Rajkot Residents Can Soon Enjoy Lion Safaris Without Traveling to Gir
Lion Safari Park Rajkot: For years, wildlife enthusiasts from Gujarat and beyond have traveled to Gir National Park to see Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. That journey is set to become optional as Rajkot prepares to welcome its very own Lion Safari Park, located just behind the Pradyuman Park Zoo.
Spread across 29 hectares, the park is being developed at a cost of ₹44 crore and promises a safe, immersive wildlife experience right in the city. Officials report that over 70% of construction is already complete, with the park expected to open by April 2026.
A Vision to Bring the Jungle Closer to the City
The idea of creating a Lion Safari in Rajkot came from the city’s vision of combining urban life with nature. Led by then Municipal Commissioner Anand Patel, the project aims to:
- Boost local tourism
- Offer a family-friendly recreational destination
- Provide a safe space for lions outside Gir to support conservation
The Central Zoo Authority of India approved the project, allowing construction to proceed across seven structured phases, carefully balancing ecological needs and visitor amenities.
Phased Development: Progress So Far
The project timeline is ambitious. While the park’s official completion is set for June 2026, authorities expect most construction to finish by March 2026, paving the way for an April opening.
Completed phases include:
- Outer compound wall and chain-link fencing
- Internal roads and inspection pathways
- Two-way vehicle and visitor gates
Ongoing work includes:
- Lion night shelters for resting areas
- Entrance plaza with ticketing and visitor services
- Food plaza, playgrounds, and parking facilities
- Water infrastructure, including a Ground Storage Reservoir (GSR)
So far, approximately ₹27.57 crore has been spent out of the total ₹44 crore budget.
World-Class Security and Design
Safety is central to the park’s design. The perimeter features a dual protection system:
- Outer compound wall: 2.75 meters high, stretching 3,500 meters
- Inner chain-link fence: 5 meters high, covering 5,500 meters
Near Randarda Lake, a 1,000-meter RCC wall adds additional protection. Between the two boundaries, a five-meter-wide inspection path enables staff to monitor lions safely, keeping visitors at a secure distance.
City Engineer Manoj Srivastava explains, “The design ensures that lions remain within the safari zone while preventing unauthorized access. It is completely secure for both animals and visitors.”
Sustainable Water Management from Lalpari Randarda Lake
The park incorporates eco-friendly water management, drawing water from Lalpari Randarda Lake to support both vegetation and wildlife.
Water is pumped through DI pipelines to the Ground Storage Reservoir (GSR) and distributed via gravity to ponds, plantations, and drinking zones. This ensures a consistent water supply while maintaining environmental sustainability.
A Green Haven for Lions and Visitors
The park’s lush forest design replicates the dry deciduous habitats of Gir, with thousands of trees planted to provide shade and shelter. Visitors will enjoy an immersive experience, surrounded by greenery that supports a thriving mini-ecosystem.
Modern Lion Enclosures and Night Shelters
The park provides night shelters for lions, ensuring safe, comfortable resting areas. Each zone includes:
- Natural flooring and shaded structures
- Water ponds and open roaming areas
- Adjacent observation decks for safe viewing
This design allows visitors to enjoy close encounters while prioritizing the well-being of the animals.
Entrance Plaza and Visitor Amenities
The park’s entrance plaza is being developed as a welcoming hub with:
- Digital ticketing counters
- Parking facilities for cars and buses
- Food court serving a variety of cuisines
- Children’s play areas
- Sculpture spots and resting zones
This blend of leisure, education, and convenience ensures a family-friendly experience.
Boosting Tourism and the Local Economy
The park is expected to attract:
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Families and school groups
- Domestic and international tourists
Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services, will benefit. Additionally, the park will create employment opportunities for guides, maintenance staff, and drivers.
Technology-Driven Wildlife Monitoring
The Lion Safari Park Rajkot incorporates advanced monitoring systems to track lion movements using cameras and GPS. This ensures visitor safety, aids in research, and supports wildlife management.
Eco-friendly safari vehicles will transport visitors, minimizing noise and environmental impact.
Conservation Efforts and Asiatic Lion Preservation
The park is part of Gujarat’s broader conservation strategy. By providing additional habitat space, it supports the Asiatic lion population while educating the public about wildlife protection.
With open areas, water reservoirs, and interconnected tracking systems, the park contributes to the sustainable growth of the lion population outside Gir.
Also read: Delhi Zoo to Implement “Vantara” Model: Gujarat Experts Begin Training Staff
Facilities and Features at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Land | 29 Hectares |
| Project Cost | ₹44 Crore |
| Work Completed | 70% |
| Construction Phases | 7 |
| Expected Completion | March 2026 |
| Public Opening | April 2026 |
| Visitor Facilities | Ticketing, Parking, Food Plaza, Playground, Rest Zones |
| Water Supply | Lalpari Randarda Lake |
Why Lion Safari Park Rajkot Matters
The park is more than a tourist attraction. It represents a commitment to urban wildlife integration, allowing residents to enjoy nature responsibly. Families will no longer need to travel long distances to Gir, making wildlife tourism accessible and sustainable.
Also read:
Rajkot’s New Identity as a Wildlife Hub
Once operational, the Lion Safari Park Rajkot will elevate the city’s profile as a tourism destination in Gujarat. It will complement other local attractions such as:
- Pradyuman Park Zoo
- Randarda Lake
- Khambhalida Caves
Guided safari packages are already being planned, promising a complete wildlife and cultural experience for visitors.
Projected Timeline for Launch
Authorities aim to complete all construction by March 2026, with an official opening in April 2026. Initial visits will include guided bus safaris, with private eco-vehicle tours introduced later.
The park will initially operate with controlled visitor capacity to ensure safety and animal comfort.
Also read: Mucherla Zoo: A Modern Zoo with Cutting-Edge Facilities Coming to Hyderabad
Conclusion: A New Era for Wildlife Tourism in Rajkot
By April 2026, Rajkot will welcome the Lion Safari Park, a premier wildlife destination blending nature, modern facilities, and conservation.
From lush forests and secure enclosures to advanced monitoring and family-friendly amenities, the park promises an unforgettable safari experience. Visitors can soon witness the roar of lions right in the city — a milestone for Gujarat’s wildlife tourism and urban ecological initiatives.
The Lion Safari Park Rajkot will not only entertain but educate, inspire, and ensure the continued protection of one of India’s most iconic species — the Asiatic lion.
