A Revolutionary Wildlife Experience in Banaskantha
Imagine driving through glowing, golden sand dunes after sunset while observing rare nocturnal animals thriving in desert habitats. This vision is rapidly turning into reality in Gujarat. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has officially granted approval for a massive 103-hectare Desert Zoological Park and drive-through Night Safari at Juna Deesa in the Banaskantha district. Built with an estimated investment of ₹542.14 crore on state-owned land, the project is billed as Asia’s very first desert-themed night safari. Beyond functioning as a premier travel hotspot, it will serve as a sanctuary for wildlife conservation, animal rescue, rehabilitation, and environmental education.
Strategic Location and Ecological Charm
Juna Deesa was selected after detailed surveys highlighted its rolling sand dunes, natural desert topography, and close proximity to the Banas River. The location offers robust rail and road connectivity, making it easily accessible for domestic and international travelers visiting Gujarat. The destination is poised to transform North Gujarat into a major ecotourism hub, perfectly complementing nearby spiritual and cultural circuits like Ambaji, Vadnagar, and Nadabet.
Wildlife from Three Continents
The ambitious facility will feature five specialized night-safari enclosures alongside a separate daytime zoological park. Master plans indicate the complex will house around 2,700 animals across 83 unique species representing Indian, African, and Australian desert ecosystems.
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Indian Fauna: Asiatic lions, leopards, chinkaras, blackbucks, Indian wild asses, Indian wolves, caracals, striped hyenas, and desert foxes.
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African Fauna: African lions, cheetahs, Angolan giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, scimitar oryx, addra gazelles, black rhinoceroses, meerkats, and ostriches.
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Australian Fauna: Kangaroos, wallabies, and emus.
Additionally, the facility will feature an aviary, a reptile safari, a butterfly park, an aquarium, an interactive interpretation center, and an indoor rainforest biome.
Sustainability and Strict Animal Welfare
To ensure ecological harmony, the project integrates green initiatives such as solar power generation, rainwater harvesting systems, advanced sewage treatment plants, solid-waste management, and extensive native tree plantations. The approval from the Central Zoo Authority enforces strict adherence to international animal welfare standards, ensuring enclosure designs prioritize natural animal behaviors and night lighting does not cause biological distress.
How to Explore Juna Deesa Under ₹10,000
While official entry prices and safari charges are yet to be announced by the state government, budget travelers can easily plan a weekend trip from nearby hubs like Ahmedabad for under ₹10,000 per person:
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Transport (Bus/Train from Ahmedabad): ₹300 – ₹1,000 per person.
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Local Commute & Cabs: ₹500 – ₹1,500.
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Budget to Mid-Range Hotels: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per night.
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Food & Daily Expenses: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per day.
A standard two-day budget itinerary will cost roughly ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per person, while a mid-range comfortable stay will sit comfortably between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 per person.
