Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal - A Spot of Green Serenity

Van Vihar National Park is a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and peace, nestled on the banks of a majestic lake, the Bada Taalab. It surely is one of the most amazing places to visit in Bhopal which spans an area of 445.21 hectares or 4.45 square kilometers.

Morning is the best time to visit this National park as the tourists can indulge in activities like morning walks and cycling while looking at the majestic creatures like leopards, white tigers, royal Bengal tigers, and Indian bears in their natural habitat. Due to the greenery that surrounds the area, the air quality is the purest in the morning which makes it perfect for rejuvenation.

If you are lucky enough, you can also hear the roar of a tiger before entering the gate. After spending 2-3 hours in the National park, tourists can also enjoy some flavourful breakfast from vendors on the street.

During the evening, tourists can visit the National park and then spend some time at the nearby location that includes Bada Taalab, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay, Sair Sapata, and MPT Lake view residency. 

The National Park also houses a variety of reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. The snakes can be visited in their enclosures, located in the snake interpretation centre. The other reptiles live in massive ponds designed in the National Park. 

Van Vihar is also a treat for bird watchers as a variety of bird species, residents, and migratory, spread their wings across this area. So capturing a kingfisher hunting for a fish can be your moment of the day. And to end this trip, you can visit the butterfly park and get the feel of standing in heaven.

Even though Van Vihar is recognized as the smallest National Park in the country, you'll be surprised to know that it was developed and managed as a zoological park. Today, it houses a National Park, Rescue Centre for wild animals, Conservation Breeding Centre, a butterfly park, and a wild cafe (at the entrance gate). Moreover, it is the only National Park in India where tourists can adopt an animal and pay for their care. 

3 Must visit places near Van Vihar

Bada Taalab -

Created by Raja Bhoj, it is a source of entertainment for all the tourists of Bhopal. Roadside vendors, a few cafes, and boating facilities keep this place alive almost till midnight.  

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya -

Situated on 200 acres of the picturesque site at Shamla Hills overlooking Bada Taalab, it is the largest open-air anthropological museum in India. 

Sair Sapata -

This is an open-air family entertainment park at the backwaters of the Bada Taalab. There are swings for children, eating joints, and a unique train toy.

Timings

Van Vihar National Park is a great place to visit for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience wildlife up close. The park is open 6 days a week (Friday closed), and the best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. The park is easily accessible by road and is located just 6 kilometers from Bhopal's main railway station. The park opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 7:00 AM. 

To know more about places to visit in Bhopal, read: https://www.mptourism.com/destination-bhopal.php