Van Vihar National Park, Manali: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

INR ₹

Van Vihar National Park Overview

One of the most frequent places to visit in Manali, the Van Vihar National Park attracts visitors mainly because of its ideal location, which is bang on the Mall road in Manali. The park is a welcome respite from the crowds and the pollution with its tall and shady groves of Deodar, birch and pine. There are a number of wooden and concrete benches within the park, which provide rest, relaxation and recreation to its visitors.

Take off your shoes and take a leisurely walk across the garden paths of this wonderful haven of nature. You could also have fun cruising around in a boat that sails in the small pond within the vicinity of this park. Set amidst beautiful and verdant environs, the park is a perfect respite for anyone who chooses to visit it and makes up for a great place for a spontaneous picnic or simply a long walk!

Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Van Vihar is one of the biggest National Parks in India. Van Vihar is adjacent to the Upper Lake that is located near the charismatic Shyamla Hills in the city of Bhopal. The animals in the park are kept close to their homes, making this place a natural habitat for them. Though Van Vihar is a National Park, it is managed as a modern zoo and is controlled by the Central Zoo Authority. The park is around 4.45 square km and is heavily guarded to prevent any poaching activities.

Most of the animals in the park are brought from other forests and zoos of the country. The authorities have taken special care of the animals as the national park is home to both Herbivores and Carnivores animals. Herbivores are not restricted to any area and they freely roam in the park whereas Carnivores are kept in enclosed areas. A visitor can either access the beauty of the park by walking or by opting for the safari. The road from where the visitor can access the park is covered by chained-fencing on both sides to prevent any poaching activity and make sure that animals stay safe in their natural homes.

There are many small ponds and lakes in the zoo where you can easily spot animals like deer, leopards, cheetah, and Nilgai. Other than these animals, one can also witness birds like wagtails, kingfishers, bulbuls, and a few migratory birds. Van Vihar's natural splendor and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike, especially those on a Manali travel packages. As one of India's largest National Parks, it offers a unique opportunity to witness a wide range of animals in their natural habitat.

Timing:

08:00 am – 07:00 pm (summer)

08:00 am – 05:00 pm (winter)

Entry Fee: 10 INR per Person

Photography Allowed: Yes

How To Reach

Van Vihar National Park is around 27 km from City Centre. One can take the buses that run in Bhopal city throughout the day, covering each corner. You can also take private vehicles from City Centre to Van Vihar National Park.

The railway station of Bhopal is around 6 km from the Van Vihar National Park and is easily connected by buses.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Van Vihar National Park would be between July-September as you can witness the rare White Tigers. These are the months when the white tigers roam around the road and you can easily see them.

Also, to see the finest migratory birds and a few rare birds, one should visit the park during the winter season (October - January). During the winter season, more migratory birds visit the various lakes in the park and you can easily spot them.

Other Essential Information

- Location: Lake View Walk Path, Krishna Nagar, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462002.

- Entree Fee: The fee structure of the National Park is as follows:

On foot/cycling: Indian - Rs 20 / Foreigners Rs 30

- Wheelers: Rs. 60 Car/SUV’s: Rs. 250

- Mini Bus: Indians - Rs. 1100 / Foreigners - Rs 2200

- Movie Making: Foreigners - Rs 20000

- Commercial Photography: Foreigners - Rs 15000

- Internal Safari: Rs. 50 per person

- Opening Hours: Monday:

6:30 am – 6:30 pm (1st Aug to 30th Oct & 16th Feb to 15th Apr)

6:30 am – 6:00 pm (1st Nov to 15th Feb)