Nandan Van today is very different from the old Raipur mini zoo that many long-time residents remember. The original Nandanvan was established in 1979 near the Kharun River, but the modern institution has moved into a much larger conservation and safari landscape at Sector 39 in Nava Raipur. The present Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari forms an extensive wildlife campus where a conventional zoo, drive-through safari zones, wetlands and large green belts work together rather than functioning as separate city attractions.
The scale is the defining feature. The wider safari property extends across roughly 800 acres and includes the Khandwa Reservoir, while the zoo component itself occupies a substantial area with naturalistic enclosures. Visitors can see species such as tigers, leopards and crocodiles in the zoo and then choose separate safari experiences for lions, tigers, bears and herbivores. This combination gives Nandan Van a more immersive feel than a normal walk-through zoo and is the main reason families should allow several hours instead of treating it as a quick stop.
Zoo entry and safari travel are ticketed separately, and the timings are also different. The zoo currently lists Tuesday to Sunday operation from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while safari operations generally run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Monday is the weekly closure. Online booking is available and is particularly useful when a specific safari vehicle or time slot matters.
Quick About Nandan Van Zoo
| Particular | Details |
| Official identity | Nandanvan Zoo & Jungle Safari |
| Location | Sector 39, Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492002 |
| Original Nandanvan established | 1979 |
| Modern campus | Zoo plus drive-through jungle safaris |
| Zoo timing | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday |
| Safari timing | Generally 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Weekly closure | Monday |
| Zoo adult ticket | Rs. 100 for visitors aged 12 and above |
| Zoo child ticket | Rs. 50 for ages 6 to 12; below 6 free |
| Best time | November to February; early arrival |
| Booking | Official online, WhatsApp and counter options |
Nandan Van Zoo, Raipur Opening and Closing Timing
| Day / Particular | Opening / Schedule | Closing / Details |
| Zoo | Tuesday to Sunday | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Safari | Tuesday to Sunday | Generally 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Same-day safari booking | Open days | Usually available only up to 4:00 PM |
| Same-day zoo booking | Open days | Usually available up to 5:00 PM |
| Monday | Closed | Weekly holiday |
Zoo and safari timings should not be treated as identical. Vehicle availability, weather or operational issues can affect safari departures, so visitors who have travelled mainly for the safari should arrive well before the final booking time.
Nandan Van Zoo, Raipur Ticket Price
| Ticket / Facility | Category | Price / Details |
| Zoo entry | Children below 6 years | Free |
| Zoo entry | Children 6 to 12 years | Rs. 50 |
| Zoo entry | Visitors 12 years and above | Rs. 100 |
| Zoo entry | Foreign nationals | Rs. 500 |
| Safari – regular bus | Child 6 to 12 years | Rs. 100 |
| Safari – regular bus | Visitor 12 years and above | Rs. 150 |
| Safari – AC bus | Child / Adult | Rs. 150 / Rs. 200 |
| Safari – electric vehicle | Child / Adult | Rs. 175 / Rs. 250 |
Senior-citizen and PwD concessions are subject to the official eligibility rules and are normally tied to weekdays with valid identification. Weekend and holiday conditions can differ. Zoo entry alone does not include a safari ride.
Can Nandan Van Tickets Be Booked Online?
Yes. Nandanvan offers official online booking, WhatsApp booking and counter booking. E-tickets are issued digitally and are checked at entry.
Advance booking can be made for future dates, while same-day cut-off times apply for safari and zoo bookings. Standard tickets are generally not cancellable or reschedulable, so check the date, visitor category and safari vehicle carefully before payment.
What to See at Nandan Van Zoo
The zoo section is designed as a modern conservation-oriented collection with naturalistic exhibits. Big cats, reptiles and other native wildlife form the main zoo experience, while a large crocodile exhibit is one of the distinctive habitat features.
The adjoining safari system is the major additional attraction. Separate zones have been developed for tigers, lions, bears and herbivores, with visitors travelling through controlled drive-through enclosures rather than walking between cages.
How to Reach Nandan Van Zoo
From Nava Raipur: The zoo is in Sector 39 and is straightforward to reach by taxi, private vehicle or local road transport.
From Raipur Railway Station: The safari complex is roughly 30 to 35 km from the railway-station side of Raipur, depending on the route. A direct cab is the easiest option for families.
From Swami Vivekananda Airport: The airport is much closer to Nava Raipur than the old city centre, with official district information placing the safari roughly 15 to 18 km away.
By Road: Visitors driving from Raipur should follow Nava Raipur routes and leave enough time for the large campus and ticket formalities rather than arriving close to the last safari slot.
Best Time to Visit Nandan Van Zoo
November to February offers the most comfortable weather for combining a long zoo walk with the safari. Summers in Chhattisgarh can be extremely hot, and midday waiting for vehicles becomes tiring.
An early start is valuable even in winter because it gives enough time to see the zoo, take the safari and manage meal or rest breaks without racing against the booking cut-off.
Visitor Facilities and Practical Planning
The modern campus provides ticketing facilities, visitor roads, safari boarding arrangements and rest areas. Because the site is very large, families should plan their route before entering rather than repeatedly moving between distant sections.
Keep identification available for age-based or concession tickets. Carry sun protection and water, and follow the instructions of safari staff when boarding or travelling through drive-through animal zones.
Important Rules Visitors Should Know
Littering, harassing or provoking animals and damaging public property attract specific fines under the current visitor policy. Do not feed animals or attempt to get their attention during the safari.
Remain inside the assigned safari vehicle, obey the driver and guide, and do not extend hands, cameras or objects into unsafe areas. Tickets and QR codes should be kept accessible until the visit is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Nandan Van Zoo closed on Monday?
Yes. Monday is the weekly closure day for the zoo and safari campus.
Q. Is the safari included in the normal zoo ticket?
No. Zoo entry and safari rides are priced separately.
Q. Can I book Nandan Van online?
Yes. Official online and WhatsApp booking options are available, along with the on-site counter.
Q. Which safari vehicles are available?
The current tariff lists regular, AC and electric safari options, with different prices.
Q. How much time should I keep?
Keep at least 4 to 5 hours if you want both the zoo and a safari. A zoo-only visit can be shorter.
Q. Are children below six charged?
Children below six are listed for free zoo entry and are also free under the basic child rule for safari pricing.
