Gujarat’s Banaskantha district is set to become home to Asia’s first desert-themed drive-through night safari and zoological park after the project received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The ambitious initiative at Juna Deesa is expected to strengthen wildlife conservation, promote ecotourism and create employment opportunities in North Gujarat.
Spread across approximately 103 hectares of government land, the Gujarat Forest Department has planned the project at an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore. The development has been designed in accordance with CZA guidelines and will combine wildlife conservation with immersive visitor experiences.
The proposed zoological park is expected to house around 2,700 animals and birds representing nearly 83 species. A major attraction will be an international-standard drive-through Night Safari, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal wildlife in specially designed habitats after sunset. The facility will feature five dedicated Night Safari enclosures alongside a separate daytime zoo.
Desert-Themed Wildlife Experience
The park will be developed around an arid desert ecosystem, incorporating natural landscapes and dunes. Visitors will be able to see several Indian desert species, including chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, Asiatic lion, leopard, Indian wolf, caracal, striped hyena and Indian desert fox.
The project will also showcase wildlife from other desert regions. African species planned for the park include Angolan giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, scimitar oryx, African lions, African cheetahs, black rhinoceroses, meerkats and ostriches, while Australian desert species such as kangaroos, emus and wallabies are also expected to feature.
Beyond the Night Safari, the attraction will include a reptile safari, rainforest biome, aquarium, aviary, reptile house, butterfly park and interpretation centre. Visitor amenities are planned to include a food court, souvenir shop and golf cart services.
Focus on Conservation and Sustainability
The proposed park is intended to function as more than a tourism attraction. Officials said it will support conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, environmental education and scientific interpretation of nature.
Sustainability has also been incorporated into the project's design. Planned measures include rainwater harvesting, solar energy, sewage treatment, solid-waste management, native plantations and green buffer zones aimed at reducing the park’s environmental impact.
The Juna Deesa site was selected for its contiguous land area, natural dunes, proximity to the Banas River and road and railway connectivity. Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen Gujarat’s ecotourism offering and complement destinations such as Vadnagar, Ambaji and Nadabet.
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