Rajkot is all set to roar with a new wildlife attraction that’s bound to redefine the city’s tourism map. The upcoming Lion Safari Park Rajkot is nearly 70% complete and promises to bring the thrill of spotting lions right into the heart of the city — no long drive to Sasan Gir needed anymore.
A New Wildlife Landmark in the Making
Located behind Pradyumn Park Zoo, the Lion Safari Park is being developed by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation over a 29-hectare area. Approved by the Central Zoo Authority, this ambitious project comes with an estimated cost of Rs 44 crore and is progressing swiftly toward its grand opening in April 2026.
Once operational, it will not only give residents and tourists an exciting safari experience but will also become one of Gujarat’s top urban wildlife destinations.
Seven-Phase Construction Plan: 70% Work Completed
The construction of the Lion Safari Park has been divided into seven structured phases, with four phases already completed. Each phase focuses on different components — from forest creation to visitor safety.
Completed Phases Include:
- Dense forest development and tree plantation
- Construction of strong compound walls and chain-link fencing
- Building of internal roads and two-way entry gates
- Inspection paths for staff and tourists to observe lions safely
The remaining three phases will cover:
- Night shelters for lions
- Water storage and supply systems
- Entrance plaza, ticket counters, parking zones, food plaza, and a children’s play area
Out of the Rs 44 crore total budget, nearly Rs 27.57 crore has already been spent, marking significant progress.
Safety First: Fencing and Security Features
Security has been prioritized from the ground up. The entire park has been designed to ensure complete safety for both visitors and animals.
Key Safety Highlights:
- Brick compound walls standing 2.75 meters high and stretching across 3,500 meters
- RCC boundary walls near Randarda Lake covering 1,000 meters
- Chain-link fencing, 5 meters high and 5,500 meters long, encircling the lion zones
- A 5-meter-wide inspection path between the fence and wall for staff patrol and safe tourist observation
These layers of protection make sure the lions stay within their territory while visitors enjoy a thrilling yet secure safari adventure.
Water Supply from Lalpari Randal Lake
The park’s water system has been ingeniously designed to operate via a gravity-fed DI pipeline connected to Lalpari Randal Lake. This ensures a continuous flow of clean water to the Ground Storage Reservoir (GSR), which will distribute water for drinking, irrigation, and maintaining the park’s lush greenery.
This eco-friendly setup is expected to be ready within 2–3 months. Dense vegetation and shrubs will also be planted near water points to provide shade and natural comfort for the lions.
Animal Welfare: Comfort, Care, and Conservation
At the heart of the Lion Safari Park lies a deep commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Every design decision—from enclosure layout to shelter structure—focuses on giving lions a life close to their natural habitat.
Facilities for the Lions:
- Spacious night shelters
- Playgrounds and open roaming areas
- Drinking ponds and cooling pools
- Observation paths for caretakers to monitor health and behavior
This thoughtful balance between freedom and safety ensures that lions can move naturally while being cared for under professional supervision.
Visitor Amenities and Family-Friendly Experience
The Lion Safari Park Rajkot isn’t just about wildlife; it’s designed to be a complete family recreation zone. Visitors will find everything from comfortable seating to food courts inside the campus.
Upcoming Facilities Include:
- Ticket counters and digital entrance plaza
- Parking zones for cars and tourist buses
- Food plaza and refreshment stalls
- Children’s play area and adventure zone
- Smooth internal pathways for walking and sightseeing
Around 35% of the visitor amenities—including the entrance plaza, play zone, and food court—have already been constructed. Once finished, Rajkot’s residents will have a full-day wildlife experience without leaving the city.
Budget, Timeline, and Expected Ticket Prices
The total cost of the project is pegged at Rs 44 crore, with Rs 27 crore already utilized. The remaining construction will conclude by March 2026, and the park is expected to welcome its first visitors by April 2026.
Now, the most anticipated question:
Lion Safari Park Rajkot — What Will Be the Ticket Price?
While the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has not yet officially announced the ticket rates, early indications suggest that the entry ticket price could range between ₹250 and ₹400 per person for adults, and ₹100–₹150 for children, depending on the safari package chosen.
There may also be combo passes for zoo entry and safari rides, as well as discounts for students and senior citizens. For international tourists, pricing may be slightly higher, similar to other Indian wildlife parks.
These rates aim to balance affordability for locals and sustainability for operations, ensuring a world-class experience for all.
Tourism Meets Conservation
Beyond tourism, the Lion Safari Park Rajkot will serve as a center for lion conservation and awareness. It will support:
- Asian lion breeding and protection programs
- Research and monitoring of lion movements
- Public education campaigns on wildlife protection
By providing a safe and semi-natural environment, the park helps preserve the dwindling Asiatic lion population while inspiring visitors to respect and protect wildlife.
Also read: Supreme Court Orders Fast-Track Clearance for Madhuri Elephant’s Rehabilitation Centre in Kolhapur
Boost to Rajkot’s Tourism and Local Economy
Rajkot is already known for its vibrant culture, temples, and parks—but this safari will take its tourism profile to another level. The Lion Safari Park Rajkot will:
- Attract domestic and international tourists
- Increase hotel and restaurant revenues
- Create new local jobs in tourism, transport, and maintenance
- Promote eco-tourism and wildlife awareness
Once operational, the park is expected to draw thousands of visitors each month, putting Rajkot on the map as a new hub for wildlife tourism in Gujarat.
Also read: Lion Safari Park Rajkot: Gujarat’s Next Major Wildlife Destination Set to Open by April 2026
Integration with Nature and Local Ecology
The park’s landscape is designed to mirror the lions’ natural habitat. It features:
- Dense tree cover and grasslands
- Water ponds surrounded by vegetation
- Natural rock formations and shaded resting areas
This setup not only helps lions adapt easily but also educates visitors about biodiversity, habitat conservation, and the importance of coexistence with wildlife.
By simulating a realistic forest environment, the park hopes to inspire future generations to protect nature and its majestic creatures.
Grand Opening in April 2026
According to project officials, the Lion Safari Park Rajkot will be open to the public from April 2026, once all facilities, safety measures, and animal transfers are complete. The coming months will focus on finishing the entrance zone, parking, and food plaza, ensuring a seamless visitor experience from day one.
Conclusion: A New Roar in Rajkot’s Future
The Lion Safari Park Rajkot is more than just a zoo extension — it’s a symbol of progress, conservation, and pride for Gujarat. With modern amenities, sustainable design, and a focus on both tourism and wildlife welfare, the park is set to become one of the most loved attractions in western India.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing lions up close without traveling to Gir, mark your calendar for April 2026 — when the roar of the wild will echo through the heart of Rajkot.
