Raipur: Chhattisgarh is a state that is rich in natural resources as well as people who conserve them. The man-made jungle safari in Naya Raipur is one such asset of the state.
The Nandanvan safari was also visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pictures of him clicking the tigers had also gone viral on social media.
The jungle safari is situated at a distance of 35 km from the Raipur railway station, an easy visit for anyone who visits the state. Spread over an area of 800 acres, it has a great variety of animals, especially deers as its residents.
The entrance of the safari resembles the entrance of a large park or a garden. A few steps from the entrance, the management of the safari could be seen welcoming the visitors.
The first station of this journey is the waiting hall from where the visitors buy tickets. The hall is enriched with all kinds of refreshments and the pictures on the walls help the visitors visualize the forthcoming journey of the safari.
After this, they get into the allocated buses to embark upon the adventurous journey. A large welcome gate becomes visible to everyone here.
According to a guide, a part of this forest is being developed into a zoo and a botanical garden which is not yet open to visitors.
There are four different safaris inside Nandanvan, namely, Herbivore Safari, Bear Safari, Tiger Safari and Lion safari.
Herbivore safari consists of 300 members from different deer families including, Chital, Kotari, Blackbuck, sambhar and antelopes. They are fed with fresh grass and a natural environment for growth.
Bear safari is spread over an area of 50 acres and consists of 5 bears.
Tiger safari passes through a part of the forest which is very dense and is spread over an area of 50 acres.
Lions are animals that prefer to live in families. In the Lion Safari, female lions playing along with their cubs could easily be spotted inside the safari.
The Khandwa reservoir can finally be seen from here. There is boating facility here for the visitors.
A nursery located in the New Raipur region was developed into the Khandwa reservoir around which the jungle has been developed. The reservoir is spread over an area of 130 acres and is visited by many migratory birds too.
Nandanvan has especially been developed for the conservation deers.
The safari provides employment to about 200 locals from around the area.
It is an abode of adventure, excitement and fun for everyone who loves nature and animals.
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