read: Hotels In Rajgarh
3. State Museum Bhopal
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The State Museum Bhopal is a great nearby tourist destination that offers a wide array of ancient artefacts, galleries, coins, stamps and much more than that. Its royal architecture, scenic landscapes, and cultural tapestry attract tourists from all over the region, making it a great tourist spot for witnessing ancient culture and heritage. By visiting the museum, you can experience the exquisite treasure trove of history, art, and culture that takes you back in time to learn about the state’s captivating evolution.
Location: 8, Shyamla Hills Rd, TT Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462013
Timings: 10:00 PM – 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and remain closed on Monday for maintenance
Entry Fees:
- ₹20 to ₹50 for Adults
- ₹10 to ₹20 for students with valid proofs
- ₹100 to ₹200 for foreigners
- Additional charges applicable for Videography and Photography
4. Manuabhan Tekri
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Manuabhan Tekri is another top tourist destination in Bhopal. It is famous for its fascinating Hillock spot, which offers amazing panoramic views. It is located on an elevation of 1300 feet above sea level. Manuabhan Tekri is located about 14 kilometres from the Van Vihar National Park. It is the only destination in Bhopal from where you can witness the breathtaking and adventurous side of Bhopal from the top of the height. Its picturesque scenes and serene atmosphere make it an ideal spot for picnicking or spending time with your loved ones. It also has thrilling cable car rides for adventurous experiences and is famous for its religious purposes.
Location: Sun City, Lalghati, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462038
Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to access the hilltop and temple, but additional charges are required for cable car rides and other activities.
Suggested Read: Sati Anusuiya Mandir
5. Gohar Mahal
Image Credit: Suyash Dwivedi for Wikimedia Commons
Gohar Mahal is another famous tourist attraction in Bhopal located on the banks of the Upper Lake, about 9 kilometres from Van Vihar National Park. It is an antique marvellous architecture that blends Hindu and Mughal architectural styles and depicts the rich cultural diversity of India. The Mahal is named after the first beautiful woman ruler of Bhopal, Begum Qudsia, also known as Gohar Begum, who ruled Bhopal in 1819. The architecture of Gohar Mahal depicts the royalty and power of its creator.
Tourists can witness the ancient buildings and learn more about the rich culture and legacy of Hindus and Mughals.
Location: Sun City, Lalghati, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462038
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and remain closed on Sunday
Entry Fees: No entry fee is required to access the Gohar Mahal.
Timings And Pricing Of Van Vihar National Park
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Van Vihar National Park is open at 6:30 AM and closes at 6:30 PM every day, except on Friday, when it is closed for maintenance. The best time to visit this national park is from October to March, during the migratory season when the weather is pleasant, and migratory birds are arriving. Make sure to check the availability before visiting. The entry fee for this national park is just Rs 15 for adults, Rs 5 for children, and Rs 50 for foreigners. However, some other activities have their own separate additional fees. Such as:-
Charges of Safari Rides: Rs. 50 for adults, Rs. 25 for children, and Rs. 100 for foreigners
Participating in Nature Camp Fee: Rs. 500 for adults and Rs. 250 for children.
Adopting Animals Fee: The animal adoption fee varies depending on the animal you adopt and the duration you hold.
Further Read: Gwalior Zoo
Van Vihar National Park is a hidden treasure for wildlife lovers or nature enthusiasts and a wildlife wonderland in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, that offers a thrilling and adventurous experience to their tourists. You can witness different species of flora and fauna and learn about their origins, foods, nature, and conservation. Apart from this, one can enjoy several other thrilling activities as well. So, if you are planning for a fun destination to spend your day or weekend with your family and friends and make beautiful and memorable memories, then you should visit Van Vihar National Park and plan your trip to Madhya Pradesh with our guiding tour packages. Explore the majestic wildlife animals in the heart of Bhopal by helping to protect and preserve wildlife animals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Van Vihar National Park
Is Van Vihar National Park great as a tourist destination?
Yes, Van Vihar National Park is one of the great sites for tourists, as it offers several thrilling activities or unique and amazing experiences to young and old alike.
Is Van Vihar open on Saturday?
Van Vihar National Park is open at 6:30 AM and closes at 6:30 PM every day, except on Friday, when it is closed for maintenance.
Which railway station is near Van Vihar National Park?
The nearest railway station is Bhopal Junction, located just 8.6 kilometres from Van Vihar National Park. There are several taxis and cabs available from the railway station to Van Vihar National Park.
On which river is Van Vihar National Park situated?
Van Vihar National Park is situated near the Upper Lake, Madhya Pradesh. Which is also a rescue and breeding centre for sloth bears.
What is the best time to visit Van Vihar National Park?
The best time to visit Van Vihar National Park is from October to March, during the migratory season when the migratory birds are arriving.
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