Bhopal Van Vihar - Traverse Through a National Park

Van Vihar is one of its kind National Parks in India which is situated in the Heart of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. It was declared as a national park in 1983 and covers an area of 4.45 square kilometers. Although it has the status of a National Park, Van Vihar is developed and managed on the lines of a modern zoological park. It follows the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority of India.

This area was once absolutely barren with stone quarries being operated nearby. But now it has been transformed into an oasis of greenery. As I said, this is one of its kinds of park. Contrary to the popular belief, the animals here have not been caught from any forest; instead it is a haven for the orphaned and injured animals brought from all parts of state or which have been exchanged from other zoos. The animals here live in near natural conditions.

Van Vihar is also unique because it allows easy access to the visitors by a road passing through the park. The security of the animals from poachers is taken care of by building trenches and walls and by providing a natural habitat to them.

Location of Van Vihar:

The park is situated on the periphery of the Upper Lake of Bhopal which is also the lifeline of the city. It adds immense beauty to the park's landscape. The park is located at the foot of Shyamala Hill which is one of the numerous hills that make up the topography of the capital city.

Vivid Biodiversity in Van Vihar:

The open zoo is inhabited by animals of two categories - captive carnivores and freely moving herbivores.

Carnivores - All the meat eating animals like the tiger, panther, lion, bear, hyena, crocodiles, alligators and python etc are kept in captivity. They are put up in kraals and enclosures in sync with the modern system of zoo management laid down by the Central Zoo Authority.

Herbivores - The zoo gives ample space to the herbivores like cheetal, sambhar, black buck, blue bull etc to roam around freely. There are no enclosures for them except the outer boundaries of the park. They can sustain on the grass and other vegetation during the less hot months. In the summers they are provided with green fodder produced in the fodder farm and wheat husk bought from the market as a supplement. The National Park also preserves animals belonging to endangered species.

Avian Population: The wilderness of park offers an ideal habitat for a number of avian. Till date about two hundred species of birds have been listed in different parts of Van Vihar. This place is visited by a large number of birds. During the winter season, the migratory waterfowl come here in great numbers and make the adjoining extensive wetland of big lake their abode. Park is also home to a variety of butterflies and insects.

Best Time to Visit:

The park remains open from seven in the morning till eleven and then from three o'clock in the afternoon till five. It is closed on Tuesdays. School children, College Students and Senior Citizens have free entry to the park. The best time to visit the park is from July through September.

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