Van Vihar National Park Bhopal
A serene national park and open zoo by Bhopal's Upper Lake, home to diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler air, fewer crowds
Van Vihar National Park Bhopal
Best Time
Cooler air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene national park and open zoo by Bhopal's Upper Lake, home to diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
"Beautiful place! So green and there is river/lake flowing alongside. It feels surreal."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's length. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Drive or Cycle for Ease
Cover the 10-12 km stretch easily by car, bike, or rented cycle. :car: :bicycle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Enclosures
Various sections within the park
See tigers, lions, bears, and more in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Upper Lake Views
Park perimeter
Enjoy serene lake vistas, perfect for sunrise, sunset, and peaceful contemplation.
Wild Cafe
Lakeside within the park
Dine amidst nature with lake views; a unique spot for a relaxing break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Open Zoo Experience
Timing is Key for Comfort & Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's length. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Drive or Cycle for Ease
Cover the 10-12 km stretch easily by car, bike, or rented cycle. :car: :bicycle:
🤫 Keep Noise Levels Down
No honking allowed to ensure peace for animals and visitors. :speakerwiththree_dots:
📸 Photogenic Paradise
Capture stunning shots of greenery, lake views, and wildlife. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's length. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Drive or Cycle for Ease
Cover the 10-12 km stretch easily by car, bike, or rented cycle. :car: :bicycle:
🤫 Keep Noise Levels Down
No honking allowed to ensure peace for animals and visitors. :speakerwiththree_dots:
📸 Photogenic Paradise
Capture stunning shots of greenery, lake views, and wildlife. :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The park has limited shade, so carry water, especially on sunny days. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Van Vihar National Park is a well-maintained, scenic spot offering a pleasant day out with a variety of animals in spacious enclosures. Visitors appreciate the beautiful lake views, the affordable entry, and the peaceful atmosphere, especially for photography and family outings. However, some note it's more of an open zoo than a wild safari, and shade can be limited during hot days.
"Van Vihar National Park is often referred to as a “national park,” but in reality, it feels more like a large open zoo. Many of the animals are kept in enclosures, so don’t expect a completely wild safari experience. The park is set along a single straight road about 10–12 km long, which you can explore in different ways — on foot, by bicycle, bike, or car — with separate entry fees depending on your choice.
It’s a very photogenic location, with plenty of spots where the greenery, lake views, and wildlife make for beautiful pictures. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the air is fresh and the crowds are minimal. If you plan to walk the whole route, wear sports shoes and comfortable clothing, as it can be a long stretch. On the other hand, if you’d rather not walk, bringing your own vehicle is a good option to cover the distance comfortably.
One thing to keep in mind is that the park is not very shaded, so visiting on hot, sunny days can be tiring. Overall, it’s an “okay” place for a peaceful outing, especially for nature lovers and photographers who enjoy a calm environment without too much rush."
Avnish Kumar Chauhan
"Beautiful place! So green and there is river/lake flowing alongside. It feels surreal. Ticket cost is very less but the experience is amazing! They have a very clean and maintained national park. So spacious and we can find many animals there. The view is just breathtaking. Rare trees are also there, beautiful butterflies, tigers, bears, snakes, rabbits, rare birds, turtles and many more I have seen.
They also have a beautiful cafe inside van vihar. They have scenic dining settings. Good options in the menu. I enjoyed a coffee there while gazing at the water below, observing beautiful and soothing ripples of flowing water. Well maintained place. Bikes and cars are allowed inside. Horn is not allowed to keep animals and other creatures at peace.
Bicycles and e bikes are available for rent there at a very reasonable cost.
Great experience overall."
Ishika
"Must visit tourist attraction of Bhopal. With the lake on one side and animals on the other.
There are lot of peacocks 🦚around.
Lot of different birds.
It’s hard to get the glimpse of tiger 🐯 and leopards 🐆. As their cage are huge.
Entry fee for car is 300 rupees.
They tell you to not honk while driving. But some dumb people still honk and disturb the animals.
So please remember this while you visit next time."
Swapnil Khare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Van Vihar National Park is easily accessible by road in Bhopal. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or your own vehicle. It's located near the Upper Lake, making it a central point in the city. :car: :bus:
Inside the park, you can explore on foot, rent bicycles or e-bikes, or drive your own car or bike. Golf carts are also available for a hop-on, hop-off experience. :bicycle: :car: :golf:
Absolutely! Van Vihar is a perfect destination for a refreshing day trip within Bhopal, offering a blend of nature and wildlife. :day_trip:
To cover the park's 10-12 km stretch comfortably, consider renting a bicycle or using your own vehicle. Walking is also an option for the more active visitors. :runner: :motorcycle:
The park is primarily laid out along a single straight road, making navigation straightforward. You can follow this main path to access different animal enclosures and viewpoints. :road:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary depending on your mode of transport. While general entry is nominal, bringing a car incurs a higher fee (around ₹300 as per one review). Bicycle and e-bike rentals are also available. :ticket:
Van Vihar National Park is typically open from morning to evening. It's best to check the latest timings before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. :clock1:
Information on online ticket booking is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets at the park's entrance upon arrival. :credit_card:
Visitors are advised not to honk inside the park to maintain peace for the animals. Bringing outside food might be restricted, but there's a cafe inside. :noentrysign:
While general entry fees cover most aspects, specific charges for professional photography equipment or drone usage might apply. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including tigers, lions, bears, deer, peacocks, crocodiles, snakes, and numerous bird species. The enclosures are designed to mimic their natural habitats. :tiger: :lion: :bear:
Van Vihar is more of an open zoo with spacious enclosures rather than a wild safari. You'll see animals up close, but not in their completely wild, free-ranging state. :zoo:
Early mornings and late afternoons are generally better for animal sightings as they are more active during cooler parts of the day. :sunrise: :sunset:
The park has limited shade, especially along the main road. It's advisable to visit during cooler hours or wear protective gear like hats and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
There's a lakeside cafe, restrooms, and rental services for bicycles and e-bikes. :coffee: :restroom: :bicycle:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a beautiful Wild Cafe located by the lakeside within the park, offering a serene dining experience. :coffee:
The Wild Cafe is a pure vegetarian cafe with good menu options. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the views. :vegetarian:
While specific rules can vary, it's generally a good idea to check at the entrance. The cafe provides a convenient option for refreshments. :food_container:
Some reviews suggest that the prices at the cafe are on the higher side, but the ambiance and view are considered worth it. :moneywithwings:
Designated picnic spots are not explicitly mentioned, but enjoying a meal at the cafe or finding a quiet spot away from animal enclosures might be possible. :picnic_table:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Van Vihar is highly photogenic with its lush greenery, lake views, and diverse wildlife. It's a great spot for nature and wildlife photography. :camerawithflash:
Look for scenic spots along the lake, near animal enclosures, and in the well-maintained green areas. The cafe also offers picturesque views. :lake: :tree:
General photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or drone usage might require special permissions. Always respect the 'no honking' rule for better shots and animal peace. :noentrysign:
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful natural light, ideal for capturing vibrant colors and avoiding harsh shadows. :sunrise: :sunset:
Yes, you can photograph the animals in their enclosures. Be patient, as some animals might be resting or not easily visible. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and water, as the park can get warm, and there's limited shade. The lakeside cafe offers a pleasant spot for a break. Emphasize the 'no honking' rule to teach children about respecting wildlife. It's a great educational experience about animals and nature in a safe environment. :camerawithflash: :book_lover:
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the well-maintained park and the chance to observe animals in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. The peaceful ambiance, especially during weekdays, allows for uninterrupted observation and photography. Don't miss the chance to capture the vibrant birdlife and the scenic lake views. :bird: :tree:
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While the Wild Cafe might be a bit pricier, you can easily pack your own snacks and water to save costs. The overall experience of enjoying nature and wildlife without a hefty price tag makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. :backpack:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Van Vihar: Your Options
Alternatively, you can drive your own car or bike through the park. This option is convenient, especially for families or those with mobility concerns. The park has designated roads for vehicles, and the entry fee for cars is higher. Recently, a hop-on, hop-off golf cart service has also been launched, offering a comfortable and guided way to see the park's highlights. :car: :golf:
Remember that the park is not heavily shaded, so planning your visit during cooler hours is crucial. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, the key is to enjoy the serene environment and the diverse wildlife housed within the park's well-maintained enclosures. :sunwithface: :tree:
Wildlife Encounters at Van Vihar
Beyond the big cats and bears, the park is also a haven for deer, numerous species of birds, and peacocks that often roam freely. Reptile enthusiasts can spot crocodiles and snakes, while smaller creatures like rabbits and butterflies add to the park's biodiversity. While sightings of tigers and leopards are a highlight, their large enclosures mean they might not always be visible. Patience and a keen eye are key! :peacock: :snake:
The park's commitment to conservation is evident in its well-maintained facilities and the care provided to its inhabitants. It offers a valuable opportunity for visitors to learn about wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats. :conservation:
The Serene Lakeside Ambiance
Visitors can enjoy the picturesque lake views from various points along the park's perimeter. It's particularly magical during sunrise and sunset, when the sky paints a canvas of colors over the water. The gentle ripples and the cool breeze from the lake add to the overall calming experience. :sunrise: :sunset:
Adding to the charm is the Wild Cafe, situated right by the lakeside. This unique dining spot allows you to savor your meal or coffee while gazing at the water, creating a truly memorable experience. It’s a perfect place to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty that Bhopal has to offer. :coffee: :view:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit