Want to visit an oasis of greenery in Lucknow? The best destination out of the various options is the Kukrail Reserve Forest. A perfect place with the overflow of vegetation, well-to-do natural life, flawless stream, extraordinary scenes, and a serene setting. The Kukrail Reserve Forest is located near Khurram Nagar in Lucknow.
The Kukrail Reserve Forest is a dense forest, with a stream going through it. There is a delightful Rose Garden that sprouts in the winter, which is merely 100 meters from the entry. Kukrail is additionally the rearing park for alligators and crocodiles. Various types of birds and turtles can also be viewed there.
However, there is also a big park with seats and swings for kids, not in large numbers though. That is the spot you would want to have a picnic.
On the way to the Kukrail Forest Reserve toll tax has to be paid. Though, there is no entry fee, parking charges are collected. The time to visit the forest reserve is 9 am to 5 pm.
History
The Kukrail Forest reserve was created in the 1950s as a plantation forest. The idea of setting up a reproducing place for the Endangered Crocodile Species came after a study in 1975 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, UNO.
The study assessed that there were just 300 crocodiles left in the open rivers of Uttar Pradesh. The center at Kukrail came up in the year 1978, which was financed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in a joint effort with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, India.
In the Kukrail Forest Reserve artificial breeding is done. The breeding program has helped in the development of crocodiles in Uttar Pradesh as well as in the adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Kukrail Forest Reserve is among the main two Crocodile Reserve in the Country.
How to reach
It is very easy for anyone to reach the Kukrail Forest Reserve. Public transport is easily available from any corner of the city to Kukrail. Auto-rickshaw and buses are the cheapest and most convenient ways to reach the location.
Other than public transport, taxis are also easily available to reach the Kukrail Forest.
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Local Cuisine
Lucknow is famous for its cuisine. The food you will get here is unique and was greatly patronized by the Mughals.
Most dishes here are kebabs, kormas, roomali rotis, and many others. Even the Kebabs here various varieties like Kakori Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kababs, Ghutwa Kebabs, and Seekh Kebabs.
There are some desserts which are only found in Lucknow like Malai- Makhan, Faluda Kulfi, Nawabi Zafrani Kheer, Shahi Tukda, Kali Gajar ka Halwa, and many others. Definitely, try some of these. If possible, I would recommend to try all of these when in Lucknow.
Accommodation
The best places to make your stay comfortable in Lucknow are listed below:
- Premium Hotel (Radisson hotel)
Price – Rs.4050/ per night (approximately)
Radisson is situated in the city center and puts you near places like Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and Hussainabad Clock Tower.
- Deluxe Hotel (Hotel Deep Palace)
Price- Rs. 1314/ per night (approximately)
The hotel is located in the cant area of Lucknow.
- Budget-Friendly Hotel (Hashtag Traveler’s Dorm)
Price – Rs.600/ per night (approximately)
Suggestions
- Best time to visit is during winters.
- Carry your identification card. Sometimes, it is checked at the entrance.
- The entry for the Deer Park is different from the entry to the garden and reserve.
- Carry Binoculars to view properly.
- Bring a water bottle along.
- Boating is also available in the forest reserve.
- Do not go there after sunset as animal sightings is commonly taken place.
Conclusion
Kukrail Reserve Forest is a must-visit vacation destination in Lucknow to spend some quality time with your family far away from the turbulent city life. One should visit the Kukrail Forest Reserve to see with their own eyes the methodology and steps taken by the Government and the concerned authorities to protect those crocodiles and breed them.
A Leopard Rescue Centre is also coming up at Kukrail which will house the Leopards from regions that see man-creature clashes and deaths. The Crocodile and Leopard Reserve make Kukrail an exceptionally captivating spot to visit. Along with this, a night safari is also going to be introduced soon in the Kukrail Forest Reserve. This will offer world-class facilities for Eco-tourism to the tourists. Keep this forest reserve on your travel list to get an amazing experience of witnessing the wildlife.
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