Ujjain, India:
Vantara: Madhya Pradesh is set to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading wildlife and eco-tourism destinations with the development of a large-scale, world-class wildlife rescue and jungle safari centre in Ujjain. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced that the ambitious project will be developed on the lines of the globally admired Vantara model, offering visitors an immersive forest and safari experience unlike any other in the country.
The proposed wildlife centre, to be spread across nearly 500 hectares, will combine conservation, rescue, tourism, and education under one integrated ecosystem. Once completed, the project is expected to transform Ujjain into a major forest tourism hub, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
"वन्यजीव संरक्षण और पर्यटन को नया आयाम"
— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) February 6, 2026
मुख्यमंत्री डॉ. मोहन यादव द्वारा भोपाल स्थित निवास पर उज्जैन वन्यजीव केंद्र के निर्माण को लेकर कंसल्टेंट फर्म के साथ समीक्षा बैठक।@DrMohanYadav51 @minforestmp #CMMadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/jRmgzzTVWV
Government Push for Wildlife and Forest Tourism
Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, Dr Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh government is working aggressively to boost tourism, with a special focus on wildlife and forest-based tourism. As part of this vision, the state will establish two ultra-modern wildlife rescue centres—one in Ujjain and another in Jabalpur.
Consultant firms have already been appointed for both projects, and the planning phase is currently underway. According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives reflect the government’s long-term strategy to balance tourism growth with wildlife conservation.
“The objective is to create centres that are not only tourist attractions but also serve as safe havens for rescued animals and platforms for conservation awareness,” Dr Yadav said.
Ujjain’s ‘Vantara’ Model: A Jungle Zoo Safari on a Global Scale
The Ujjain wildlife centre will be developed following the Vantara concept, which focuses on recreating authentic forest ecosystems rather than traditional enclosed zoos. Visitors will experience diverse global forest environments within a single location, offering a realistic and ethical wildlife encounter.
The project will incorporate an existing 50-hectare eco-tourism park, integrating it seamlessly into the larger safari landscape. The Chief Minister has instructed consultants to ensure that the centre stands out nationally and internationally through its biodiversity, landscape design, and visitor experience.
Key Features of the Ujjain Wildlife Centre
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | Approx. 500 hectares |
| Eco-Tourism Park | 50 hectares (existing) |
| Project Model | Inspired by Vanatara |
| Safari Experience | Day and night safaris |
| Wildlife Species | 300+ native and exotic species |
| Forest Types | 11 global forest ecosystems |
Construction Timeline and Phased Development
The wildlife centre will be developed in six structured phases to ensure sustainable growth and proper infrastructure planning. The government aims to begin construction of Phase 1 in 2026, with a target to complete it by the end of 2027.
Project Timeline Overview
| Phase | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2026–2027 | Centre formation and core infrastructure |
| Phase 2–6 | Post-2027 | Safari zones, rescue facilities, visitor services |
Dr Yadav emphasized that work should begin as early as possible to fast-track the transformation of Ujjain into a premium forest tourism destination.
Day and Night Safari Experience
One of the most distinctive features of the Ujjain wildlife centre will be its dual safari system, allowing visitors to explore the forest during both daylight and nighttime hours. This approach will offer a rare opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife behaviour, significantly enhancing the safari experience.
Tourists will be able to explore the centre through multiple modes of transport, including:
- Guided walking trails
- Horse-drawn carriages (bagghi)
- Electric safari vehicles
- Service and rescue vehicles
The safari zones will be secured using invisible fencing technology, ensuring animal safety while maintaining a natural, open-forest environment.
11 Forest Ecosystems and Over 300 Wildlife Species
According to the consultant firm’s presentation, the centre will recreate 11 distinct forest ecosystems from India and around the world. This will allow visitors to experience diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats in a single destination.
Wildlife Composition
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Native Indian Species | 75% |
| Exotic International Species | 25% |
| Total Species Count | 300+ |
The careful balance between indigenous and international species aims to highlight India’s rich biodiversity while offering a global wildlife perspective.
Advanced Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Facility
Beyond tourism, the centre will house a state-of-the-art wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility. This unit will provide medical care, rehabilitation, and safe shelter for injured, rescued, or displaced animals from across the region.
Officials claim that the Ujjain project may become the world’s first authentic “jungle-zoo safari”, combining open forest living, rescue operations, and immersive tourism in one integrated model—similar in philosophy to Vanatara but tailored to Madhya Pradesh’s ecological identity.
Boost to Tourism, Employment, and Global Recognition
Once operational, the Ujjain wildlife centre is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits, including:
- Increased domestic and international tourism
- New employment opportunities for local communities
- Enhanced global visibility for Madhya Pradesh’s conservation efforts
- Promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism
Tourism experts believe that projects inspired by the Vantara model represent the future of ethical wildlife tourism, blending conservation with meaningful visitor experiences.
Also read: Indian Import Tax on Animals Creates Major Cost Challenge for Ambani Family’s Vantara Zoo
A New Chapter for Ujjain and Madhya Pradesh
With its ambitious scale, global vision, and conservation-first approach, the Ujjain wildlife centre marks a major milestone in Madhya Pradesh’s tourism and environmental strategy. The project not only reinforces the state’s commitment to wildlife protection but also positions Ujjain as a next-generation eco-tourism destination.
As construction begins in 2026, anticipation is already building for what could become one of Asia’s most innovative wildlife and jungle safari experiences—bringing the spirit of Vantara to the heart of central India.