A Nocturnal Kingdom in the City
The city of Nawabs is preparing for a wild new chapter with the development of India's first dedicated urban night safari. After receiving the final green light from the Supreme Court in July 2026, this ambitious project is set to transform a portion
of the 2,027-hectare Kukrail Reserve Forest into a world-class nocturnal wildlife park. Inspired by Singapore's renowned Night Safari, the project aims to offer visitors a unique opportunity to observe animals during their most active hours—after sunset. The safari is a cornerstone of the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to boost tourism beyond the state's traditional heritage sites, creating a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.
What to Expect After Sundown
The core of the experience will be a journey through specially designed enclosures that mimic natural habitats. Visitors will travel on quiet, battery-operated trams during a ride expected to last around 40 minutes. A key feature is the sophisticated lighting system, engineered to simulate moonlight, which allows clear viewing without disturbing the animals' natural behaviour. The park will be divided into thematic zones, such as Indian Wetland, Arid India, and African Savanna. Among the planned inhabitants are majestic species like Asiatic lions and Bengal tigers, as well as leopards, sloth bears, and flying squirrels. This setup provides a stark contrast to traditional daytime zoos, where many nocturnal creatures are often seen resting or inactive.
More Than Just a Safari
The Rs 1,500-crore project is a multi-faceted development that combines tourism with conservation and education. While a proposal to relocate the main Lucknow zoo was rejected, the site will feature a separate Day Zoo, a modern wildlife hospital, and extensive research facilities. It will also build upon the legacy of the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, a pioneering conservation program that has operated in the forest for decades. The master plan includes amenities like a 7D theatre, an interpretation centre, and food courts to create a comprehensive visitor experience. However, following reviews by environmental committees, some elements like a proposed adventure zone have been scaled back to prioritise ecological balance.
The Path to Opening
First announced in 2022, the project faced a multi-year journey through regulatory and judicial approvals due to its location within an ecologically sensitive reserve forest. With the Supreme Court's conditional approval granted in mid-July 2026, the path is now clear for construction to accelerate. The court has mandated strict environmental safeguards, including a 1:10 compensatory tree plantation rule and periodic inspections by a monitoring committee. Officials estimate that Phase 1 of the construction will take approximately two years to complete. While no official opening date has been confirmed since the court's verdict, government timelines previously indicated a potential public opening by late 2026 or early 2027, a target that will now depend on the pace of construction following the final clearance.
