Gujarat Launches Asia's First Desert Night Safari in Deesa with ₹542.14 Crore Investment in 2026

A ₹542.14 crore investment is turning Deesa into a global wildlife hub, introducing Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari across 103 hectares of government land.

The Shift Toward Immersive Nocturnal Tourism

Gujarat is pivoting its tourism strategy from traditional wildlife observation to immersive, time-shifted experiences. With official approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the Gujarat Forest Department is developing the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari in the Banaskantha district. This project moves away from the static cages of conventional zoos, opting instead for a drive-through format that allows visitors to witness animal behaviors that only emerge after sunset.

The scale of the project is significant, designed to house approximately 2,700 animals and birds representing nearly 83 species. By focusing on the arid ecosystem, the park creates a specialized environment that mirrors the natural habitats of the region while introducing global desert fauna.

A Global Biodiversity Hub in the Banaskantha District

The park is structured to balance native Indian heritage with international appeal. For the visitor, the real impact is the ability to see rare desert-adapted species in a single location. The animal roster is split between regional staples and exotic imports to ensure a diverse educational experience.

Native and International Species Distribution

Category	Featured Species
Indian Native	Asiatic lion, Leopard, Indian wild ass, Chinkara, Blackbuck, Indian caracal, Indian wolf, Striped hyena, Sloth bear, Indian desert fox
African Exotic	African cheetah, African lion, Angolan giraffe, Springbok, Ostrich
Australian Exotic	Kangaroo, Emu, Wallaby

Beyond the primary safari, the facility is integrating several specialized biomes to provide a comprehensive ecological education. These include a rainforest biome, a dedicated reptile safari, an aviary, a butterfly park, and a professional aquarium. To maintain high welfare standards, the park maintains a strict physical separation between herbivore and carnivore zones.

Cultural and Environmental Value

This project is not merely a tourist attraction but a strategic move by the Gujarat Forest Department to enhance regional conservation. By establishing a center for rescue and rehabilitation, the park provides a safety net for injured wildlife and a controlled environment for conservation breeding programs.

The drive-through night safari, consisting of five separate enclosures, is designed to minimize human-animal conflict while maximizing observer visibility. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of nocturnal biodiversity—a segment of nature often ignored in daytime tourism. The integration of an interpretation center ensures that the visit translates into environmental literacy, particularly for student groups and young travelers.

Visitor Insider Tips

For those planning to visit Deesa once the facility is fully operational, keep these local insights in mind:

• The Golden Window: Aim for the "twilight transition" slot. Entering the park just before sunset allows you to witness the shift in animal activity as diurnal species settle and nocturnal hunters emerge.
• Local Etiquette: When utilizing the drive-through safari, keep windows rolled up and noise levels low. Desert animals are hypersensitive to sound; silence increases the likelihood of sightings.
• Dining Specialty: While the park offers a food court, explore the local Deesa markets for traditional Gujarati thalis and khichdi to experience the authentic flavors of the Banaskantha region.
• Gear Up: Even in the desert, temperatures drop sharply after dark. Bring a light jacket and high-quality binoculars, as the night safari relies on specialized low-impact lighting that may leave some areas dim.

Tourism Outlook

The Deesa project is set to diversify Gujarat's wildlife portfolio, reducing the seasonal pressure on existing national parks and sanctuaries. By creating a year-round attraction that appeals to international wildlife enthusiasts, the state is positioning itself as a leader in specialized zoological tourism. The long-term success of the park will likely drive infrastructure growth in the Banaskantha district, benefiting local hospitality providers and guides.

A bold leap into the dark that brings the secrets of the desert into the light.

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