A Nocturnal Vision for the City
Wildlife enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate as Lucknow prepares to launch India's first urban night safari. This ambitious project, located in the sprawling Kukrail Reserve Forest, recently received the final go-ahead from the Supreme Court, clearing
the way for its development. Inspired by world-renowned attractions like Singapore's Night Safari, the park aims to offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals in their most active state. Unlike traditional daytime zoos, this facility will focus entirely on the creatures of the night, providing a fresh perspective on wildlife conservation and tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The project will be developed in two phases, with the first phase dedicated to the night safari and the second phase involving a day zoo.
The After-Dark Experience
Visitors can anticipate a carefully curated adventure designed to be both exciting and minimally intrusive to the animals. The core experience will be a 40-minute guided tour on quiet, battery-operated trams. These vehicles will navigate through specially designed trails under a unique lighting system that simulates natural moonlight, ensuring animals are not disturbed by harsh, artificial lights. The enclosures are being modelled as naturalistic habitats, complete with open wetlands and grasslands, separated from visitors by moats or glass barriers instead of traditional cages. This design philosophy aims to provide an unobstructed and authentic viewing experience, making you feel as if you are truly in the wild. The park is expected to feature a wide variety of animals, with plans for more than 100 species.
What You Can Expect to See
The safari is set to house an impressive array of fauna. Initial plans confirm the presence of major predators like Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, and leopards. Other nocturnal species, such as hyenas and flying squirrels, will also be part of the habitat. The entire project will be developed on approximately 855 acres within the larger Kukrail Reserve Forest, an area already celebrated for its conservation efforts. It is home to India's oldest and most successful Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, a legacy of conservation that will continue alongside the new development. While the day zoo might eventually house animals like giraffes and zebras in a later phase, the night safari will focus on species that thrive after dark.
Conservation Meets Tourism
The Kukrail Night Safari is more than just a tourist attraction; it represents a significant step towards combining eco-tourism with robust conservation principles. The project, with an estimated cost of over ₹1,500 crore, is a major investment in the state's tourism infrastructure. The approval process was lengthy, taking years to clear environmental and regulatory hurdles, ensuring that the ecologically sensitive forest area is protected. The Supreme Court has mandated strict compliance with environmental safeguards, and the project will be monitored periodically. One key decision was to not relocate the existing Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail, preserving its historical and environmental significance in its current location.
Planning Your Future Visit
While the green light has been given, the park is not yet open to the public. The first phase of construction is expected to take approximately two years to complete, with a tentative opening timeline projected for sometime between 2026 and 2027. Aspiring visitors should wait for official announcements from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the official opening date, ticket prices, and operating hours. Once operational, the safari will be a major draw for families, nature lovers, and photographers looking for a unique adventure close to a major city. It promises to add a wild new dimension to Lucknow's rich cultural tapestry, giving visitors another compelling reason to explore the city after sunset.
