Photo spot in Bhopal
Van Vihar National Park
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
A lakeside 'zoo-cum-national-park' where tigers, lions and leopards live in near-wild enclosures along a scenic drive/walk.
Best time
Early morning, soon after the gates open, when the animals are most active and the light over the lake is soft.
Best angle
Stand at the viewing points of the tiger and lion enclosures and use a zoom, framing the animal against the rocks and trees rather than the fence.
Entry fee
₹25 (walk) / ₹300 (vehicle)
Opening hours
About 6–6:30 AM to 5:30–7 PM by season; closed Fridays, Holi, Rangpanchami and Diwali
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Van Vihar National Park
Early morning, soon after the gates open, when the animals are most active and the light over the lake is soft. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Van Vihar National Park
Stand at the viewing points of the tiger and lion enclosures and use a zoom, framing the animal against the rocks and trees rather than the fence. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the lakeside park path
By the enclosures
Outfit guide
What to wear at Van Vihar National Park
For photos at Van Vihar National Park, earth tones, white and olive work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
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Eat nearby
Food near Van Vihar National Park
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Good to know
Local tips
Van Vihar is closed every Friday and on Holi, Rangpanchami and Diwali.
Go early in the morning, when it is cooler and the animals are more active.
Hire a bicycle at the gate for an easy way to cover the road of about 5 km.
Battery-operated carts are available if you prefer not to walk or cycle.
Do not feed or tease the animals, and leave plastic bags outside.
Carry a zoom lens or use your phone's zoom, as the enclosures are large.
Bring binoculars if you like birds, as about 200 species have been recorded in the park.
About Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar is a national park and zoo on the edge of the Upper Lake. It was declared a national park in 1983 and covers about 4.45 sq km. Most of its animals were orphaned or rescued in other parts of Madhya Pradesh, or came from other zoos, and none are captured from the wild for display. Tigers, lions, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and gharials live in large enclosures along a road of about 5 km through the park.
You can walk, cycle, take a battery-operated cart or drive your own vehicle along the road, stopping at each enclosure. The park is also good for birdwatching, with about 200 species recorded, and it runs a breeding centre for endangered vultures. Enter from Ramu Gate near the Boat Club or from Cheeku Gate on the Bhadbhada side.
Questions
Van Vihar National Park — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Van Vihar National Park?
Early morning, soon after the gates open, when the animals are most active and the light over the lake is soft. Stand at the viewing points of the tiger and lion enclosures and use a zoom, framing the animal against the rocks and trees rather than the fence.
Is there an entry fee at Van Vihar National Park?
Entry to Van Vihar National Park costs ₹25 (walk) / ₹300 (vehicle). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Van Vihar National Park?
Van Vihar National Park is open about 6–6:30 AM to 5:30–7 PM by season; closed Fridays, Holi, Rangpanchami and Diwali.
What should I wear at Van Vihar National Park?
Earth tones, white and olive photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Van Vihar National Park get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, soon after the gates open, when the animals are most active and the light over the lake is soft.
Which day is Van Vihar closed?
Van Vihar is closed every Friday and on Holi, Rangpanchami and Diwali. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go.
What animals can I see at Van Vihar?
Tigers, lions, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, crocodiles, gharials, deer and snakes, along with many birds. Most animals were orphaned or rescued, and none are captured from the wild for display.
How do I get around Van Vihar?
A road of about 5 km runs through the park. You can walk, hire a bicycle at the gate, take a battery-operated cart or drive your own vehicle.
How much time do I need at Van Vihar?
Allow 2–3 hours to go from one gate to the other with stops at the enclosures. Cycling or driving is quicker than walking.