Van Vihar National Park and Zoo is an open zoological park beside Upper Lake in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. You can visit on foot or by bicycle, or pay extra for a golf-cart ride or safari vehicle; seasonal hours and separate entry charges shape the practical details.
- Location: Bhadbhada Road, beside Upper Lake, also known as Bada Talab.
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Entry: Indian-citizen walking entry is ₹25 per person; cycling and vehicle options cost extra or have separate rates.
- Getting around: Walking, cycling, golf carts and safari tours are visitor options.
Where is Van Vihar and how do you get there?
Van Vihar is on Bhadbhada Road, along the edge of Upper Lake, also called Bada Talab. Its official address is Director, Van Vihar National Park and Zoo, Bhadbhada Road, Bhopal – 462003.
The park is within Bhopal, so you can plan it as part of a city outing. Upper Lake is the natural pairing for a broader lakeside plan; the Upper Lake Bhopal guide covers the boat club, views and lakeside plans.
Van Vihar is 12 km from Raja Bhoj Airport and 5 km from Bhopal railway station.
Entry, tickets and visiting hours
- Entry
- ₹10 for a two-wheeler, ₹20 for a light four-wheeler, and ₹30 for a minibus or bu
Van Vihar’s opening hours change by season, and ticket sales stop before the park closes. The seasonal periods are 16 February to 15 April, 16 April to 31 July, 1 August to 31 October, and 1 November to 15 February. The park is closed on Holi, Rangpanchami and Diwali.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6:30–18:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Indian-citizen walking entry costs ₹25 per person. Entry with your own bicycle costs ₹30 per person, while a bicycle provided by Van Vihar costs ₹40 per person. Foreign citizens pay double these charges. Ticket sales close half an hour before the park’s closing time.
Golf-cart rides cost ₹60 per person in addition to entry. Children up to 5 years ride free, and children aged 5 and 12 years pay ₹40.
A Van Vihar-provided safari vehicle costs ₹100 per person per trip in addition to entry; children up to 5 years ride free, children aged 5 and 12 years pay ₹30, and a full vehicle for up to 6 persons costs ₹1,000.
Parking for tourist vehicles is charged separately from entry: ₹10 for a two-wheeler, ₹20 for a light four-wheeler, and ₹30 for a minibus or bus. Charges and schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Choosing a route through Van Vihar
You can choose between walking, cycling, a golf cart and a safari tour, depending on how you want to move through the park. Walking and cycling have their own entry rates, while golf-cart and safari charges are added to the entry fee.
For a self-paced visit, walking is the simplest way to follow the park’s routes; bring your own bicycle or hire one at the gate if you prefer to cycle. If you would rather ride, compare the per-person golf-cart fare with the safari vehicle’s per-trip price or its full-vehicle rate for a group of up to 6.
Allow time for the visit before the ticket window closes, not just before the park gates shut. The closing schedule varies over the year, so match your arrival to the applicable seasonal hours. You can also fit the park alongside other city stops in a one-day Bhopal itinerary.
What to know about wildlife and park rules
Van Vihar is an open zoological park, with different arrangements for its carnivores and herbivores. Carnivores live in enclosures, while herbivores such as cheetal and blackbuck move freely.
That layout makes it useful to think of the visit as a route through a managed wildlife setting rather than a conventional zoo alone. Choose walking, cycling or a paid ride according to the visit you have in mind, and follow the park’s directions while moving through the grounds.
If your Bhopal plans include a night in MP Nagar, three-star hotel rooms are available at Hotel Signetic Blue.
FAQs
Is Van Vihar a national park or a zoo?
It is called Van Vihar National Park and Zoo and is described as an open zoological park. It was declared a national park between 1981 and 1983.
Can you cycle inside Van Vihar?
Yes. Visitors can bring their own bicycle or pay for a bicycle provided by the park.
Are rides included in the entry ticket?
No. Golf-cart rides and safari vehicles have additional charges beyond entry.
What should you check before visiting?
Check the official park site for the applicable seasonal hours, closure days and current charges before setting out.