Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh has become India’s cheetah address. This is where eight cheetahs from Namibia were released on 17 September 2022 under Project Cheetah, the country’s attempt to bring back a big cat declared extinct here in 1952. Since then the park in Sheopur district has drawn conservationists, wildlife photographers and travellers who want to see how the experiment is going. This guide sets expectations honestly: the cheetahs are managed, several remain in soft-release enclosures, and a sighting on a jeep safari is never guaranteed.
Kuno National Park is a 748.76 sq km protected area on the Kuno river in northern Madhya Pradesh, chosen as the site of India’s cheetah reintroduction. It also holds leopards, and was originally prepared to receive Asiatic lions. Safari access is developing and cheetah sightings are not assured.
About Kuno National Park and Project Cheetah
Kuno National Park sits in the Sheopur and Shivpuri districts of Madhya Pradesh, in the Chambal region where the Vindhyan hills meet dry grassland and open forest. It takes its name from the Kuno river, which cuts through the reserve. According to the park’s official record, it was set up as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 with an area of 344.686 sq km, and notified as a national park in 2018 with 748.76 sq km.
For years Kuno was prepared as a second home for Asiatic lions from Gujarat’s Gir forest, a translocation that never happened. The grasslands and low forest that were cleared and readied for lions turned out to suit cheetahs, and in 2022 the reserve was chosen for Project Cheetah. Kuno also has a resident leopard population, plus nilgai, chital, sambar, wild boar, jackal, striped hyena and a good spread of birds, so a safari here is a general wildlife outing, not only a cheetah hunt.
Project Cheetah status and numbers
Project Cheetah is run by the National Tiger Conservation Authority under the environment ministry (MoEFCC), with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department on the ground. The cheetah was officially declared extinct in India in 1952, and this is the world’s first intercontinental translocation of a large carnivore.
The founder animals arrived in three batches: eight cheetahs from Namibia on 17 September 2022, twelve from South Africa on 18 February 2023, and nine more from Botswana (six females, three males) on 28 February 2026, per government (PIB/Newsonair) releases.
At the programme’s fourth anniversary in mid-September 2026, officials put India’s cheetah population at 52 animals — 49 at Kuno National Park and three at the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, the second cheetah site in Madhya Pradesh — with 32 cubs born in India since 2022. On 18 September 2026 the Union Environment Minister announced that KGP12, a female born in India, had delivered four cubs; several outlets reported this took the national total to about 56. Numbers change with each birth and death, so treat any figure as a snapshot dated to when you read it.
Be realistic about what you can see. As of September 2026 some cheetahs have been released into open forest and are monitored around the clock across a large interstate landscape, while others remain in fenced soft-release enclosures (bomas) for acclimatisation and cub-rearing. There is no formal, dedicated “cheetah safari” product yet, and a wild cheetah sighting on a general jeep safari is a matter of luck, not a booking.
Best time to visit Kuno National Park
Kuno is open for tourism roughly October to June and closes during the monsoon, when tracks flood; MP Tourism lists the pleasant window as October to March. The core months for comfort are November to February. March to June get hot in the Chambal — days can climb well into the 40s °C — but drying grass and animals gathering near water can make sightings easier for those who tolerate the heat.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Post-monsoon / early winter | Oct–Nov | Green landscape, mild days, cool mornings; good all-round wildlife and birding. |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Most comfortable; cold mornings (carry layers), clear light for photography. |
| Summer | Mar–Jun | Hot and dry; harder on visitors but animals concentrate near water. |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Park closed for safaris as per forest guidelines. |
How to reach Kuno
Kuno is not on a major tourist circuit yet, so plan the last stretch by road. The nearest airport is Gwalior (Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal), which MP Tourism lists at about 176 km from the park; other estimates put the drive at roughly 165–210 km depending on which gate you use. Gwalior, managed by the Airports Authority of India, has direct flights to Delhi, Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur, with seasonal links to cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad — confirm current schedules before booking, as routes change.
By rail, Shivpuri is the closest useful station at about 60–70 km; Gwalior, Jhansi, Sawai Madhopur and Kota are the larger railheads within a few hours’ drive. The historic Gwalior–Sheopur narrow-gauge line is being converted to broad gauge as part of a Gwalior–Sheopur–Kota project; a 56 km Kailaras–Sabalgarh–Birpur section opened on 18 August 2026 with a MEMU service extended to Birpur, and the remaining sections towards Sheopur were reported near completion. Check IRCTC/NTES for what actually runs on your dates.
By road, the villages of Sesaipura and Pohari are the local bases: Sesaipura is about 15–16 km from the Tiktoli gate, and the Ahera gate is roughly 20 km from Pohari. Most visitors hire a taxi from Gwalior or Shivpuri.
| From | Distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Gwalior airport | ~176 km (est. 165–210 km) | Air + road, ~4–5 hr drive |
| Shivpuri railway station | ~60–70 km | Rail + road |
| Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) | ~130–145 km | Road |
| Sesaipura village → Tiktoli gate | ~15–16 km | Road |
Safari, booking and fees at Kuno National Park
Kuno currently runs jeep (Gypsy) safaris only. Book through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department’s MP Online portal (forest.mponline.gov.in); many visitors book through their lodge, which arranges the permit, vehicle and guide. A licensed guide is compulsory in every vehicle. Kuno is newer and far less safari-established than Kanha or Bandhavgarh, so permit numbers and infrastructure are still developing — book well ahead for winter weekends.
The park has three gates — Tiktoli, Ahera and Peepalbawadi. As of 2026, reporting indicated the Tiktoli area was kept quiet because cheetahs are being acclimatised there, with safaris operating from the Ahera gate; gate status can change as animals are released, so confirm the active gate when you book.
Safari timings shift with the season. One operator schedule listed morning drives from about 6 am (earlier, around 5:30 am, in peak summer) to late morning, and afternoon drives from around 3 pm to dusk; treat these as indicative and check the current timings when booking.
On fees: the forest permit is charged per vehicle and covers entry, the Gypsy and the guide, with no extra payment at the gate. Third-party operators quote all-in per-person bands of roughly ₹1,800–3,000 for Indians and ₹3,500–5,500 for foreign nationals. These are indicative planning estimates — reconfirm exact 2026 rates on the official MP Online portal, as the Forest Department has revised ticket prices.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Open Gypsy jeep, shared or private, six seats |
| Guide | Compulsory licensed forest guide per vehicle |
| Booking | MP Online forest portal or via your lodge; advance booking advised |
| Active gate | Ahera reported active in 2026; Tiktoli restricted — confirm at booking |
| Cheetah sighting | Not guaranteed; many animals in enclosures or radio-monitored open forest |
Where to stay
Accommodation around Kuno is limited and clustered near the gates and Sesaipura, with a mix of private resorts, forest rest houses and MP Tourism property. Book early in winter — there simply aren’t many rooms. The figures below are indicative planning estimates for a double room and should be reconfirmed directly.
- Budget (roughly ₹1,500–3,000): basic guesthouses and homestays in and around Sesaipura and Pohari; forest rest houses such as Palpur where available (book through the Forest Department).
- Mid-range (roughly ₹3,500–7,000): smaller lodges and eco-resorts near the gates, and MP Tourism accommodation.
- Higher-end (roughly ₹8,000 and up): a few dedicated resorts marketing themselves around the Kuno cheetah story, with cottages and safari arrangements.
If you want an MP Tourism (government) stay or a park rest house, book directly through the official channels well in advance, as inventory is small.
A suggested short itinerary
Kuno rewards a focused two-night trip rather than a rushed day visit.
- Day 1: Fly or train to Gwalior, drive to your Kuno lodge (about 4–5 hours). If time allows, an evening walk or a quick look at Gwalior Fort on the way out.
- Day 2: Morning and afternoon jeep safaris from the active gate. Between drives, rest through the midday heat; ask your guide about current cheetah movements and the leopard and prey-species hotspots.
- Day 3: One last morning safari, then drive back to Gwalior for onward travel, or continue to Shivpuri’s Madhav National Park.
Budget breakdown
The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a two-night, three-day trip based on double occupancy and shared safaris, as of September 2026. It excludes flights and long-distance train fares, which vary widely. All figures are indicative — reconfirm before you travel.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (2 nights, per person sharing) | ₹1,500–3,000 | ₹4,000–7,000 |
| Safaris (2–3 drives, shared) | ₹3,600–6,000 | ₹6,000–9,000 |
| Road transfer from Gwalior (shared) | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹2,500–4,000 |
| Meals and extras | ₹1,000–1,800 | ₹2,000–3,500 |
| Approximate total | ₹7,600–13,300 | ₹14,500–23,500 |
Assumptions: two people sharing a room and jeep; excludes airfare and long-rail fares; foreign-national safari rates are higher.
Rules, permits and practical tips
No special inner-line or protected-area permit applies to Kuno; the only paperwork you need is the safari permit, booked online with your name and ID. Carry the same photo ID you booked with. Standard national-park rules apply: stay in the vehicle, keep to designated routes, no getting down except at permitted points, no feeding or calling animals, and no single-use plastic inside the park.
On photography and drones: personal cameras are allowed on safari (a camera fee may apply — check when booking), but drones are not permitted over the national park without specific official permission, in line with wildlife and DGCA rules. Wear muted colours; avoid bright clothing and strong scent.
- Cash and connectivity: mobile network is patchy in and around the park; carry some cash, as ATMs and reliable UPI are easier in Shivpuri or Gwalior than at the gates.
- Health and safety: the nearest full hospitals are in Sheopur, Shivpuri and Gwalior; carry a basic kit and any regular medication. Summer heat is the main risk — hydrate and cover up.
- Solo and women travellers: a lodge-arranged transfer and safari is the simplest, safest way in given the remote roads and thin transport.
- Packing: winter needs warm layers for cold morning drives; summer needs sun protection, a hat and plenty of water. Binoculars help, as animals can be distant.
Nearby places
Kuno pairs well with the wider Chambal and Gwalior circuit, and with tiger country to the west. For more on India’s parks, see our overview of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, the story of India’s tigers, and our wider Madhya Pradesh travel guide.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Madhav National Park, Shivpuri | ~60–70 km | Reintroduced tigers, a lake and the Scindia hunting-era architecture. |
| Gwalior | ~176 km | Gwalior Fort, temples and palaces; the region’s transport hub. |
| Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur) | ~130–145 km | Rajasthan’s well-known tiger reserve, if you want a bigger-cat detour. |
| Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary | Separate site (SW MP) | Madhya Pradesh’s second cheetah location; check access before planning. |
Frequently asked questions
Can you see cheetahs at Kuno National Park?
Sometimes, but it is not guaranteed. As of September 2026 some Kuno cheetahs roam radio-monitored open forest while others stay in soft-release enclosures. There is no dedicated cheetah safari yet, and a wild sighting on a general jeep safari is down to luck rather than something you can book.
How many cheetahs are there in Kuno National Park now?
At Project Cheetah’s fourth anniversary in mid-September 2026, officials counted 52 cheetahs in India, with 49 at Kuno and three at Gandhi Sagar, and 32 cubs born in India. A further four cubs born to an India-born female were announced on 18 September 2026, reported to lift the total to around 56.
How do I book a Kuno safari?
Book jeep safaris through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department’s MP Online portal, forest.mponline.gov.in, or ask your lodge to arrange the permit, vehicle and compulsory guide. Advance booking is strongly advised for winter, as Kuno is newer and has fewer permits than Kanha or Bandhavgarh.
What is the best time to visit Kuno National Park?
Visit between October and June; the park closes in the monsoon. November to February is the most comfortable, with cool, clear days. March to June are hot in the Chambal but can bring better sightings as animals gather near shrinking water sources.
How do I reach Kuno National Park?
Fly to Gwalior (about 176 km, with direct flights from Delhi, Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur) or take a train to Shivpuri (about 60–70 km), then drive. Sesaipura and Pohari are the local bases near the gates; most visitors hire a taxi from Gwalior or Shivpuri.
Do I need a permit to visit Kuno?
You do not need an inner-line or protected-area permit for Kuno. The only requirement is the safari permit, booked online with your name and photo ID; carry that ID with you. Standard park rules on plastic, staying in the vehicle and drones apply.
Last updated and sources
Kuno suits patient wildlife travellers who care about the cheetah story and won’t be disappointed if the star animal stays hidden; go in the cool months, October to February, and treat any sighting as a bonus.
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: MP Tourism – Kuno National Park; MP Forest Department / MP Online booking; Newsonair (Prasar Bharati) – Botswana cheetahs, 28 February 2026; India TV – four cubs, 18 September 2026; Business Today – 52 cheetahs, four-year milestone; Kuno National Park (area/history, used to locate primary detail); Gwalior Airport (AAI terminal, routes); Gwalior–Kota railway (gauge conversion); Tour My India – safari timings; Sheopur district administration. Accessed September 2026.
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