Nandanvan Jungle Safari: Where Wildlife Conservation Meets Eco-Tourism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with a tiger during the inauguration of Nandanvan Jungle Safari in Nava Raipur on Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day in 2016.-Photo Credit -primelookindia.com via Dhananjay Rathore-Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Public Relations and Ashok Kumar Chandravanshi -Assistant Public Relations Officer

Key Factors

• Spread across 320.15 hectares in Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur.
• One of Chhattisgarh’s leading centres for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
• Originated as Nandanvan Mini Zoo in 1979; inaugurated as Jungle Safari in 2016.
• Features Herbivore, Tiger, Bear, Lion Safari and a modern Zoo Zone.
• Home to White Tigers, Hippopotamus, Gharials and cloned wild buffalo Deepasha.
• Recorded over 3.24 lakh visitors during 2025-26, the highest annual footfall to date.
• Conducts environmental awareness programmes on biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
• Located 15 km from Raipur Airport and 35 km from Raipur Railway Station.

Nava Raipur’s Premier Wildlife Destination Continues to Attract Record Visitors While Promoting Conservation and Environmental Awareness

Raipur: Nestled in Sector-39 of Atal Nagar (Nava Raipur), Nandanvan Jungle Safari has emerged as one of Chhattisgarh’s most celebrated destinations for wildlife conservation, environmental education and eco-tourism. Spread across 320.15 hectares, the sprawling safari park offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience wildlife in natural surroundings while reinforcing the importance of biodiversity conservation.

A herd of spotted deer grazes peacefully inside the Herbivore Safari, offering visitors a glimpse of wildlife in a natural environment at Nandanvan Jungle Safari-Photo Credit -primelookindia.com via Dhananjay Rathore-Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Public Relations and Ashok Kumar Chandravanshi -Assistant Public Relations Officer

Developed as a modern wildlife facility, Nandanvan combines conservation, education and recreation, making it a preferred destination for families, students, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from across India and abroad.

From Mini Zoo to Modern Jungle Safari

The journey of Nandanvan began in 1979 with the establishment of the Nandanvan Mini Zoo in Raipur as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for wild animals. In 2008, it received official recognition as a Mini Zoo from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

The grand entrance of Nandanvan Jungle Safari welcomes visitors to one of Central India’s premier wildlife conservation and eco-tourism destinations in Nava Raipur-Photo Credit -primelookindia.com via Dhananjay Rathore-Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Public Relations and Ashok Kumar Chandravanshi -Assistant Public Relations Officer

Recognising the need for a larger and more natural conservation facility, the state developed the present Jungle Safari between 2012 and 2015 on 320.15 hectares of land in Nava Raipur. The safari was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1, 2016, coinciding with the 16th Foundation Day of Chhattisgarh.

A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Biodiversity

Beyond being a tourist attraction, Nandanvan plays a vital role in wildlife conservation by providing spacious, naturalistic habitats for rescued and endangered species. The safari also serves as an important centre for breeding programmes, environmental education and biodiversity awareness.

The iconic Nandanvan Jungle Safari monument at Atal Nagar symbolises Chhattisgarh’s commitment to wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainable eco-tourism–Photo Credit -primelookindia.com via Dhananjay Rathore-Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Public Relations and Ashok Kumar Chandravanshi -Assistant Public Relations Officer

Educational tours, awareness campaigns and nature-based activities are regularly organised to encourage students and visitors to appreciate the importance of wildlife protection and ecological balance.

Five Safari Zones Offer Unique Experiences

Nandanvan has been scientifically planned with separate safari zones to ensure both visitor safety and animal welfare.

Herbivore Safari

Spread across 30.89 hectares, this zone is home to spotted deer, sambar, nilgai and blackbuck roaming freely in a natural habitat.

Bear Safari

Developed over 20.03 hectares, the Bear Safari allows visitors to observe sloth bears in an environment closely resembling their natural ecosystem.

Tiger Safari

The 20.04-hectare Tiger Safari provides an exciting opportunity to witness India’s national animal in spacious enclosures designed to replicate forest conditions.

Lion Safari

The 20.01-hectare Lion Safari houses Asiatic lions and contributes to their conservation through scientific management.

Zoo Zone

Spread over nearly 50 hectares, the zoo section showcases a wide variety of birds, reptiles and other wildlife species, making it an educational experience for visitors of all age groups.

Home to Rare Wildlife Species

Nandanvan has expanded its collection through wildlife exchange programmes with other zoological parks across the country.

Among its major attractions are White Tigers, Hippopotamus, Gharials, and the cloned wild buffalo “Deepasha,” one of the state’s unique conservation achievements.

Growing Popularity Among Tourists

According to Forest Division officials, Nandanvan Jungle Safari has witnessed a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the years.

The safari welcomed over 3.24 lakh visitors during 2025-26, the highest annual footfall recorded so far, reflecting its increasing popularity as one of Central India’s leading wildlife tourism destinations.

Promoting Environmental Awareness

The safari actively celebrates important environmental events such as International Day for Biological Diversity, World Tiger Day and Wildlife Week, creating awareness among students, researchers and the general public about the importance of protecting forests and wildlife.

Easy Accessibility

Located approximately 15 kilometres from Swami Vivekananda Airport and 35 kilometres from Raipur Railway Station, Nandanvan Jungle Safari is easily accessible by road. The safari remains closed every Monday.

Today, Nandanvan stands as a successful example of how conservation, tourism and environmental education can work together to preserve nature while offering memorable experiences to visitors.

Researched & Compiled from official inputs by:

Dhananjay Rathore
Joint Director, Chhattisgarh Public Relations

Ashok Kumar Chandravanshi
Assistant Public Relations Officer

Edited & Presented by:
Kumar Bahukhandi