Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar is a unique blend of a National Park, Zoological space, and Eco-tourism destination running parallel to the Upper Lake. Spanning over 4.45 square kilometers, animals such as royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, sloth bears, and mugger crocodiles reside in expansive natural enclosures. It is an open paradise for cyclists, birders, and nature photographers.
Things to Do & Experiences
Rent a bicycle and cycle along the 5km lake-facing forest path
Spot free-roaming cheetals, blackbucks, sambhars, and rescued tigers
Visit the vulture conservation center and butterfly park
Observe over 200 bird species during winter migratory seasons
Available Facilities
Location & Getting There
Address: Lake View Road, Near Shymala Hills, Bhopal, MP
Nearby Food & Cafes
Top culinary stops located close to Van Vihar National Park
Bhopali Poha Jalebi
The heartbeat of Bhopal mornings: soft, aromatic flattened rice steamed with turmeric, curry leaves, and fennel, showered with crunchy Ratlami sev, fresh pomegranate seeds, coriander, and served alongside hot, crispy, spiral orange jalebis steeped in pure saffron syrup.
Manohar Dairy & Restaurant (Hamidia Road & MP Nagar)
Bhopali Gosht Korma
A legendary Nawabi delicacy passed down through royal royal kitchens. Tender cuts of mutton are slow-cooked in a rich gravy infused with brown onions, crushed coriander, yoghurt, garam masala, and delicate kewra essence, finished with silver leaf garnish.
Hakeem Hotel (MP Nagar & Peer Gate)
Chatori Gali Seekh & Shami Kebabs
Tucked deep in the winding lanes of Old Bhopal, Chatori Gali comes alive at twilight with the sizzle of charcoal braziers. Minced meat infused with raw papaya, roasted gram flour, mint, green chilies, and aromatic spices is skewered over glowing embers and served hot with lemon wedges and roomali roti.
Chatori Gali (Ibrahimpura, Old Bhopal)
Bhopali Sulaimani & Salted Chai
A beloved Bhopali beverage institution. Sulaimani tea is a golden, clear black tea delicately brewed with cardamom, cloves, a pinch of rock salt, and fresh lemon. Alternatively, try the frothy pink or thick creamy salt tea (Namak wali Chai) with flaky Osmania and Khari biscuits.
Haji Tea Stall (Peer Gate)
Other Nearby Attractions
Upper Lake (Bhojtal)
Asia’s largest artificial lake, crafted in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj with vibrant boat clubs.
Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum
An awe-inspiring, visually immersive museum showcasing tribal mythology, art, and life-size dwellings.
State Museum of Madhya Pradesh
State-of-the-art museum housing rare Paramara sculptures, numismatics, and royal armory.