Rajkot is set to get its own lion safari park as early as May, with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) project nearing completion. Officials said the park is about 90% ready and is likely to open in time for the summer tourist season.
The safari park is being developed next to Pradhyuman Park Zoo (Rajkot Zoological Park), which already runs conservation and breeding programmes for Asiatic lions and houses 14 lions. Spread over nearly 29 hectares, the project was approved by the Central Zoo Authority in December 2023 after being proposed in the 2023–24 RMC budget.
Currently, Sasan Gir Lion Safari remains the main attraction for lion viewing, drawing over seven lakh visitors annually, with Rajkot serving as a key gateway due to its strong air and rail connectivity. Officials said the new park will provide an alternative for tourists who are unable to secure Gir permits during peak seasons such as summer, Diwali and Christmas, and will strengthen the broader Gir tourism circuit.
Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera said the park could open by May or June. City Engineer Manoj Srivastava added that core infrastructure — including the compound wall, fencing, night shelters, inspection roads, watchtowers and water points — is complete, while work on visitor facilities like the entrance plaza, parking, ticket counters, interpretation centre, lounge and food court is underway.
Around 7.5 lakh people visit Pradhyuman Park Zoo annually, and officials expect similar footfall at the safari park once it becomes operational.