What Exactly Is the Kukrail Night Safari?
Imagine seeing tigers and leopards active under a moonlit sky, not from a documentary, but right before your eyes. That's the promise of the Kukrail Night Safari. Located within the sprawling 2,027-hectare Kukrail Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Lucknow,
this project is designed to be India's first large-scale urban night safari. Unlike a traditional daytime zoo where many predators are resting, a night safari allows visitors to observe nocturnal animals during their natural hours of activity. The entire experience is being modelled on the highly successful Singapore Night Safari, using specially designed, low-impact lighting that mimics moonlight to create a naturalistic environment without disturbing the animals. After facing several legal hurdles, the project recently received final clearance from the Supreme Court in July 2026, paving the way for construction to move forward.
What Animals Will You See?
The park plans to house an impressive collection of wildlife in spacious, naturalistic enclosures that move away from the concept of conventional cages. Visitors can look forward to seeing majestic predators like Asiatic lions and Bengal tigers, as well as leopards, bears, and hyenas. The safari will also feature unique nocturnal species like the flying squirrel. The project is being developed in phases, with the initial stage set to include around 38 enclosures for 54 different species. Over time, the plan is to expand, potentially adding animals like giraffes and chimpanzees in a second phase and bringing the total number of species to over 100. The habitats will be designed as themed zones, such as an African savanna and Indian wetlands, to create an immersive experience.
The Visitor Experience After Dark
The main attraction will be a guided tour through the park in quiet, battery-operated vehicles or trams, ensuring minimal noise and disturbance to the wildlife. These tram rides are expected to last around 40 minutes, taking visitors through different zones to see the animals. The safari trail itself is planned to be 5.5 kilometres long. Beyond the tram tour, the master plan includes a host of other facilities designed to make it a complete entertainment and educational destination. This includes a 7D theatre, an art gallery, nature trails for walking, a cafeteria, and visitor interpretation centres to promote wildlife awareness. The park will be entirely solar-powered, highlighting its focus on sustainability.
More Than Just a Night Safari
While the night safari is the headline attraction, the project is part of a larger vision for an integrated eco-tourism hub. The plan also includes the development of a separate, modern day zoo within the same area. An earlier proposal to completely shift the existing Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail was rejected by regulatory committees to protect the green space in the city centre. The new day zoo will house animals that are active during the day. This dual-park setup means visitors can have two distinct wildlife experiences at one location. The Kukrail area is already significant for conservation, being home to India's oldest and most successful Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, which will continue to operate alongside the new development.
When Can You Plan Your Visit?
With the final legal clearance from the Supreme Court in July 2026, the project is now on a fast track. However, a project of this scale takes time to build. Phase 1 of construction, which includes the night safari, is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Officials are targeting a potential opening sometime in the 2026-2027 period, though this is subject to construction progress. Given these timelines, wildlife enthusiasts will need to wait a bit longer, but the decks are now clear for what promises to be one of India’s most exciting new tourist destinations.
