Vinod Van — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Kushmi forest is a dense forest mainly of Sal trees, situated at 9 Kms from Gorakhpur Railway station and just ahead of Air force Station. Nestled in the thick of this forest is a Religio-picnic spot-Budhia Mai Temple on the Northern side .On the south side is city’s popular picnic spot Vinod-Van park .There is one Guest house, just before this park ,run by the forest deptt. One can book it in advance and enjoy the ambiance of nature and wilderness. A short drive to Kushmi forest is a pleasant journey. The Kushinagar road, which passes through the midst of this forest, remains cool and breezy, all the time. You can watch monkeys romping on both the sides of forest .If you give them something to eat, like, bananas, biscuits or groundnuts, they will approach to your vehicle and snap it .Their funny activities are treat to watch. Today I took a drive to Vinodvan-park side of Kushmi forest, moved to the Rt Side from the entry point of the Vinodvan signboard and reached at the gate of the Park. There is ample space to park your vehicle. No entry fees to go inside. The park has barbed boundary from all the sides. On one side, you’ll find big palm trees, dotting the road. Vinodvan encompasses a children park with slopes and rides, a mini zoo, flower garden, small rest house and a cafeteria. Toilet facility is there on the back side of zoo. On Sundays Families, couples and children flock here in the mid morning, bring their breakfast or lunches, they enjoy eating in the company of wilderness, walk inside, watch animals in the mini zoo .This zoo is only for namesake. You’ll see only parrots, rabbits, a peacock and a small dear in the cages. A separate cage is made for python .Previously there was one, but not it has eloped somewhere in the jungle. Besides you can watch deer’s in the forest. Today was Sunday so school-children started coming in. They were seen running in all the directions with great joy .Animal spirit could be seen on their faces. Elders play various games, housie and have their lunches and return to their respective places, . This picnic spot of Kusumhi Forest is a place for outing and recreation for local peoples. Spending time in the vicinity of nature is very much soothing to mind and body and...

Vinod Van was established in 1983 in a lush green environment. Initially this place used to be a picnic spot. The flock of different kinds of birds used to attract the people here. Also, python, reindeer, parrot, peacock, rabbit etc. were kept in the enclosure in Vinod forest. Most of these animals died due to illness and lack of care. Gradually the Vinod forest became dismal. The situation had come in the middle that there was not enough budget for the food grains of animals. Somehow the forest department used to arrange their grain and water.

For the last three years, an attempt to fix Vinod One started and since Yogi Adityanath has taken over as the Chief Minister, this effort has gained more momentum. Now Vinod Forest's condition has started improving. The number of animals and birds has started increasing. Food and water are arranged on time for them. A total of three employees are engaged in their supervision. Water system and toilets have been fixed. On arrival here recently, the Chief Minister had expressed his intention to build the zoo within a year and said that there will be no lack of...

Nice place for picnic.. Pleasant environment. The park has barbed boundary from all the sides. On one side, you’ll find big palm trees, dotting the road. Vinodvan encompasses a children park with slopes and rides, a mini zoo, flower garden, small rest house and a cafeteria. Toilet facility is there on the back side of zoo. On Sundays Families, couples and children flock here in the mid morning, bring their breakfast or lunches, they enjoy eating in the company of wilderness, walk inside, watch animals in...