Nandan Van Zoo & Safari
Introduction and Scope: Nandan Van Zoo & Safari, located in the planned city of Nava Raipur (formerly Naya Raipur), is a sprawling wildlife complex spread over 800 acres. Its main objective is the breeding and conservation of endangered species native to the region. It is not just a traditional zoo but incorporates a modern Jungle Safari concept, allowing visitors to see animals in large, naturalistic enclosures from the safety of specialized vehicles. The complex is a major initiative by the Chhattisgarh government to promote eco-tourism and wildlife education. Safari Zones: The safari is segregated into four distinct zones: the Tiger Safari, the Lion Safari, the Bear Safari, and the Herbivore Safari, each providing a unique and thrilling drive-through experience. The sheer scale and commitment to a quasi-natural habitat distinguish it from typical urban zoos. Conservation and Education: Beyond entertainment, the park plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and serves as an important educational center for students and researchers. It also features the vast Khandwa Reservoir, which is a significant attraction for migratory birds, further enhancing its ecological value. The vast land area dedicated to the animals ensures their welfare is prioritized.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4-6 HoursPlace Type:
Zoo, Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jungle Safari:Entry Fees:
Basic Entry Fee: The basic entry fee to the park premises is approximately INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children (7-12 years). Children below 6 years are typically free. This fee only covers entry to the premises and zoo enclosures.
Safar...Basic Entry Fee: The basic entry fee to the park premises is approximately INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children (7-12 years). Children below 6 years are typically free. This fee only covers entry to the premises and zoo enclosures.
Safari Vehicle Charges: The safari ride is mandatory to see the main animals and is charged separately. Non-AC Bus Ticket is generally around INR 200 per person, and an AC Bus Ticket is around INR 300 per person. These charges are in addition to the basic entry fee.
Photography/Videography Fees: Separate charges may apply for carrying a professional camera or camcorder. Tourists should check the current rates for still photography and videography at the ticket counter. This varies for Indian and foreign nationals.
Total Cost: The total per-person cost for the full experience (Entry + AC Safari) is roughly INR 400.Timing:
Regular Timings:
Operating Days: The Zoo and Safari are open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Closed Day: It is strictly closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Daily Hours: The general op...Regular Timings:
Operating Days: The Zoo and Safari are open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Closed Day: It is strictly closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Daily Hours: The general operating hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry for the safari vehicles is usually well before closing time.
Ideal Visit Time:
Best Time to Enter: Arrive early, right at 8:30 AM. Animals are most active in the cooler morning hours, increasing the chances of better sightings, especially for the big cats.
Ideal Duration: Allocate at least 4 to 6 hours to cover both the zoo enclosures and the full safari circuits comfortably.
Safari Time Slots: Safari rides operate on a time-slot basis throughout the day, and it is advisable to book these slots immediately upon arrival or online to avoid long waits.Special Events:
Wildlife Week Celebrations: The park actively celebrates Wildlife Week (October 2nd to 8th) with special events, educational programs, photography competitions, and expert lectures, attracting school students and wildlife enthusiasts.
Republic D...Wildlife Week Celebrations: The park actively celebrates Wildlife Week (October 2nd to 8th) with special events, educational programs, photography competitions, and expert lectures, attracting school students and wildlife enthusiasts.
Republic Day/Independence Day: Special extended hours and events, often including patriotic programs and free entry for certain groups, are organized on major national holidays like Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15).
Annual Bird Count: The park participates in the annual bird counting and monitoring programs around the Khandwa Reservoir, which sometimes involves guided walks and public awareness drives, offering a unique participatory event for nature lovers.
Festival of Lights: The visitor complex and entrance are often specially decorated with lights and artistic displays during major festivals like Diwali, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.Best Photo Spots:
Safari Bus Windows: Taking photos through the large, designated windows of the Safari Bus offers the safest and most reliable way to capture the animals, providing a unique frame for the wilderness.
Khandwa Reservoir Sunsets: The vast, open ...Safari Bus Windows: Taking photos through the large, designated windows of the Safari Bus offers the safest and most reliable way to capture the animals, providing a unique frame for the wilderness.
Khandwa Reservoir Sunsets: The vast, open expanse of the Khandwa Reservoir provides a stunning location for capturing sunset silhouettes of the landscape and the birds resting on the water.
Tiger Sighting Areas: Any spot near the designated Tiger Sighting points along the safari route is a prime spot for capturing a powerful image of the majestic animal, though patience is key.
Main Entrance Signage: The beautifully landscaped and well-designed main entrance gate and signage of the Nandan Van Jungle Safari are a standard but essential spot for a memory photograph.
View from Watchtowers: Some of the watchtowers or elevated points near the reservoir or visitor center offer a broad, panoramic view of the entire 800-acre park, ideal for landscape photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Embark on a Jungle Safari:
Core Activity: Take the mandatory and thrilling bus or vehicle safari through the four dedicated zones: Tiger, Lion, Bear, and Herbivore Safaris. This is the park's main offering and a must-do.
Bird Watching at Khandwa:
Nature Observation: Spend time near the vast Khandwa Reservoir for bird watching, especially during the winter months, to spot various local and migratory birds on the water body.
Boating on the Lake:
Relaxation: Enjoy a peaceful boating ride on the Khandwa Reservoir, which provides a serene escape and a unique perspective of the surrounding natural landscape.
Visit the Interpretation Centre:
E...
Information
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Why Famous:
Drive-Through Safaris: The core fame of Nandan Van is its unique Jungle Safari experience, particularly the Tiger and Lion Safaris. The opportunity to drive through large enclosures where big cats roam freely (though separated from other safaris by double gates) is a signif...Drive-Through Safaris: The core fame of Nandan Van is its unique Jungle Safari experience, particularly the Tiger and Lion Safaris. The opportunity to drive through large enclosures where big cats roam freely (though separated from other safaris by double gates) is a significant draw, providing a sense of adventure rare in urban zoos. This distinguishes it as a regional wildlife hub.
Home to Big Cats: It is famous for housing a good population of big cats, including Bengal Tigers and Indian Lions, in large, naturalistic settings, which offers excellent viewing opportunities. The visibility of various herbivores like Sambar and Blackbucks is also a major attraction.
Khandwa Reservoir Birding: The presence of the Khandwa Reservoir (130 acres) makes it famous as a stopover for a multitude of migratory bird species during certain seasons. This dual-attraction—safari animals and avian life—broadens its appeal to nature enthusiasts and ornithologists. The sheer scale and ecological efforts of the park contribute to its fame. -
Architecture:
Jungle Safari Enclosures: The architecture of the safari enclosures is built for both animal welfare and visitor safety.
Dimension: The entire park is spread over 800 acres, with the Tiger Safari and Lion Safari each covering approximately 2...Jungle Safari Enclosures: The architecture of the safari enclosures is built for both animal welfare and visitor safety.
Dimension: The entire park is spread over 800 acres, with the Tiger Safari and Lion Safari each covering approximately 20 hectares (about 50 acres). The enclosures are surrounded by a formidable 5-meter-high chain link fence topped with a 1. 5-meter inverted overhang at a 60-degree angle, designed to prevent escapes while remaining aesthetically unobtrusive.
Visitor Infrastructure: The visitor area includes a main entrance complex, an administrative block, and a waiting area with facilities like an iMax theatre and a Museum, built with modern, functional architecture. The safari roads are specifically designed, designated routes that guide vehicles through the enclosures at controlled speeds. The Khandwa Reservoir (130 acres) area is architecturally modified to accommodate boating and bird-watching spots. The structures blend into the landscape. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Swami Vivekanand Airport (RPR), located approximately 15 KMS away in Mana. Due to the park's location in Nava Raipur, hiring a pre-paid taxi or a ride-sharing service is the most convenient option. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Purkhauti Muktangan (5 KMS) 2. Jungle Safari Raipur (Sector 39, the same location) 3. Shahid Veer Narayan Singh Stadium (15 KMS) 4. MM Fun City (30 KMS) 5. Telibandha Lake (Marine Drive) (25 KMS) 6. Swami Vivekanand Sarovar (30 KMS) 7. Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama (30 KMS) 8. Urja Park (Energy Park) (28 KMS) 9. Rajkumar College (32 KMS) 10. Shadani Darbar (35 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved outside the safari area. Do not feed the animals or try to provoke them from the vehicle, as this is illegal and dangerous. Stay inside the vehicle during the safari at all times. Carry a small ...
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