Lucknow is getting India’s first-ever urban night safari, and it’s coming up right inside the Kukrail Forest Area. No long drives, no distant jungle lodges—just wildlife, after dark, within the city itself.
For a city known for its culture, food and history, this marks a completely new chapter.
A Forest That Comes Alive at Night
While most wildlife parks shut down after sunset, Kukrail is preparing to open its gates when nature truly wakes up. The night safari is designed to let visitors experience animals during their natural active hours—quietly, carefully, and without disturbing their habitat.
Kukrail already houses crocodile, gharial and turtle conservation centres. The night safari will be built around this ecosystem, offering guided movement through forest sections using low-intensity lighting and controlled access. The idea is simple: observe, don’t interfere.
Not Just for Tourists
This isn’t being built only for travellers. It’s meant for Lucknow’s residents too—families, students, morning walkers, nature lovers—anyone who wants to reconnect with green spaces without leaving the city.
Along with the safari, the forest area is being upgraded with nature trails, bamboo huts, open-air gyms, a children’s park, a cafeteria, better parking and improved washrooms. Everything is planned with eco-friendly materials so the forest still feels like a forest—not a theme park.
Why It Matters
Urban green spaces are shrinking across Indian cities. Projects like this show that development and conservation don’t always have to clash. Officials believe the night safari will not only boost eco-tourism but also create local jobs and build stronger public awareness around wildlife protection.
Most importantly, it gives people a reason to care about what exists in their own backyard.
When Can You Visit?
Work is already underway, and parts of the upgraded Kukrail Forest Area are expected to open soon. Official dates and ticket details are likely to be announced in the coming weeks.
When it does open, Lucknow’s urban night safari won’t just be an attraction—it will be an experience. One that reminds the city what the forest sounds like when the lights go low and the night takes over.
