A Nocturnal Adventure in the City of Nawabs
The city of Lucknow, known for its rich history and culture, is adding a major new attraction to its portfolio: a sprawling night safari and zoological park. Located in the Kukrail Reserve Forest, this ambitious project recently received final clearance
from the Supreme Court, paving the way for construction to begin. Inspired by Singapore's famous nocturnal wildlife park, the Kukrail Night Safari aims to offer visitors a unique chance to observe animals that are most active after dark, all within a carefully managed, naturalistic environment. The project is poised to be India's first urban night safari and the world's fifth, placing Lucknow on the global eco-tourism map.
What Makes a Night Safari Different?
Unlike a traditional zoo, a night safari focuses on the behaviour of nocturnal and crepuscular (active at twilight) creatures. The experience at Kukrail will be designed to be as immersive and non-intrusive as possible. Visitors will tour the park in quiet, battery-operated trams on a 5.5km trail. The entire area will use a specialised lighting system that mimics moonlight, allowing for clear viewing without disturbing the animals' natural behaviours. This setup provides a rare opportunity to see species like leopards, hyenas, and flying squirrels when they are most active, offering a perspective that daytime visits simply cannot match. The enclosures will be large and designed to replicate natural habitats, using moats or glass barriers instead of traditional cages.
The Animals and Attractions
The safari is planned to house an impressive array of wildlife. The initial phase is expected to feature over 50 species in more than 40 modern enclosures. Planned inhabitants include majestic creatures like Asiatic lions and Bengal tigers, as well as leopards, bears, and various deer species. The park will be divided into themed zones, such as an African savanna and Indian wetlands, to create a more authentic experience for visitors. Beyond the animal habitats, the project master plan includes a 7D theatre, an interpretation centre to educate visitors about wildlife, nature trails, and cafeterias. A day zoo is also part of the larger plan, intended to house animals that are active during the day.
Project Timeline and Status
First announced in 2022, the project underwent extensive reviews by environmental and wildlife authorities due to its location within a reserve forest. With the Supreme Court's approval in July 2026, the project is now on a fast track. Officials estimate that construction of the first phase will take approximately two years to complete. While some earlier reports suggested a 2026 opening, a more realistic timeline points towards a public opening in 2027 or 2028, once construction and all administrative procedures are finalised. The state government is now expected to select a construction agency and begin work on-site in the coming months.
Conservation at its Core
The Kukrail Night Safari is not just a tourist attraction; it's also a significant conservation initiative. The Kukrail forest is already home to a renowned Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, which has been instrumental in breeding and reintroducing the critically endangered species into rivers across India for decades. Officials have stated that this conservation work will continue alongside the new development. The project aims to promote wildlife conservation, breeding programs, and research, particularly on nocturnal animal behaviour. It represents a major step in Uttar Pradesh's broader strategy to boost eco-tourism and generate local employment while fostering greater public awareness about wildlife protection.
