Naya Raipur city is developing into a world class city. It is vision of the Former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh to create a world class Zoo & Safari in Naya Raipur. In fact this is one of his dream project. The proposed area is adjoining the Botanical Garden. The whole area, thus shall be developed as a conservation, recreational and educational site. Nandanvan Jungle Safari, Naya Raipur will provide pleasing experience to the visitors not only about the local wildlife but also about national wildlife. The exhibits care and awareness will be of such a level to promote conservation of wildlife. Nandanvan Jungle Safari, Naya Raipur will endeavour to breed the endangered species in a planned manner for display, exchange and rehabilitation in the wild. This zoo & safari will be a showcase of nature for the visitors, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Nandanvan Zoo and Safari, is a zoological garden located in Nava Raipur at a distance of 35 km from Raipur Railway station and 15km from the Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur. Spread over an area of 320.15 hectares (800 acres), including a 50 hectare (125acre) Zoo and 2 hectare (5 acres) of Rescue and Rehabilitation centre. The perennial Khandwa Dam of 52.52 hectares adds beauty to the zoo and safari. It is well connected from all directions by N.H. 6, N.H.200 and N.H. 43. The safari provides maximum possible freedom to animals similar to their natural habitat and allows visitors in vehicle to enjoy wildlife at close proximity. The safari includes four safaris such as Herbivore safari, Bear (Melursus ursinus) safari, Tiger (Panthera tigris) safari and Lion (Panthera leo) safari. As of 2021 the safari and zoo houses around 712 animals, including 33 endangered species, in its four safaris and 28 exhibits. The enclosures designed are environment friendly and are more or less a true replication of the natural habitat of the animals being housed here to give maximum comfort and natural feel to them. The Zoo is currently recognized and categorized as a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
Crocodile Exhibit will display Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in their natural habitat in a total area of 9,500 sq.m., with 350 sq.m. of holding-pan area to feed them. A small & a large sand bed is also developed for Basking for these elongated, robust powerful jaw bearer crocodiles. The complete area is fenced with 2m high chain link fence. In India three different species of crocodiles are found : marsh crocodile, selt-water crocodile and gharial.
Royal Bengal tiger is developed in total area of 2430 SQM that includes paddock area of about 1945 SQM and dry moat. The lion enclosure is constructed in a huge area of 2550 SQM with dry moat and 2511 SQM paddock area. Nandanvan Jungle Safari has already attracted a lot of attention. The LEOPARD ENCLOSURE encompasses an area of 2070 SQM. The WHITE TIGER ENCLOSURE enclosure tries to offer tigers a varied and naturalistic habitat. This enclosure contains a paddock area of 1999 SQM and dry moat in the total area of 2590 SQM.

Established in 1979, The Nandanvan mini Zoo, Raipur, is a striving endeavour in form of a rescue shelter for animals in distress. The zoo is a recreational hub that serves as an educational centre besides being a haven for rescued animals. In 2008, CZA (Central Zoo Authority) granted the status of a mini zoo to Nandanvan. It's been the paramount attraction for the people of Raipur.

In November 2000, after creation of Chhattisgarh, state government formalized plans for development of a new capital city, Naya Raipur. The NRDA (Naya Raipur Development Authority), under the ingenious vision of the Former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh conducted a meeting on 21.01.2011 to develop a world class Safari in Naya Raipur - under the chairmanship of chief secretary which PCCF Wildlife and APCCF (CAMPA) attended (letter no. 491123617(1)1 31/Environments /NRDAI2OI1 Raipur dated 01.02.2011).

As a result of the meeting, it was decided to allot the stipulated area to forest department for establishment of Jungle Safari at Naya Raipur (mentioned in letter no.887/7(I)/31IEnvirOflmeNRDN2°t Raipur dated 01.03.2011). NRDA allotted 202.87 ha. of area for jungle safari trough (letter no. 12/6(2)/7571 Sampada /NRDA!201 2 dated 21.01.2015).

Through letter no. 12/6(2)/757/Sampada/NRDA/2012 dates 21.02.2015, NRDA cancelled the previous order and issued a revised order of allotting 320.15 ha. area at Naya Raipur for establishment of Nandanvan Zoo Naya Raipur (Relocation of Nandanvan Zoo Raipur). It was decided to shift the Nandanvan Mini Zoo to Naya Raipur and the permission of CZA was sought by sending a proposal.

Master layout plan of relocation of Nandanvan Zoo Raipur to Naya Raipur was authenticated by the member secretary on behalf of the CZA (letter no. F.no.19160/93CZA(149)(M) dated 29.08.2012). With joint efforts of forest officials, Master Plan of Nandanvan Zoo & Safari Naya Raipur was prepared that included drawings and designs of essential structural components of Herbivore Safari, Bear Safari, Tiger Safari, Lion Safari and the zoo portions which was then submitted to CZA for its approval (letter no/campa/854 dated 16.09.2014).

Scrutiny of the Master Plan of Nandanvan Zoo Naya Raipur was done by an expert group on Zoo designing of the CZA in its 56th meeting held on 8th Oct 2014 and the same was placed before the Technical committee for approval in the 72th meeting dated12th Dec 2014. The Technical committee of the CZA approved the master plan of the Nandanvan Zoo at Naya Raipur (letter no.F.no.19-160/93-CZA(147) vol.116474 dated 31.12.2014).

Once the Master Plan was approved, implementation phase started at the site. Initial budget allocation ensued in the establishment of Tiger Safari, Herbivore Safari and Bear Safari. During this phase, development of water facilities for animals, a veterinary hospital for animal care and a green belt was followed up.

In the Jungle Safari, visitors can enjoy the enlivening wildlife experience through safari vehicles and view wildlife in their natural habitat. Wildlife experts at Nandanvan, ascertained additional efforts and care to provide basic amenities needed for the animals in order to manifest their natural behavior - while ensuring safety of animals as well as the visitors and zoo keepers at the same time.

In the safari park, visitors are taken around in vehicles where they can see animals roam in natural habitat from close quarters. The Zoo administration has executed special efforts to develop public amenities such as polo cart vehicles, drinking water facilities, waiting hall, lawns & gazebos for shelter.

After development of Herbivore safari, Bear Safari and Tiger Safari the animals from the old Nandanvan Zoo Raipur were shifted to Naya Raipur with due diligence and care. On the occassion of Chhattisgarh's 16th foundation day on 1st Nov 2016, the Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Nandanvan Jungle Safari at Naya Raipur.

It intends to complement the national efforts in conservation of wildlife through planned breeding of endangered species.

To develop empathy and caring attitude among visitors for wild animals and flore.

To offer excellent public service, recreation and eco- awareness to public.

To house the animals in near natural conditions for giving them a feel of living in the wild.

To help understand the ecological linkage with the life supporting process of nature and the need to keep them intact that by adopting lifestyle which is in harmony with nature.

To develop as centre of excellence for Research on wild animals and conservation breeding of endangered wild animal species of the region.

To function as a rescue centre for orphaned, injured and the rescued animals from the wild and subsequent rehabilitation.

To develop Nandanvan Jungle Safari as a major tourist attraction and a focal point for Entertainment, Recreation, Education and Awareness to the visitors of Chhattisgarh in particular and adjoining state in general.

The Nandanvan Jungle Safari will make an effort to breed the endangered species in a planned manner for rehabilitation in the wild.

Act as a research centre, education and awareness hub for the propagation and dissemination of information about Wildlife, Ecology and Environment to the people in general and students in particular.

To develop it as a centre of excellence in the breeding and conservation of endangered animals especially the Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) of the state.

To provide a serene and eco-friendly place to enjoy the nature in its full form.

To make the Nandanvan Zoo and Safari a major tourist attraction of not only Chhattisgarh but a tourist destination for the adjoining states of central India.

To provide and facilitate research on animals in captivity to help in conservation efforts.

To provide housing and upkeep to the orphaned animals of endangered species rescued from the wild.

To assist in conservation of the ex-situ population of various species of endangered animals and their habitat by sensitizing the people.

Involve in programs which assist the survival of wild populations.

Conservation and breeding of endangered wild species.

To increase the awareness, knowledge and understanding of visitors about animals, the environment and conservation.

To provide ethical and healthy recreation, enjoyment and enrichment to the visitors.