A Vision for Nocturnal Wildlife
Uttar Pradesh is set to launch India's first night safari in the Kukrail Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Lucknow. This trailblazing project, inspired by Singapore's world-renowned attraction, recently received the final green light from the Supreme
Court after years of ecological scrutiny. The concept is simple yet captivating: allow visitors to observe nocturnal animals when they are most active. Unlike a traditional zoo, the safari will use a specialized lighting system that simulates moonlight, providing clear views for visitors without disturbing the animals' natural behaviour. Guests will travel through distinct zones in quiet, battery-operated vehicles on dedicated trails, creating an immersive and eco-friendly experience.
More Than Just a Safari
The Rs 1,510-crore project is more than just a ride through the woods. It is a large-scale development spread over 855 acres within the Kukrail Reserve Forest. The master plan includes a modern day zoo, interpretation centres, a 7D theatre, and an auditorium. The facility will be developed in two phases, starting with the night safari and an eco-tourism zone. It is designed to be a major destination, with officials anticipating a footfall of 4,000 visitors on weekdays and up to 8,000 on weekends. The project also includes robust conservation breeding facilities, underscoring its dual role as a centre for both tourism and wildlife preservation.
The Kukrail Conservation Legacy
The choice of Kukrail forest is significant. This 2,027-hectare protected green space has been an important ecological lung for Lucknow since the 1950s. Crucially, it is home to the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, established in 1975. For over five decades, this centre has been one of India's most successful reptile conservation facilities, breeding critically endangered gharials and releasing them into rivers across the country. The new project is being developed with a mandate to coexist with and build upon this legacy. The Supreme Court's approval came with strict conditions, including periodic inspections to ensure all environmental safeguards are met, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of conservation.
What Visitors Can Expect to See
The night safari promises a thrilling cast of nocturnal and crepuscular creatures. Plans include creating naturalistic habitats for iconic species like Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, leopards, and hyenas. These enclosures are being modelled on natural ecosystems, incorporating grasslands, wetlands, and native vegetation to create an immersive visitor experience. With plans for over 100 species to be eventually housed across the entire complex, it aims to be one of the largest integrated wildlife tourism projects in the country. The unique opportunity to see these magnificent animals active after dark is the core attraction that sets this project apart from any other in India.
Boosting Uttar Pradesh's Tourism Circuit
For Uttar Pradesh, the night safari is a strategic move to diversify its tourism portfolio. The state is already a powerhouse of religious and heritage tourism, with destinations like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and the Taj Mahal drawing millions. The Lucknow night safari, along with a broader push for eco-tourism in places like Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves, aims to establish UP as a premier wildlife destination as well. By adding a world-class wildlife attraction near the state capital, the government hopes to create a new tourism hub, generate employment, and encourage longer stays from both domestic and international visitors.
