Aravalli Jungle Safari: India’s Next Eco-Tourism Marvel in Gurgaon

The Haryana government is set to launch a massive 10,000-acre jungle safari across the Aravalli hills spanning Gurugram and Nuh districts. Poised to be the world’s largest curated safari, this project aims to blend wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, and economic upliftment.

🐾 What to Expect in the Safari Experience

• Diverse Wildlife Zones

  The safari will include multiple themed enclosures—herpetariums, aviaries, big cat habitats, herbivore zones, exotic animal sections, underwater worlds, botanical gardens, and guided nature trails.

• Modeled After Best-in-Class Parks

  Haryana officials have taken inspiration from Sharjah Safari and Gujarat’s Vantara wildlife park. The forest department is working with international experts to integrate conservation and tourism.

• Economic & Employment Benefits

  Expected to boost tourism and create thousands of local jobs—from hospitality to conservation roles. There's also a home-stay policy to help villagers monetize tourism.

🌱 Conservation Challenges & Debates

• Environmental Risk

  Conservationists have raised concerns that the project may disrupt water aquifers, wildlife corridors, and the ecological balance of the Aravallis—home to 180+ bird species, 15 mammals, 29 reptiles, and multiple butterfly species.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict Concerns

  Environmentalists argue that increased human activity and infrastructure could disturb the region’s fragile ecosystem and the natural behavior of wildlife.

• Legal & Community Pushback

  A group of Hindu Forest Service officers and local residents have petitioned the Supreme Court, urging reconsideration. Concerns include grazing rights of local communities and protection of biodiversity under the Environment Protection Act.

Balancing Conservation and Development

Officials emphasize that only 20% of the Aravalli range will be transformed, with the remainder conserved. They advocate a science-driven approach, with Central Zoo Authority endorsement and depth assessments of water, topography, and wildlife corridors.

The proposed Aravalli Jungle Safari is a visionary blend of ecology and economy—but its success rests on smart implementation: rigorous conservation planning, respect for ecological corridors, and active involvement of local communities. Done right, it could redefine eco-tourism in the NCR region.