Kukrail Reserve Forest is located about 9 km from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is named after the place where it is located in Lucknow. Drawing generous funds from the state Government, this rehabilitation center was specially created for the conservation of crocodiles-after the number of gharials in India reduced to alarming numbers. This breeding centre and Crocodile Sanctuary is one of its kinds in the country and is renowned all across the world for its contribution to the conservation of these reptiles. Kukrail Reserve forest is one of the well known forest reserves of India which was developed under the special initiative of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Purpose of Kukrail Reserve Forest
In Uttar Pradesh, crocodiles are mainly found in Ramganga River, Suheli River, Girwa River and Chambal River. With the study of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in 1975, the need was felt to develop a breeding ground for the female crocodiles so that they can lay eggs and hatch the newly born crocodiles. The study estimated that there were only 300 crocodile left in the open rivers of Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1978, it was funded by the Uttar Pradesh forest department in collaboration Ministry of Environment and Forests India, developed to breed the newly born crocodiles.

Conservation Efforts
The forest reserve authorities collect the newly born crocodiles from other rivers like Ramganga, Suheli and Girwa and feed them till they are enough grown up to take care of themselves and save themselves from the predators. Once grown up these are left in the waters of Chambal River to experience a real life. This programme continued very successfully which was further followed in other parts of Uttar Pradesh. This program has contributed to the rapid improvement in the gharial`s status not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in the neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In fact, the captive-breeding program for gharial is one of the two such successful wildlife conservation programs in the country.

Kukrail Reserve forest is also referred as the Gharial Rehabilitation Centre. This was launched with the brave motive to save the crocodiles so that they are not killed for skin and other articles. Along with this the reserve is also marked for its natural vegetation and types of plants which are developed in the reserve. Along with this the forest department of Uttar Pradesh has also initiated a proposal for developing a Leopard Rescue Centre in Kukrail which can utilize the forest reserve as well. As a major tourist spot this place is well located with the popular townships of Uttar Pradesh.

Attractions at Kukrail Reserve Forest
Along with reserve forest Kukrail is also developed as a major tourist spot. It has been established as a national park which has a wide collection of Sambars, deers, leopards and other wild animals that decorate the national park and entertain its visitors. A wide variety of migratory birds and avian animals can also be sighted in this national park. Besides its animal reserve this place also provides great opportunity for boating. Surrounded with a number of cafeterias and children`s park this entertains every one in its own way. With a number of Swings and green grasslands this place is considered as one of the most luxurious place to spend weekends.

How to Reach Kukrail Reserve Forest
This place can be easily reached from two roads. While the first one is from Munshi Pulia in Indira Nagar, the second is from Khurram Nagar Crossing. This place can be approached from Kanpur, Alam Nagar, Charbagh, Gomti Nagar and Hazaribagh, while it is well visited from other regions of Uttar Pradesh as well. The closest airport to Kukrail Reserve Forest is Amausi International Airport. Kukrail Reserve Forest, Lucknow is easily accessible by using state or private bus services from all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding area. The closest junction to Kukrail Reserve Forest is Badshah Nagar Railway Station.

Thus, as one of the most popular tourist sight this place is often visited by a number of tourists which entertain them and provide them a big leisure from the busy city life.