A Nocturnal Adventure in the City
Imagine observing majestic big cats and other elusive creatures under a simulated moonlight, right on the edge of a bustling city. This is the vision for the Kukrail Night Safari, an initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government that recently received the final
green light from the Supreme Court. Inspired by Singapore's world-renowned Night Safari, the project aims to offer a unique window into the lives of nocturnal animals, which are often inactive and hidden during the day. Visitors will tour the expansive park in low-noise trams, allowing them to see animals like tigers, leopards, and bears in large, naturalistic enclosures that mimic their native habitats. The experience is designed to be immersive and educational, showcasing animal behaviours rarely seen in traditional daytime zoos.
What to Expect on Your Visit
The project, estimated to cost around ₹1,500 crore, will be developed within the 2,027-hectare Kukrail Reserve Forest. The first phase will feature approximately 38 animal enclosures designed to house a variety of species. Confirmed inhabitants include Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and various deer species. The enclosures are being designed without traditional cages, using moats and special barriers to provide an unobstructed view, while subdued lighting will replicate a natural moonlit environment. Visitors will be guided through different themed zones, such as an African savanna and Indian wetlands, on a dedicated tram network expected to take about 40 minutes. While an earlier proposal for a large adventure zone was scrapped, the plan still includes walking trails and other visitor amenities.
A Project Shaped by Scrutiny
First announced in 2022, the project underwent four years of intense regulatory and judicial review due to its location within an ecologically sensitive reserve forest. Environmental groups and some former officials raised concerns about the potential impact on the forest's ecosystem, including light and noise pollution, and the felling of trees. These concerns led to significant modifications. The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) rejected an initial proposal to relocate the entire Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail. It also mandated that a road through the forest be limited to a two-lane route instead of a four-lane corridor. The final approval from the Supreme Court came with strict conditions, requiring compliance with all safeguards recommended by the CEC, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The court has ordered periodic inspections to ensure these conditions are met.
Conservation at its Core
Kukrail is already a site of significant conservation work. Since 1975, it has been home to the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, one of India's most successful breeding programs for the critically endangered gharial. This vital conservation work is set to continue alongside the new development. The night safari and an associated zoological park are being positioned not just as a tourist attraction but as a centre for wildlife conservation and education. The project aims to enhance Lucknow's status as a major tourist destination, adding a modern wildlife experience to its rich historical and cultural offerings. Officials hope it will attract both domestic and international visitors, boosting the local economy while promoting awareness about wildlife.
When Can You Visit?
With the final legal hurdles cleared in July 2026, the project is moving towards the construction phase. The first phase is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete. While an exact opening date has not been finalised, the target for welcoming the first visitors is sometime during the 2026-27 period, subject to construction progress and final regulatory compliance. For now, wildlife enthusiasts and potential visitors will have to wait for official announcements, but Lucknow is one step closer to offering a unique after-dark adventure that could redefine urban tourism in India.
