Kuno is where cheetahs came back to India. The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952, and in September 2022 the first group was flown in from Namibia, followed by more from South Africa in 2023. It was the world’s first intercontinental relocation of a large carnivore.
Before the cheetahs, Kuno was a quiet sanctuary of dry forest and grassland along the Kuno river. It’s still quiet, still beautiful, and now one of the most talked about parks in the country.
In this guide
Kuno quick facts
| Location | Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Area | About 748 sq km (national park) |
| Established | Wildlife sanctuary 1981, national park 2018 |
| Famous for | India's cheetah reintroduction project |
| Best time | October to March |
| Nearest town | Sheopur |
| Safari types | Jeep |
Why visit Kuno?
Kuno is a chance to see history in progress. Even if you don't see a cheetah, the park is lovely, with open grasslands, the Kuno river and old forts and temples in the forest.Wildlife in Kuno
Cheetahs grab the headlines, but Kuno has plenty of other wildlife.
Cheetah
Some cheetahs roam free while others are kept in large enclosures for monitoring. Sightings depend on where the animals are and on Forest Department rules at the time of your visit.
Leopard
Kuno has a good leopard population, seen across the park.
Antelopes and deer
Chinkara, nilgai, blackbuck in nearby grasslands, chital and sambar.
Birds
Raptors, vultures and grassland birds are well represented.
Kuno safari zones
Tourism in Kuno is still developing, and the areas open to visitors can change as the cheetah project evolves.
Tikatoli gate
The main tourism gate, with jeep safaris into the grasslands and forest.
Kuno river belt
Riverine forest with good birding and chances of leopard.
Grassland areas
Open country where cheetahs may be seen, subject to current access rules.
Safari types and timings
Jeep safaris run in morning and afternoon shifts from the main gate. Because the cheetah project is ongoing, routes and access are set by the Forest Department and can change.How to book a Kuno safari
Safari permits for Kuno are issued by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, with a fixed number of vehicles allowed in each zone and shift. You can book permits yourself on the official portal, forest.mponline.gov.in.
We always check the latest rules on cheetah areas before confirming a Kuno trip. Please treat any cheetah sighting as a bonus, not a promise.
If you’d rather not deal with portals, zone choices and timings yourself, we can plan the trip and apply for permits on your behalf, then arrange your stay, vehicle and guide. Government fees are charged at actuals and our service charges are listed separately in your quote, so you always know what you’re paying for. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Best time to visit Kuno
October to March
The best time to visit, with cool days and good visibility in the grasslands.
April to June
Very hot. Mornings are still good, but afternoons are tough.
July to September
Monsoon. The park is usually closed for safaris.
How to reach Kuno
By air
Gwalior Airport is the most practical, a few hours’ drive away. Jaipur is another option.
By train
Sawai Madhopur and Gwalior are the nearest major stations.
By road
Kuno combines well with Ranthambore, which is within driving distance.
Where to stay near Kuno
Accommodation near Kuno is still limited, with a few lodges and government stays near the main gate. We'll suggest the best current option for your dates.Suggested Kuno itinerary
Here’s a simple plan that works for most first time visitors. We’ll tailor it to your dates and interests.
- Day 1: Drive from Ranthambore or Gwalior to Kuno and take an afternoon safari.
- Day 2: Morning and afternoon safaris, with time to visit the old Palpur fort area if permitted.
- Day 3: Final morning drive and transfer onward.
Tips from our safari team
- Combine Kuno with Ranthambore for tigers and cheetahs on one trip.
- Rules around cheetah areas change; trust your guide on what’s possible on the day.
- Bring a long lens. Cheetahs are often seen at a distance across open grassland.
- Wear muted greens, browns or khaki, and skip perfume. Bright colours and strong smells can disturb animals.
- Carry your original photo ID. It must match the name on your permit.
- Keep your voice low and never ask the driver to go off the track or crowd an animal.
Kuno packages
Ready made trips you can book as they are or adjust to your dates. Prices are confirmed in a written, itemised quote.
Photos of Kuno
Kuno safari FAQs
Can you see cheetahs in Kuno National Park?
It is possible. Some cheetahs roam free and others are in large enclosures. Sightings depend on animal movement and current Forest Department rules, so they cannot be guaranteed.
Where did Kuno's cheetahs come from?
The first group came from Namibia in September 2022, and a second group came from South Africa in 2023.
How do I reach Kuno National Park?
Most visitors drive from Gwalior or combine it with Ranthambore. Sheopur is the nearest town.
When is the best time to visit Kuno?
October to March, when the weather is cool and the grasslands are easy to scan.
Is Eagle Safaris the official booking website for Kuno?
No. Eagle Safaris is a private travel company. Permits for Kuno are issued by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and can be booked directly at forest.mponline.gov.in. We plan your trip and can apply on your behalf, with our service charges shown separately.
More parks to explore
Kanha National ParkMadhya Pradesh - Tiger and Barasingha
Pench National ParkMadhya Pradesh - Tiger and Wild Dog
Bandhavgarh National ParkMadhya Pradesh - Tiger
Panna National ParkMadhya Pradesh - Tiger Comeback
Satpura National ParkMadhya Pradesh - Walking and Canoe Safaris
Sanjay Dubri Tiger ReserveMadhya Pradesh - Offbeat Tiger Reserve
Kuno National ParkMadhya Pradesh - Cheetah
Achanakmar Tiger ReserveChhattisgarh - Offbeat Forest
Tadoba Andhari Tiger ReserveMaharashtra - Tiger and Sloth Bear
Bor Tiger ReserveMaharashtra - Hills and Forest
Melghat Tiger ReserveMaharashtra - Hills and Forest