Spread across 800 acres in Sector 39, Naya Raipur (Atal Nagar), Nandan Van Jungle Safari is Chhattisgarh's flagship wildlife attraction — inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 1 November 2016 on the state's 16th foundation day. It combines four drive-through safari zones (Tiger, Lion, Bear, Herbivore), a zoo, and the 130-acre Khandwa Reservoir that draws migratory birds, all within 15 km of Raipur Airport.
Nandan Van Zoo & Jungle Safari
Naya Raipur's 800-Acre Wildlife Park — Tiger, Lion, Bear & Herbivore Safaris in Central India
A Glimpse into the History of Nandan Van
Origins: Raipur Mini Zoo (1979)
Nandan Van's roots go back to a rescue shelter established in Raipur in 1979 to house injured and distressed wildlife. In 2008, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) formally recognised it as a mini zoo — the first step toward its transformation into a full safari park.
Relocation to Naya Raipur (2008–2016)
When the Naya Raipur greenfield capital project began in 2008, the state government planned a world-class wildlife facility as part of the new city. The 800-acre site was developed with natural terrain, plantation of 55,000+ saplings, and the existing Khandwa Reservoir integrated as a centrepiece water body.
Inauguration (1 November 2016)
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Nandan Van Jungle Safari on Chhattisgarh's 16th Statehood Day — 1 November 2016. The choice of date was deliberate: the state's most ambitious wildlife tourism project launched on the anniversary of its formation, making it both a conservation facility and a symbol of modern Chhattisgarh.
Significance of Nandan Van Zoo & Safari
Nandan Van is the only facility in Chhattisgarh offering drive-through safari experiences across four separate zones — Tiger (~20 hectares), Lion (~20 hectares), Bear (~20 hectares), and Herbivore (~30 hectares, with blackbuck, nilgai, sambar, chital). The 130-acre Khandwa Reservoir within the complex supports migratory birds across seasons. With Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, Asiatic lions, and leopards all in residence, it's the single most concentrated wildlife sighting opportunity in the state — 15 km from the airport and accessible by road in under 30 minutes from old Raipur.
Events at & Around Nandan Van
Chhattisgarh Statehood Day (1 November)
The park was inaugurated on this date and continues to mark it with special visitor programmes, reduced entry activities, and cultural events at the Naya Raipur complex. The surrounding Naya Raipur area sees its largest annual celebration on this day, making the whole corridor festive and accessible.
Wildlife Week (October)
During India's national Wildlife Week (first week of October), Nandan Van organises educational programmes for schools, nature photography sessions, and awareness events. Entry is often discounted for students — the best organised time for families and educational groups to visit.
Did You Know? White Tigers at 15 km from the Airport
Nandan Van is one of the very few wildlife facilities in central India housing white tigers — a rare colour morph of the Royal Bengal tiger. What's unusual is the accessibility: most Indian safari parks require hours of travel from the nearest airport, but Nandan Van sits just 15 km from Raipur Airport (RPR), making it one of the most airport-proximate tiger sighting destinations in India. You can land in Raipur at 9 AM and be watching tigers by 10:30 AM.
Travel Guide to Nandan Van
How to Reach Nandan Van
By Air: Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur (RPR) is just 15 km away — the closest major airport to any jungle safari in central India. Taxis from the airport to Nandan Van take 20–25 minutes.
By Train: Raipur Junction (R) is ~35 km from Nandan Van. Book a cab from the station — the drive takes 45–55 minutes depending on traffic via Naya Raipur road.
By Road: From old Raipur city, take NH-53 / Naya Raipur Road toward Atal Nagar — Nandan Van is in Sector 39. Ola and Uber cabs are available from Raipur city; about 40–50 mins drive.
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Mar (Best): Cool weather (14–27°C), active animals, and migratory birds at Khandwa Reservoir. Apr–Jun: Hot but animals are more visible near water zones — go for the first morning safari slot (before 9 AM). Jul–Sep: The park stays open through monsoon; the greenery is lush but safari buses run on limited schedules. Closed on Mondays.
Local Attractions
Purkhauti Muktangan (~2 km): Open-air tribal heritage museum — best combined with Nandan Van in one trip.
Raipur City (~20 km): Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, Mahant Ghasidas Museum, Dudhadhari Math.
Rajim Temples (~65 km): Sacred river-confluence temple town — Chhattisgarh's most important pilgrimage site.
Tips for Visitors
Book safari tickets online in advance — slots fill up fast on weekends and holidays. Each safari zone has a fixed visitor capacity per bus.
First morning safari slot gives the best animal activity. Tigers and lions are most visible between 7–10 AM before the heat drives them into shade.
Carry a zoom lens (200mm+) for tiger and lion zones — the safari vehicles stop at viewing points but distance from enclosure fences varies.
Canteen facilities are available inside the complex but limited — carry water and snacks especially if combining the zoo walk with all four safari zones (allow 4–5 hours total).
Nandan Van Zoo Location
Image Gallery
