Famous for being the site of India’s historic cheetah reintroduction project, launched in September 2022, when eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia, Kuno National Park is the only place in India where you can spot cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in the wild. It is located in the Karhal and Vijaypur blocks of Sheopur district in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh within the geographical coordinates of 25°45’N to 25°55’N latitude and 76°50’E to 77°11’E longitude.
Back in 1981, the park was first started out as the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 344.686 km². But over time, it expanded and got upgraded to national park status with 404.0758 km² carved out from the original sanctuary. Finally, on December 14, 2018, the Madhya Pradesh government officially marked out a total area of 748.761 km² as Kuno National Park.
The park gets its name from the Kuno River, one of its four main lifelines along with the Parbati, Sindh, and Chambal rivers that flows south to north through the region. The Wildlife Institute of India up in Dehradun even tagged the area as the “Most Suitable Site” for relocating Asiatic Lions from Gir National Park, which sits at the heart of the Kuno Wildlife Division.
Biodiversity Stuff
Kuno National Park is known for having lots of different plants and animals in Central India. It’s like a big mix of life!
Floral Diversity:
- 123 species of trees (dominated by Kardhai, Salai, Khair trees).
- 71 species of shrubs.
- 32 species of climbers and exotic plants.
- 34 species of bamboos and grasses.
Faunal Diversity:
- 33 species of mammals.
- 206 species of birds.
- 14 species of fishes.
- 33 species of reptiles.
- 10 species of amphibians.
Kuno National Park Map and Boundary
Geographically, Kuno National Park, sits in the Vindhyan Hills, covering about 748 km² and has been made free of human settlements through incentivized voluntary relocation of forest communities. There’s another 487 km² of surrounding forest that’s now managed together under the Kuno Wildlife Division. So altogether, with the buffer zone, the protected area adds up to around 1,235 km².
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Eco-sensitive Zone, covering a total area of 725.904 km2 and extending from 2 to 15 km around the boundary of Kuno National Park in 2022.
Its boundaries are defined by.
- North & West: Bordered by the Sheopur Division, which consists of dry deciduous forests that act as a natural buffer for the park.
- East: Shares its boundary with the Sheopur and Shivpuri Divisions, supporting mixed forests and grasslands essential for wildlife movement.
- South: The Shivpuri Division lies to the south, providing a continuous forest stretch crucial for species migration and habitat connectivity.
- Southeast: It’s got this kind a patchy but important path linking it to Panna Tiger Reserve through the Shivpuri Forests. This lets big predators travel easier between the areas.
- Up northwest: it’s hooked up to Ranthambhore National Park and Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (which’s part of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve). The forest bits across the Chambal River help animals like tigers move between these places—kinda like a wildlife highway.
A detailed Kuno National Park map is essential for visitors who eager to visit this large park. Maps are available at the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department website (www.kunonationalpark.org) or at the park’s three entrance gates: Ahera, Peepalbawadi, and Tiktoli. These maps show critical zones, including the core area, buffer regions, and notable landmarks like the Palpur Fort and Kuno River, ensuring you can plan your adventure precisely.
Kuno National Park Ticket Price
A trip to Kuno National Park is a trip to nature on a budget, with entry fees structured to support conservation efforts while ensuring tourism is kept affordable for visitors. Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has made slight changes in ticket prices for 2025 to help in restoration of habitats and community-based ecotourism projects. Indian Citizens and Residents benefit from subsidised rates and international guests are charged a small premium, ensuring we remain competitive with global norms for international wildlife reserves. Detailed below are all expenses including entry passes, vehicle permits and photography fees. These prices are tentative and may vary, always check via official MP Forest Department before committing your trip.
Kuno National Park Entry Fees & Charges (2025)
| Category | Indian Visitors (₹) | Foreign Visitors (₹) |
| Adult Entry Fee | 20 | 350 |
| Child Entry Fee (5–12 years) | 10 | 175 |
| Vehicle Entry (Car/Jeep) | 250 | 500 |
| Still Camera Fee | 250 | 500 |
| Video Camera Fee | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| Safari Guide Charges | 600 (per safari) | 600 (per safari) |
| Children Below 5 Years | Free | Free |
Additional Notes:
- Safari Costs: Jeep safari bookings range from ₹1,800–3,000 per person (Indians) and ₹3,500–5,500 per person (foreigners), depending on zone and season.
- Online Discounts: Book tickets 30+ days in advance for a 10% discount on entry fees.
- Group Discounts: Schools/NGOs get 25% off entry fees for groups of 20+.
Kuno National Park Timings & Holidays
Before you pack your bags, note Kuno’s operating hours and seasonal closures:
- Park Opening Days: Open daily, 365 days a year, except during the monsoon season.
- Monsoon Closure: Full Park closure from July 1 to September 30 for animal breeding and grassland recovery.
- Safari Timings:
- Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM (October–March) / 5:30 AM – 9:00 AM (April–June).
- Evening Safari: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM (October–March) / 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM (April–June).
- Entry Gates Open: 30 minutes before safari start times.
Note:
- No weekly holidays—safaris run daily!
- Last-minute closures may occur due to heavy rain or wildlife activity. Check the MP Forest Department portal for updates.
Kuno National Park Google Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Kuno National Park
Kuno National Park — not just another wildlife sanctuary, but an adventure to remember. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventure, interesting history or simply solitude in nature, this park has something special for everyone. Here’s a guide to making the most of your visit, with what to see, where to go and what it’ll cost.
Top Activities in Kuno National Park
1. Jeep Safaris: Chase the Wild
Get in an open-top jeep and explore the wild heart of Kuno. The dawn rides are gold — literally. As the sun comes up and your drive begins, chances are high that you may encounter cheetahs hunting across grasslands or leopards relaxing on rocky outcrops. Don’t forget your binoculars; Palpur Zone is known for cheetah sightings while Agori Zone waterholes attract deer, wild boar, and even shy sloth bears!
- Cost per person in India ranges between Rs1,800-3,000 while for foreigners it could range anywhere between Rs3,500-5,500 per head.
- Tip: Book monthsahead—these safaris sell out fast, especially from November to February.
2. Walking Safaris: Get Even Closer to Nature
For a subdued, more intimate experience, go on a guided walking safari. Local naturalists will teach you to read animal tracks, recognize bird calls and spot hidden critters, such as jungle cats or Indian hares. Well, then sorry, the trails by the Kuno River would suit you just fine, as long as you don’t mind slalom-ing around sun-basking crocodiles!
- Cost: ₹500–1,000 per person (2–3 hours)
3. Night Safaris: Secrets of The Dark
And when the stars come out, Kuno becomes someone else. Night safaris (in certain zones) introduce owls, civets and perhaps a honey badger zipping through the blackness. Make sure you wear a cardigan — it gets cool!
- Cost: ₹2,500–4,000 per jeep.
Don’t-Miss Spots Inside the Park
1. Dob Kund: Where History Roared:
Deep within Kuno’s forests lies Dob Kund – once known for being where Maharaja Scindia attempted to introduce African Lions back into Kuno over 100 years ago. Eerily beautiful yet strikingly present a reminder of Kuno’s ambitious history, local guides will share stories about those African Lions that briefly called this place home.
Entrance fee: free (just ask your safari driver to stop here).
2. Kuno Riverfront:
Picnics & Crocodile Spotting Bring along lunch and visit the riverbanks for an enjoyable picnic while keeping an eye out for mugger crocodiles swimming through the waters and painted storks waddling close by – providing a peaceful respite from safari hustle.
3. Palpur Village: Culture at the Park’s Edge:
Situated just outside of the park gates, Palpur Village provides an insight into rural life. Meet members of the Sahariya tribe known for their vibrant handicrafts; pick up a bamboo basket (Rs200-500); or try local delicacies like baati chokha at one of their homestays.
Day Trips Near Kuno
1. Chambal River Safari: Extending Beyond Kuno Park.
Drive 80 km to reach the Chambal River and embark on boat rides which offer fantastic opportunities to spot dolphins, gharials, and flocks of migrating birds – particularly on winter mornings when mist clears to reveal humming riverbanks teeming with life.
• Cost: ₹800–1,500 per person (2–3 hours).
2. Raneh Falls: A Natural Wonder
Two hours from Kuno, Raneh Falls cascades over ancient volcanic rock formations. The canyon’s rainbow-colored stones (especially in winter sunlight) are Instagram gold.
• Entry: ₹50 per person.
3. Shivpuri’s Forgotten Temples
History buffs rejoice! Shivpuri (100 km away) offers up the Chaturbhuj Temple dating back to 10th-century. With intricately-carved Hindu deities on display and its magnificent fort, visitors can have an exciting day exploring. Entry costs Rs100 per person.
Insider Tips
- Stay Local: For a unique jungle experience, book Kuno Forest Rest House for Rs1,500-3,000 per night to hear jungle sounds at night.
- Cheetah Timing: Dawn and dusk are prime times for seeing Cheetahs; patience pays off!
- Dress Smart: Wear muted green/brown hues as brighter hues may frighten off wildlife.
- Arrive Early: Safari gates tend to become congested approximately 30 minutes prior to safaris – beat the rush! * Arrive Early.
How to Reach Kuno National Park
1. By Air:
To reach Tiktoli National Park via air, the closest airports are Gwalior (200 km away) or Jaipur (280 km). From these cities, taxis or buses can take you directly to any of its three entrances: Tiktoli, Ahera or Peepal Baori. Likewise, Kota and Jaipur both offer airport services, with Jaipur having more connectivity from other parts of India than Kota does.
2. By Train:
Sheopur Railway Station, approximately 30 km from Kuno National Park, serves regular trains connecting Sheopur with major cities. Gwalior, Kota, Jaipur Sawai Madhopur and Jhansi are other nearby stations that provide rail connectivity to Kuno National Park.
3. By Road:
From Gwalior to Kuno National Park via National Highway 44 is approximately 200km (4-hour drive); Delhi to Kuno via National Highway 890 is 400km (8-9 hours).
Key Road Distances between Tiktoli Gate, Ahera Gate and Peepal Bawadi Gate of Kuno National Park can be seen below.
| City | Tiktoli Gate (Approx. Distance) | Ahera Gate (Approx. Distance) | Peepal Bawadi Gate (Approx. Distance) |
| Shivpuri | 73 kms | 62 kms | 73 kms |
| Sawai Madhopur | 133 kms | 145 kms | 133 kms |
| Gwalior | 165 kms | 158 kms | 158 kms |
| Jhansi | 169 kms | 169 kms | 169 kms |
| Kota | 214 kms | 231 kms | 292 kms |
| Jaipur | 325 kms | 337 kms | 378 kms |
Kuno National Park Resort and Hotels
As such, this list provides a detailed account of resorts and hotels in scenarios close to Kuno National Park to incorporate the price, best options so far discovered based on information, and website links if you want to book or want to know further. This guide should help you select the accommodation required during your visit to the park whether luxury accommodation, budget accommodation, or closer to wildlife.
1. Kuno Wilderness Resort: This eco-friendly resort just 10 minutes from the main gate of the park, where comfort gets married to adventure. Imagine waking up every morning to the chirp of parakeets outside your safari tent as the sun rises over the verdant grasslands; an experience like none other awaits those lucky enough to visit this eco-friendly retreat. Their guides even share some secret tips to spotting Kuno’s shyest wildlife.
Price: Starts at ₹6,000/night (meals included).
2. Kuno Forest Rest House: Deep inside park confines, this is a no-frills government rest house where rangers and wildlife photographers dine on some dal-rice and trade stories. Rooms are as basic as they get (ceiling fan, mosquito net), but really, who wouldn’t want to fall asleep to the distant howl of jackals? .
Price: ₹1,500-3,000 per night, book early, only 5 rooms!!.
How to book: Call up MP Tourism at +91-755-2778383 or visit.
3. Sheopur Eco Retreat: 30 km away from the park, in a quiet village. These Solar-powered cottages, meals with veggies from the garden, and evenings with Sahariya tribal folk songs. This stargazing tour is a must because you won’t believe what you see in the Milky Way here.
Price: ₹3,500-5,500/ night (ask for their monsoon discounts!).
4. Bonus: Chambal Safari Lodge:
Location: Near the Chambal River (1.5-hour drive away from Kuno).
Perfect for cheetah safaris and river adventures. Relax after a day spent on Kuno trails by their pool or spot gharials on a sunset boat ride. Price: ₹4,500–7,000/night (includes breakfast).
5. Budget Friendly Options:
- Zostel Sheopur: Dorm beds from ₹500. Backpackers rave about their bonfire nights.
- Palpur Homestays: Live like a local for ₹800–1,500/night. Pro tip: Try Auntie Kamla’s bafla (a spicy wheat dumpling)—it’s legendary.
When to Book
- October-March: Peak season. Better get in fast, since resorts fill faster than a jeep safari at dawn.
- April- June: Cheaper but still pack plenty of sunscreen at 45°C!
- July-September: Most places are closed for monsoons, call ahead!
History & Key Events of Kuno National Park: From Lions to Cheetahs
Kuno National Park famous for its cheetah reintroduction programme, was first established as Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981, after taking its name from Palpur village’s longstanding traditions of wildlife conservation, has deep roots in India’s wildlife heritage that goes back centuries. Long before it became home for cheetahs and other beautiful creatures like lions or elephants, this region flourished as an ecosystem where many other majestic creatures flourished including lions, elephants, and many more magnificent species of animals dwelt peacefully together.
Ancient Roots: A Land of Wilderness
Kuno forests have long been known for their wilderness stronghold. Mughal-era texts document its ecological wealth. Emperor Akbar captured a herd of wild elephants near Shivpuri during his return from Malwa in 1564 – further attesting to this region’s abundance. Abul Fazl, Akbar’s court historian noted the presence of lions here, with one last shot near Guna in 1872 reportedly.
Colonial-Era Lion Reintroduction: Kuno’s Bold Vision
By the early 20th century, Kuno had seen his lions disappear completely but their absence spurred one of India’s earliest wildlife conservation experiments.
- 1904: Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, visited Kuno on a hunting expedition hosted by Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia I of Gwalior and was deeply moved by its potential. Curzon proposed moving Asiatic lions from Gujarat’s Gir forests into Kuno’s forests as an option.
- The Maharaja’s Dream: Eager to fulfill his ambition, the Maharaja constructed massive lion enclosures at Dob Kund to acclimate these animals. Negotiations was undertaken with Nawab of Junagadh (Gujarat) to secure Gir lions but political delays ultimately derailed his plans.
- African Lions Arrive: Undeterred, the Maharaja turned his focus towards Africa. Enlisting Lord Curzon’s help in procuring letters addressed to Ethiopia’s ruler and sending D.M. Zaal (a Persian expert) as his agent to bring African lions. In 1905 after investing Rs1 lakh, 10 African lions arrived safely in Mumbai but unfortunately only 7 survived their journey back.
- Release and Tragedy: After being separated from Kuno in Shivpuri forests in 1910-1912, the remaining male lions (Bunde, Baanke and Majnu; females: Ramailee Rampyari Bijli Gaindi) were released instead into Shivpuri forests; by 1910-1912 these predatory beasts turned into cattle raiders and man eaters forcing authorities to discontinue this project.
Though ultimately ineffective, Maharaja Jahangir’s efforts were ground-breaking at their time and laid down the framework for modern conservation efforts.
Kuno’s Revival: From Wildlife Sanctuary to Cheetah Haven
- 1981: Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was declared by Madhya Pradesh government under Notification No. 15-8-79-X-2 Bhopal on January 16, 1981 in order to conserve biodiversity of area.
- Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project (ALRP): Kuno was identified in the 1990s as an ideal location to relocate Asiatic lions into India for breeding purposes, creating a second population there. From 1998 to 2003, around 1,650 villagers from 24 villages were relocated outside the protected area in Kuno.Resettled communities included Saharia tribal peoples, Jatavs, Brahmins, Gujjars, Kushwahas and Yadav groups.
- Buffer Zone Expansion: To reduce human-wildlife conflict more efficiently a buffer area covering 924km2 (357 sq miles) was expanded as part of an initiative called Buffer Zone Expansion; an area of 924 km2 (357 sq mi).
- Cheetah Reintroduction Proposal: Kuno was proposed in 2009 as a potential site for reintroducing cheetahs into India.
- Gujarat Opposed Relocating Lions from Gir Sanctuary: Although relocation would end its status as home of Asiatic lions, this move was opposed by Gujarat due to a loss of its uniqueness as home for this species.
- In April 2013, the Supreme Court of India ordered Gujarat to relocate some lions within six months to Madhya Pradesh for rehabilitation, yet Gujarat refused compliance and instead devised a plan in 2022 to keep these animals within its borders.
- Upgrade to National Park: On 14 December 2018, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to Kuno National Park by adding an area of 404.0758 km2, making its total surface area 748,761km2, as per Notification No. F-15-52-2002-X-2 from 14 December 2018.
Cheetah Rehabilitation Programme in Kuno National Park
- In January 2022, the Indian government rolled out an action plan for cheetah repopulation in India.
- On 17 September 2022, eight cheetahs-five females and three males-from Namibia were flown in.
- 18 February 2023: As part of the project aimed at reintroduction of cheetahs into the country, another 12 cheetahs came from South Africa to Kuno.
- March 2023: The park celebrated the addition of four cheetah cubs, a very important milestone in the program.
- Kuno National Park has till now seen the birth of 2 cheetah cubs in the last two years.
- Meanwhile, during this period, the project did also face a storm with the death of eight adult cheetahs and five cubs.
- According to officials, 17 cubs have been born in India so far, of which 12 are alive, thus bringing the total of cheetahs in Kuno including cubs to 24 right now.
Geography of Kuno National Park
The Kuno National Park sits in the Vindhya Range, since this hilly system defines its ecological and geographical character. Appropriate for a strategic location in the middle of India, it is also an important biodiversity hotspot and a prime conservation area. The landscape consists of thick forests, regenerated grasslands, and riverine ecosystems shaped by the Kuno River, which sustain biodiversity in the park.
Highlights:
- Savanna-like Grasslands: Formerly abandoned agrarian settlements, these are now vast open plains resembling the savannas of Africa, which form excellent hunting grounds for future cheetahs and lions. Their lush regeneration sustains a healthy population of big cats and herbivores like chital and nilgai.
- Strategic corridor: It links the two important wildlife reserves for Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) and Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh).
- Topography: The landscape is predominantly flat to undulating occurrence broken by rocky outcrops and seasonal streams. Though subtle, the Vindhya foothills prick in elevation.
Climate:
- Summer (Mar-Jun): Burning hot (45 °C)
- Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Heavy precipitation ranging from 800 to 900 mm. The vegetation is green and lush.
- Winter (Oct-Feb): Temperatures range between 10 °C and 25 °C and is perfectly suited for safaris.
Conservation:
- Afforestation: Above 5000 hectares of area has been afforested by planting native species such as kardhai and khair to strengthen the forest cover.
- Prey Augmentation: Deer and antelope have been introduced to replenish their population, which sustains predators such as leopards and cheetahs.
- Habitat Restoration: Has renovated the destroyed village lands into flourishing grasslands that resemble natural ecosystems.
Biodiversity of Kuno National Park
In Kuno National Park, biotic diversity manifests in several types of flora and fauna: mammals, birds, and reptiles-the very features needed for that park to become an area rich in conservation and ecological research. The flora and fauna, as described below, indicate some of the relevant statistics regarding this park:
Flora:
The Configuration of Flora in Kuno National Park mainly comes under tropical dry deciduous forest and is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry decididuous forests ecoregion with patches of built-up savannah grasslands and riverine forests. The floral diversity of the park is very helpful in provisioning the habitats and food sources for wild animals residing within.
Dominant Trees
- Kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) and Salai (Boswellia serrata) take up about 60-70% of the forest cover here, which is pretty much the backbone of these woods. You’ll also find other trees like Khair (Acacia catechu), Dhok, or Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon).
- Grasslands? Yeah, they make up around 20% of the park. It’s those wide-open spaces that’s crucial for cheetah and the herds they chase—ungulates, mostly. Without ’em, the whole predator-prey dance kinda falls apart.
- Then there’s the Kuno River edges, where things get lush. Jamun trees (Syzygium cumini) thrive here, their fruit a hit with both animals and locals when the rains come. Bamboo thickets here too—perfect shelter for smaller critters along the river.
Biodiversity assessments reveal the following statistics on the flora of the park:
- 123 species of trees
- 71 species of shrubs
- 32 species of creepers and exotic plants
- 34 species of bamboos and grasses
Fauna:
Honestly, Kuno National Park’s wildlife is something else—it’s got healthy populations of mammals, birds, and reptiles, no joke. The mix of habitats here? They support both local and migratory species, some rare or even endangered. Kuno’s got 34 mammal species roaming around—like…
Large Carnivores
- Cheetah: 20 translocated from Namibia/South Africa (2022-23), 14 adults and one cub survived to the end of 2023.
- Leopard: approximately 50-70 individuals were thought to be present.
- Striped Hyena: Estimated about 100-150.
- Sloth Bear: Estimated about 100-200.
Ungulates
- Chital (Spotted deer): Some estimated place numbers between 8,000-10,000 (i.e., the bulk of cheetah prey).
- Sambar: Estimated at 1,500-2,000.
- Nilgai: Estimated about 1,000-1,500.
- Wild Boar: Estimated at approximately 500-700.
- Others: Indian Wolf, Golden Jackal, Indian Fox and Langurs.
Reptiles:
Kuno National Park possesses a remarkable fauna in Kuno with significant species representing mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its varied habitats sustain both resident and migratory species, some of which are rare or endangered.
- Muggar Crocodiles: ~50 to 70 in the Kuno River.
- Snakes: Indian Rock Python, Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, and Russell Viper.
- Lizards: The Bengal Monitor Lizard and the Indian Chameleon.
- Other reptiles include tortoises: The Indian Star Tortoise (protected species).
Birds:
Kuno is an Important Bird Area (IBA) recorded with more than 250 species:
- Raptors: Critically endangered Indian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture.
- Ground Birds: Indian Peafowl (estimated ~500–700), Painted Spurfowl, and Quails.
- Waterbirds: Most migratory Bar-headed Goose and resident Sarus Crane.
- Also seen are Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, and 30+ raptor species.
Why It Matters
• Cheetah Comeback: The reintroduction here aims to bring back India’s apex predator, which went missing ages ago—it’s sort of one piece of a bigger, global plan to fix ecosystems.
• Prey Numbers: There’s a solid number of ungulates hanging around these days (like 12,000 or so).
• Habitat Help: They’re tackling stuff like invasive plants (Lantana camara’s a big one) and folks creeping into wildlife spaces.
Honestly, Kuno’s crazy biodiversity just shows why rewilding and protecting its natural legacy in central India’s so key. But yeah, keeping an eye on things and getting locals involved? Gotta keeps up with that if we want this to last.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, this Kuno National Park isn’t just another reserve—it’s central India’s ecological heartbeat. Think 123 kinds of trees, 71 shrubs, and enough bamboo and grasses (34 types!) to make the whole system tick. Animals? Over 30 mammals, 200+ birds (someone literally spotted 129 in one go), and reptiles like those ancient-looking muggers and gharials lurking around.
But here’s the kicker: none of this happens by accident. Teams are rebooting habitats and maybe even rewilding lions soon. Kuno’s not just a sanctuary—it’s proof that India’s wild spaces can bounce back, noisier and messier and heck of a lot more alive than any textbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Kuno National Park is located in which state?
A: Madhya Pradesh.
Q2: Kuno National Park in which district?
A: Sheopur district.
Q3: What is Kuno National Park famous for?
A: The reintroduction of Asiatic lions and cheetahs.
Q4: How to reach Kuno National Park?
A: By air (nearest airport: Gwalior), train (nearest station: Sheopur), or road.
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