Kukrail Reserve Forest - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 13 km from Lucknow Junction, Kukrail Reserve Forest is an urban forest located in Lucknow. Situated in the outskirts of Lucknow city, it is one of the well-known places to visit as part of Lucknow holiday packages.

The Kukrail Reserve Forest was planted in the 1950s over 5000 acres to serve as the city's green lungs. It has a gharial breeding center that was set up in 1978 to breed and preserve the endangered freshwater gharials, one of the 3 native species of crocodiles in India. The center was funded by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

Also referred to as the Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, the center in Kukrail forest collects crocodile eggs from the banks of Ramganga, Suheli, Girwa, and Chambal Rivers by the forest authorities and put in this center. After hatching and grooming them artificially, they are released into the river again. It is one of such 3 crocodile breeding centers in India. Kukrail crocodile center and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust are rated as the top two most successful crocodile breeding centers by the National Geographic Society, the third being the Crocodile Breeding Centre at Kurukshetra.

The Kukrail Reserve Forest also houses a deer park where one can see sambars, blackbucks, and spotted deer. Along with this, the forest department of Uttar Pradesh has also initiated a proposal for developing a Leopard Rescue Centre in Kukrail. The Forest department has several nurseries spread across the forest, which are connected by the nature trails and sell plants at low prices. This popular tourist site in Lucknow is also known for bird watching as it is home to over 200 species of residents local and migrant birds.

The abundance of greenery, affluent wildlife, gorgeous stream, exotic landscapes, and serene setting make Kukrail Reserve Forest one of the ideal family-friendly places to visit in Lucknow for a day outing with friends and family. The place boasts a Children's Park, Cafeteria, Museum, Boating, and Rest House.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free, Rs. 10 for Boating, Rs. 25 for Car & Rs. 100 for Bus Parking