A Nocturnal Kingdom in the City
Imagine exploring a forest after dark, with the sounds of the wilderness coming alive around you. This is the experience promised by the Kukrail Night Safari, an ambitious project taking shape in Lucknow. Unlike traditional zoos that close at dusk, a night
safari allows visitors to see nocturnal and crepuscular (active at twilight) animals during their most active hours. Inspired by the world-famous Singapore Night Safari, this project aims to create an immersive environment where animals can be observed under simulated moonlight, ensuring a thrilling yet non-disruptive experience for both visitors and residents. Guests will tour the grounds on quiet, battery-operated trams, venturing through different zones designed to mimic natural landscapes.
The Transformation of Kukrail Forest
The safari is being developed within the expansive Kukrail Reserve Forest, an ecologically significant area on the outskirts of Lucknow. This massive project will cover approximately 855 acres within the larger 5,000-hectare reserve. The area is already home to a renowned Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, which will continue its conservation work alongside the new development. The plan involves two main components: the night safari itself and a modern day zoo, creating an integrated wildlife hub. A recent Supreme Court clearance has paved the way for construction to begin, though it comes with strict environmental conditions, ensuring the project proceeds responsibly.
Meet the Residents of the Night
The safari is set to house a diverse range of species, with a special focus on those active at night. Visitors can look forward to seeing majestic predators like Bengal tigers and Asiatic lions, alongside leopards, hyenas, and flying squirrels. The project plans for dozens of modern, open-air enclosures designed by the Central Zoo Authority, which will provide a naturalistic habitat for the animals. In total, the night safari and day zoo combined are expected to house over 100 species. The layout will use moats or glass barriers to ensure visitor safety while offering unobstructed views, making it feel like a true expedition into the wild.
More Than Just a Safari
Beyond the main tram tour, the complex is planned to be a comprehensive eco-tourism destination. The master plan includes visitor interpretation centres, a 7D theatre, and educational facilities to promote wildlife conservation. While some initial, more amusement-park-like ideas such as an 'adventure zone' were scaled back to protect the forest's ecology, the focus remains on creating a rich, multi-faceted visitor experience. The project will also feature walking trails, a large aviary, and food courts, making it a complete outing for families and nature enthusiasts. The entire facility is also designed to be eco-friendly, with plans to be fully solar-powered.
The Road to Opening
After years of planning, the project received its final green light from the Supreme Court in July 2026. However, some original plans have been modified; for example, the proposal to relocate the existing Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail was rejected to preserve the green lung in the city centre. Construction of the first phase, the night safari, is expected to take approximately two years. This means wildlife lovers will need to be patient, with a potential opening targeted for sometime after the main construction phase is complete. Officials are now moving forward with the tender awarded for the night safari's construction, marking a significant step from plan to reality.
