The Van Vihar National Park is situated in the heart of Bhopal City. 445.21 hectare degraded hillock along with private Village land was initiated in 1980 and finally notified as a National Park in 1983. Funding from Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has started in 1993-94 and also granted Van Vihar as a medium sized zoo on the same year. With the dedicated efforts of the Park management this area has now been transformed into an oasis of greenery. The area today serves as the green lung for Bhopal City.

Although, having status of a National Park, the Van Vihar is developed and managed as a modern Zoological Park, following the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. The animals are kept in their near natural habitat. Most of the animals are either orphaned brought from various parts of the state or those, which are exchanged from other zoos. Contrary to the common belief, not a single animal is deliberately captured from the forest.

Objectives of Van Vihar

• To harbor the wildlife of Madhya Pradesh under near natural habitat to serve as a repository of genes.
• To provide the visitors, an opportunity to enjoy, experience, understand and appreciate nature and the need to conserve wildlife through a well-designed conservation awareness programme.
• To carry out appropriate studies on captive fauna to strengthen both in-situ and ex-situ wildlife management.
• To act as rescue center for orphaned, weak, diseased, injured and aged animals

Biodiversity in Van Vihar

• 207 species of bird
• 60 species of butterfly
• Animals like - Tiger, Leopard, Hyena, Sloth bear
• All reported antelopes of Madhya Pradesh
• Gharial, Crocodile
• Several species of Tortoise.

Other Activities

• Serpentorium as an extension programme
• Rescue centre for animals in distress,
• Volunteer service for Van Vihar along with Friends of VanVihar and Care for Wild (INDIA)

Van Vihar - A place for Visitors

Van Vihar remains open throughout the year, About 2.50 lakh visitors come to Van Vihar every year, and Free entry for school, college students and Senior citizens.