Van Vihar National Park

Introduction

Van Vihar National Park is an urban-national park and zoo located in the heart of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, India. Officially notified as a national park in 1979, it occupies a small but ecologically and culturally significant area — offering a blend of forest-zoo ecosystems while serving as the “green lung” of the city. 

Because of its location next to the city’s major lakes and urban infrastructure, Van Vihar provides a unique opportunity for city-dwellers and visitors alike to connect with wildlife, learn about conservation, and enjoy a natural oasis without traveling far. 

Location & Landscape

• Location: Van Vihar lies within Bhopal city, on the Shyamla Hills region adjoining the Upper Lake (Bhojtal), and is easily accessible via road, rail and air (Raja Bhoj Airport is close by). 

• Area: The park covers approximately 4.45 km² (445 hectares / ~4.48 km²). 

• Landscape & Habitat: Van Vihar’s terrain includes gentle hills, woodland patches, lagoons/ponds, and grassy open areas. Its proximity to the lake and wetlands adds a vital water-habitat component supporting amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds and seasonal wetlands. 

• Over time, degraded and quarry-affected land was restored and rehabilitated to form this green space — a notable example of urban ecological restoration and wildlife management in a city setting. 

History & Conservation Significance

• In the mid-20th century, the area was threatened by illegal quarrying and unsustainable land use. Recognizing its ecological potential near a major lake and urban area, the authorities moved to protect it. 

• On 18 February 1979, Van Vihar was officially declared a national park. 

• Over time it has evolved — besides being a park, it is managed partly like a modern zoo (under guidelines of Central Zoo Authority), hosting rescued/orphaned animals, providing a protected habitat, and offering conservation education. 

• For city-residents and visitors, Van Vihar plays a dual role: a wildlife & conservation center + a recreational green-space, bridging urban life and nature in Bhopal. 

Biodiversity: Flora & Fauna

Flora

Van Vihar’s vegetation reflects its semi-urban-wetland-forest mix:

• The park contains patches of woodland, open grassy zones, ponds and wetlands — offering diverse micro-habitats. 

• The greening and restoration efforts have turned formerly degraded hills into green areas — contributing significantly to urban ecology and improving air, water and biodiversity balance for Bhopal city. 

Fauna

Van Vihar supports a variety of wildlife — reptiles, mammals, birds, aquatic life — partially in enclosed zoo-like enclosures, partially roaming free:

• Free-roaming herbivores and mammals:
Chital (spotted deer), sambar, blackbuck, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, porcupine, hares, rhesus macaque, common langur etc. roam freely in open areas. 

• Captive/fenced carnivores & special animals:
Carnivores like big cats (in the past), other zoo species, and reptiles are maintained in secure enclosures to balance conservation, security, and visitor safety — following zoo-management norms. 

• Birds & Aquatic Life:
Van Vihar is a noted spot for bird-watching: hundreds of bird species including resident and migratory waterfowl gather near the wetlands and lakes. In winters, the adjoining wetland areas attract migratory birds, making it a vibrant haven for bird-lovers. 
Additionally, turtles, fish and other aquatic fauna inhabit the ponds and water bodies in the park. 

• Conservation & Rescue Work:
Van Vihar also functions as a rescue centre and conservation zoo for animals rescued from conflicts, circuses or disturbed habitats — offering sanctuary, rehabilitation and chances for better life rather than being taken from wild forests.

Visit Now ->

https://www.vanviharnationalpark.org/

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