Lucknow, the historic capital of Uttar Pradesh, is poised to make national headlines with the development of India’s first urban night safari in the Kukrail Forest Area. Inspired by world-class experiences such as Singapore’s Night Safari, this project aims to transform the Kukrail Reserve Forest into a unique eco-tourism destination offering after-dark wildlife viewing, nature trails, family attractions, and enhanced visitor facilities.
What Is the Kukrail Night Safari?
The Kukrail Night Safari is proposed as the country’s first such attraction located within an urban forest area, unlike traditional night safaris found near large wildlife reserves. The safari will provide visitors with opportunities to observe nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife, explore themed ecological zones, and enjoy immersive wildlife experiences after sunset.
Officials from the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Board (UPETB) describe the project as a major step in promoting eco-tourism in Lucknow, leveraging the Kukrail Forest’s biodiversity and existing wildlife conservation centres such as crocodile, gharial, and turtle sanctuaries.
Where Is Kukrail Forest?
The Kukrail Forest Area lies on the northern fringes of Lucknow, beside the Kukrail river. It is a significant green belt and biodiversity zone for the city, serving as a habitat for reptiles (including gharials and crocodiles), birds, and other fauna, as well as offering local communities recreational green space.
What to Expect at the Night Safari
Plans for the Kukrail Night Safari include:
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Nocturnal wildlife viewing zones
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Nature walk trails and interpretive paths
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Children’s parks and play areas
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Eco-friendly accommodation options (e.g., bamboo huts)
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Cafeteria and visitor facilities for comfort
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Interpretive spaces highlighting forest ecology
The project also proposes themed safari sectors, riverfront green areas, pedestrian pathways, and specialized tram or guided vehicle routes for after-dark wildlife viewing.
Tourism and Local Development
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has prioritized the Kukrail Night Safari as a flagship eco-tourism initiative for Lucknow. Investments have begun for broader forest area activation with trails, parks, and visitor services to make Kukrail an attractive destination year-round.
Officials expect the project to:
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Boost tourism revenue
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Create local employment in hospitality and services
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Offer educational eco-tourism experiences
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Improve accessibility to urban green spaces
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Generate pride and engagement among city residents and visitors alike
Environmental Considerations and Debate
While the night safari has been widely promoted as a tourism and wildlife experience, it is not without controversy. Environmental groups and conservation advocates have raised concerns about the scale of infrastructure development within the Kukrail Reserve Forest, emphasizing the forest’s role as Lucknow’s last significant natural green lung and its importance for air quality, biodiversity, and climate comfort in rapidly urbanizing areas.
A recent Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report recommended modifications to road construction plans to protect trees and natural habitats, reflecting the need for a careful balance between tourism development and environmental protection.
These debates underscore that eco-tourism and conservation must go hand in hand, particularly in urban forest ecosystems that double as nature sanctuaries and recreational spaces.
How This Fits Into Lucknow’s Green Vision
Lucknow is increasingly focused on becoming a model of sustainable urban development, with multiple projects designed to enhance green infrastructure, biodiversity zones, and nature-centric public spaces. Initiatives such as forest planting along the Kukrail river and development of eco-friendly pathways highlight this broader agenda.
FAQ & People Also Ask (PAA)
What makes the Kukrail Night Safari unique?
Unlike safari projects near large wildlife reserves, Kukrail will be India’s first urban night safari, situated within a forested zone adjacent to a major city.
Where is it located?
It is being developed in the Kukrail Forest Area, on the northern edge of Lucknow along the Kukrail river.
What attractions will the safari include?
Visitors can expect nocturnal wildlife viewing zones, nature trails, children’s parks, eco cabins, and visitor amenities intended to enhance the wildlife tourism experience.
Is the night safari environmentally controversial?
Some conservation advocates argue that extensive development may threaten Kukrail’s forest ecosystem, urging careful planning and adherence to environmental safeguards.
When is it expected to open?
The state government has previously indicated phases of construction going toward completion by late 2026, though environmental clearances and detailed implementation timelines are ongoing.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Lucknow Eco-Tourism
The development of the Kukrail Night Safari represents a bold and innovative step for Lucknow’s tourism landscape—blending wildlife engagement, conservation awareness, and urban green-space activation. If implemented with sensitivity to local ecology and biodiversity, it could establish a new kind of wildlife experience that showcases nocturnal nature close to an urban population.
At the same time, careful stewardship, expert input, and community dialogue will be key to ensuring that this unique safari preserves the very ecosystem it celebrates.
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