Van Vihar

Van Vihar is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including both free-ranging and rescued animals. The park houses tigers, lions, leopards, bears, hyenas, and various species of deer including sambar and chital. The avian fauna is particularly rich with over 200 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl that visit during winter. Notable residents include white tigers, gharials, and various species of pythons and vipers. The park also serves as a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife.

The vegetation of Van Vihar consists of tropical dry deciduous forest types. The park hosts over 200 species of plants, including prominent tree species like teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), and bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus). Other significant flora includes Kardhai (Anogeissus pendula), Palash (Butea monosperma), and various medicinal plants. The grasslands feature species like Sewan grass and Kans grass, which provide excellent fodder for herbivorous animals.

The park is situated on gently undulating terrain with an average elevation of 460 meters above sea level. The geological formation consists primarily of Vindhyan sandstone and alluvial deposits. The landscape features a mix of hills, plateaus, and shallow valleys. The western boundary is marked by the Upper Lake (Bada Talab), while the eastern side consists of small hillocks. The soil is predominantly black cotton soil mixed with murram, supporting diverse vegetation types.

Van Vihar National Park experiences a typical Central Indian climate with three distinct seasons. Summers (March to June) are hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 45°C, while winters (November to February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 25°C. The monsoon season (July to September) brings moderate rainfall averaging 1100mm annually, making the park lush and green. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is most comfortable for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

Van Vihar National Park was established in 1979 and officially gained national park status in 1983. Originally conceived as a modern zoological park, it was developed to provide a natural habitat for both resident and rescued wildlife. The park was designed following the concept of an 'immersion exhibit,' where animals are kept in their natural habitat while visitors observe them from vehicles on designated routes. The park's location adjacent to the Upper Lake of Bhopal makes it an important ecological zone and urban lung space for the city.

The park's unique feature is its functioning as both a national park and a zoological park, where animals are kept in large enclosures in their natural habitat. The 4.5 km long interpretation center trail offers educational insights into wildlife conservation. The park includes a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife, a butterfly park, and several watchtowers for wildlife viewing. The location beside Upper Lake provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, while the nature trail and botanical garden offer educational experiences for visitors interested in flora and conservation.