Lucknow To Get India's First Urban Night Safari At Kukrail Forest Area

As daylight fades in Lucknow’s northern fringes, the forests along the Kukrail river are set to take on a new role in the city’s tourism landscape. Known primarily as a green buffer and a wildlife conservation zone, the Kukrail Forest Area is now being developed into a major after-dark attraction, with plans underway for what is being described as India’s first urban night safari.

According to a statement released on Saturday (Dec 27), the Uttar Pradesh government is developing the Kukrail Night Safari in Lucknow to promote tourism activities in the state. The project is inspired by the Singapore night safari model and aims to offer visitors a structured nocturnal wildlife experience within an urban setting. Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to position Kukrail as a multi-use eco-tourism zone while improving visitor infrastructure around existing sanctuaries.

The night safari project is being developed in conjunction with upgrades to the crocodile, gharial, and turtle conservation facilities located within the Kukrail Forest Area. Authorities said the combined focus on wildlife viewing, conservation, and visitor amenities is expected to expand tourism options in the state capital while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Night Safari And Sanctuary Upgrades Planned At Kukrail

The proposed Kukrail Night Safari aims to enable visitors to observe nocturnal animals during evening hours, a format that has not been previously implemented in an urban Indian setting. Officials stated that the safari will be developed with controlled access and designated viewing areas to minimise disturbance to wildlife.

At the same time, the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Board (UPETB) is upgrading facilities at the crocodile, gharial, and turtle sanctuaries located within the forest zone. These sanctuaries already attract nature enthusiasts and researchers, but authorities say that limited infrastructure has restricted their tourism potential.

To address this, UPETB is developing a range of visitor amenities designed to make the area more accessible to families, students, and eco-tourists. These include a children’s park, play stations, bamboo round huts, nature walk trails, an open gym, and a cafeteria. Parking areas and toilet facilities are also being constructed to improve basic visitor convenience.

Additional Director of UPETB, Pushp Kumar, stated that the board is investing approximately INR 2 crore to develop tourism facilities within the Kukrail Forest Area. According to him, the upgrades are designed to provide a more structured and informative experience for visitors while ensuring that conservation remains a priority.

As part of the project, a children’s park and play stations are being created, featuring adventure games, swings, and open fitness equipment. Officials said these features are intended to attract families and encourage outdoor activity without putting pressure on sensitive forest zones.

Focus On Eco-friendly Infrastructure And Visitor Access

Officials said environmental considerations are central to the Kukrail development plan. Round huts made of bamboo are being constructed as part of the project, reflecting an effort to use sustainable materials within the forest area. The huts are intended to serve as rest points for visitors and as spaces for interpretation and guided activities.

Nature walk trails are also being developed along the Kukrail River, allowing visitors to explore the forest landscape on foot. These trails are designed to offer close interaction with local flora and birdlife, while keeping human movement restricted to marked paths. Officials said the trails would be used for guided walks, bird-watching sessions, and educational programs.

A cafeteria is being set up within the forest area to cater to visitors spending extended time at the site. Additionally, new toilet blocks and parking facilities are being constructed to address long-standing gaps in basic infrastructure. Authorities said these additions are essential to manage the expected increase in footfall once the night safari becomes operational.

Additional Director Kumar said construction work has already begun and is expected to be completed soon. According to him, tourists visiting the Kukrail Forest Area in the initial months of the new year will be able to access the new facilities.

Officials added that the combined development of the night safari and its supporting infrastructure is expected to promote eco-tourism, generating revenue and employment opportunities for local residents. The project is also viewed as a means to enhance public engagement with wildlife conservation in urban settings.

Once completed, the Kukrail Night Safari and its associated amenities are expected to put Lucknow on the map for urban wildlife tourism, offering residents and visitors an alternative experience that blends conservation, recreation, and education within the city limits.

(With inputs from PTI)

FAQs

1. What is the Kukrail Night Safari in Lucknow?
The Kukrail Night Safari is a proposed after-dark wildlife tourism project being developed in the Kukrail Forest Area, making it India’s first urban night safari inspired by the Singapore model.

2. Where will the Kukrail Night Safari be located?
The night safari will be located within the Kukrail Forest Area on the outskirts of Lucknow, along the Kukrail river, which already houses crocodile, gharial and turtle conservation facilities.

3. When is the Kukrail Night Safari expected to open?
While an official opening date has not been announced, Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Board officials have said that new visitor facilities are expected to be accessible in the early months of the coming year.

4. What facilities are being developed at Kukrail Forest Area?
The project includes a night safari zone, upgraded wildlife sanctuaries, nature walk trails, bamboo huts, a children’s park, open gym, cafeteria, parking areas and toilet facilities.

5. Is the Kukrail Night Safari eco-friendly?
Yes. Officials have said the project emphasises sustainable and eco-friendly development, with controlled visitor access, bamboo structures, designated trails and a strong focus on wildlife conservation.