India’s first and world's 5th night safari to debut in Lucknow in December 2026: CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday (Nov 19), said that the state will gift the country its first-night safari by December 2026. Spread over 900 acres, the night safari will be built in Lucknow in a phased manner, boasting facilities such as a cafeteria, 7D theater, auditorium, parking and more. The night safari will become a new destination for nature lovers from India and around the world, revealed CM Yogi during a high-level meeting held at his official residence.

After reviewing the presentation on the proposed Kukrail Night Safari Park and Zoo, CM Yogi directed that construction be completed by June 2026. He emphasized the need to begin preparations for acquiring wildlife for the safari and zoo without delay.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the development of a sustainable model for the economy of the night safari and zoo. He instructed that 72% of the area be developed with greenery and solar energy projects be incorporated.

The Chief Minister stated that the Night Safari project is a major initiative of the state government, and approval for its construction has already been obtained from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 

"Uttar Pradesh will gift the country its first Night Safari by December 2026. The construction of both the night and day safaris will take place in phases over 900 acres in Lucknow", he stated.

He further mentioned that once the Kukrail Night Safari is completed, it will be featured on the international tourism map, attracting foreign tourists as well. The project will also be connected to other tourist destinations in Lucknow. Additionally, he directed that 72% of the area should be developed with greenery.

The Chief Minister instructed that the process of identifying animals, bringing them in, and setting up quarantine should begin immediately. The Kukrail Night Safari project will also include the development of an eco-tourism zone. 

He emphasized the inclusion of solar energy projects in the plan. The Chief Minister further directed that proper arrangements be made for a quarantine center, veterinary hospital, post-operation facilities, and an operation theater. There will also be provisions for a cafeteria, 7D theater, auditorium, parking, and other amenities.

He suggested that the Adventure Zone should feature attractions such as the Superman Zipline, archery, zip line, Burma Bridge, pedal boats, sky roller, fountains, jungle animal-themed kids' activities, and sky cycling. 

The day safari will be expanded in the second phase. The meeting was attended by the state's Forest Minister (Independent Charge) Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena and officials from the government and Forest Department.

Here are the key features of the Night and Day Safari:

- The Night Safari area will be developed with themed sections like Indian Walking Trail, Indian Foothill, Indian Wetland, Arid India, and African Wetland, which will be major attractions.

- Tourists will be able to explore the Night Safari Park via a 5.5 km tramway and a 1.92 km pathway.

- The main attractions of the Night Safari will include the Asiatic Lion, Gharial, Bengal Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Leopard, Hyena, and more.

- A world-class wildlife hospital and rescue center is also proposed as part of the Kukrail Night Safari project.

- A total of 63 enclosures will be built in the zoo to be set up in the Kukrail forest area.

- Key attractions at the zoo will include Sarus Cranes, Swamp Deer, Himalayan Bears, South African Giraffes, African Lions, and Chimpanzees.

- The zoo will be developed with themed areas such as African Savannah, Incredible India, and Engineered Wetland.

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• Yogi Adityanath
• Lucknow night safari
• India's first night safari