Etawah Safari park : Asia's One of the Biggest Wildlife Safari Park

Etawah Safari Park, formerly Lion Safari Etawah, is a proposed drive-through wildlife safari park in Etawah (Uttar Pradesh) and one of the biggest in Asia, with a perimeter of 8 km. It is said that the wildlife officials (entrusted with this project) visited ‘Longleat Safari Park, England’ for inspiration. It will have a lion safari, a deer safari, an elephant safari, a bear safari, and a leopard safari. It has two ‘Vijayanta tanks’ of the Indian Army and a steam locomotive on display. Moreover, it has a 4D theater, which will give you real closeups with wildlife.

Etawah Lion Safari has a ‘high breed Lions Centre’ with varieties and large species of birds and mammals (which live in an environment that, in ways, resembles their natural habitat). A zoo is not only a home for the endangered but also helps them breed well in captivity. So is Etawah Safari Park. Some of the special attractions include White, Gaur, Jaguar, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Deer (Sangai), Lion-tailed Macaque, birds (during winters), and so on.

Attraction

Etawah Safari Park is determined to create facilities for the captive breeding of Asiatic Lions to supplement the captive lion population (within the state and the country). People in this park have the opportunity to visit them, which is most likely impossible in normal circumstances.

This type of safari park creates awareness and sensitivity towards the cause of the conservation of the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) by displaying various species in a near natural habitat. Audio-visual and interactive media are also provided in an interpretation center. Here, people, especially children, can learn about animals practically. Through this interaction, children become aware from the very beginning. The authority creates an eco-awareness facility for local people and visitors. That’s why people feel safe to visit this place.

History

As it is known to all, the Etawah Lion Safari Park is a drive-through safari park in Etawah. It was made open to the public in November 2019. It includes multiple safaris, an ‘Asiatic Lion Breeding Centre,’ and a visitor center.

Etawah Lion Safari was first proposed in 2006, but the work was started in May 2012. Spanish company Art Urbà designed the park. Initially, six lions were migrated to the park back in 2014. However, in 2015, a deer safari, antelope safari, bear safari, and leopard safari were added to the park. Then, the park was renamed ‘Etawah Safari Park.’ The deer safari was inaugurated on 6 October 2016. The remaining safaris, along with the park itself, were inaugurated on 1 June 2018. The park was made public on 24 November 2019 (without the lion segment).

Inside/Outside Views

The area of Etawah safari park is huge. It is situated on 350 hectares (864.869 acres). This park has multiple safaris, including a lion safari, a deer safari, an antelope safari, a bear safari, and a leopard safari. And the lion and leopard safaris are waiting for approval (from the Central Zoo Authority CZA). The whole area is filled with greenery, making it look like a jungle. Here, animals have their freedom.

The Asiatic lion breeding center has 12 breeding dens. It started with 11 lions that arrived in September 2014, mostly from zoos in Gujarat.

There is a visitor facilitation center that includes a multimedia museum, digital signage, large format displays, and a ‘4D’ education theater for informing and guiding visitors.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest Airport to Etawah safari park is Lucknow Airport and it is about 230 km away from Etawah, the nearest domestic airstip is Kanpur airstrip which is 165 km from Etawah. You can get various tabs to reach the park.

By Train: Etawah Railway Station is the nearest to Etawah safari park. The distance is merely 5 km. Local transport is available from the station to reach the destination.

By Road: Etawah Safari Park is a two-hour drive from the Taj Mahal in Agra and about an hour’s drive from the state capital of Lucknow.

Tips for Travellers

Please note that the following activities are considered as an offense in the Etawah Safari Park:

Carrying of Polythene
Carrying any kind of firearms or pets
Making fire and cooking
Teasing the animals
Making loud noise or playing music
Consumption of intoxicated materials
Plucking of flowers.
Causing harm to the trees and gardens
Feeding Wild Animals

FAQ

Que- 01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: safaris are overall exceptionally safe, and as long as you abide by some simple and common sense rules

Que- 02: Is photography allowed inside Etawah Safari Park?

Ans: Usually, it is not considered illegal to take photos in zoos or safari parks.

Que- 03: What animals are in the Etawah Lion Safari?

Ans: The safari park’s special attractions include White, Gaur, Jaguar, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Deer (Sangai), Lion-tailed Macaque, birds (especially during winters), and so on.

We wish you a safe journey!

Happy traveling!