The Haryana government is moving forward with its ambitious plan to create the world’s largest jungle safari park, called the Aravali Jungle Safari, spanning an impressive 10,000 acres in the Aravali hills across Gurugram and Nuh districts. The prestigious task of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this landmark project has been given to the expert team from Vantara, a renowned wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiative by Reliance Group.
Vantara’s team, recognized for building Asia’s largest animal welfare centre in Jamnagar, has already surveyed the proposed area. Their experience will now guide the master planning of this iconic safari park, envisioned to blend eco-tourism with global standards of wildlife care and conservation.
Vantara’s Role in Transforming Aravali Jungle Safari
Vantara is an animal welfare project developed by Anant Ambani of Reliance Group, which covers 3,000 + acres in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This state-of-the-art facility houses a variety of rescued wildlife species, providing them with medical care, natural enclosures, and scientific rehabilitation. The success of Vantara has made it a model for large-scale conservation efforts.
By leveraging their expertise, Vantara’s team will now focus on creating a comprehensive DPR for the Aravali Jungle Safari, which will include design layouts for animal enclosures, veterinary facilities, eco-tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability measures. Initial drawings prepared by the Haryana Forest Department will be studied and refined by Vantara to ensure that the safari park meets both ecological and tourism needs.
Central Government Inspections and Support
To ensure flawless execution, Union Ministers Manohar Lal and Bhupender Yadav, alongside Haryana’s Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh, inspected the proposed safari zones in the Aravali hills. Their visit focused on assessing the terrain, determining suitable areas for wildlife enclosures, and understanding the infrastructure requirements.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav affirmed the Central Government’s commitment to supporting this mega project, recognizing its potential to become a global wildlife tourism destination and a benchmark in eco-tourism development.
Phase-Wise Development of Aravali Jungle Safari
The Aravali Jungle Safari will be developed in four distinct phases, each covering approximately 2,500 acres. This structured development plan will allow for thorough environmental assessments, infrastructure setups, and gradual scaling of safari operations.
Haryana’s Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh highlighted that no other project in the world compares to Vantara in terms of wildlife care and rehabilitation. He expressed confidence that with Vantara’s involvement, the Aravali Jungle Safari will emerge as a world-class wildlife destination, combining tourism, conservation, and community development.
Wildlife Hospital and Eco-Tourism Focus
A major highlight of the safari park will be the establishment of a specialized wildlife hospital, modeled after Vantara’s Jamnagar facility. This hospital will provide medical treatment, rehabilitation, and rescue operations for various species within the safari park.
Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasized that this project will protect the natural beauty of the Aravali hills while promoting eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity awareness. The safari will feature world-class amenities to offer visitors a memorable wildlife experience, while also educating them about India’s conservation efforts.
Furthermore, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for local communities, providing jobs in construction, hospitality, safari operations, and environmental management.
Environmental Restoration with Native Species
A key aspect of the Aravali Jungle Safari is its commitment to restoring the native ecosystem. The invasive Vilayati Babul (Prosopis juliflora) trees will be carefully removed, ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment. In their place, indigenous plant species will be introduced to revive the Aravali’s natural habitat and boost biodiversity.
The park will feature four main entrance gates strategically placed for visitor access:
- Sohna, near Delhi-Mumbai Expressway,
- Tawddu-Sohna Road,
- Near Naurangpur village,
- Sakatpur village.
Each entry point will include visitor information centers, eco-friendly transport services, parking facilities, and other tourist amenities designed to enhance the safari experience.
A Global Model for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism
The Aravali Jungle Safari is not just a conservation project; it is a visionary model that aims to demonstrate how wildlife preservation, eco-tourism, and local economic development can work together in harmony. With Vantara leading the DPR development, the safari park is expected to integrate the best practices in wildlife care, scientific habitat creation, and visitor engagement.
Once completed, this safari park will not only attract global tourists but will also play a vital role in educating visitors about India’s rich wildlife heritage and the importance of ecological balance. It will also offer research and learning opportunities for wildlife experts, students, and conservationists.
Also read: Vantara and Gujarat Forest Department Release 20 Spotted Deer in Banni Grasslands
Aravali Jungle Safari Project Details
| Project Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Aravali Jungle Safari |
| Location | Gurugram and Nuh, Haryana |
| Total Land Area | 10,000 Acres |
| DPR Developer | Vantara Team (Reliance Group) |
| Development Stages | 4 Phases of 2,500 Acres Each |
| Key Features | Wildlife Enclosures, Veterinary Hospital, Eco-tourism Zones |
| Main Entry Gates | Sohna, Tawddu-Sohna Road, Naurangpur, Sakatpur |
| Environmental Plan | Invasive Species Removal, Native Flora Restoration |
| Government Support | Central & State Government Collaboration |
| Job Creation | Local Employment in Eco-Tourism, Wildlife Management |
Also read: Vantara and Project Elephant Host India’s Largest Training Programme for Elephant Caregivers
Conclusion
With Vantara‘s expertise and government backing, the Aravali Jungle Safari is poised to become a global landmark for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. By balancing ecological sensitivity with modern infrastructure, this project will not only protect endangered species but also provide visitors with a unique and educational experience. The vision is clear: to develop the world’s largest jungle safari park that sets new benchmarks in sustainable tourism and biodiversity preservation.
