India’s Cheetah Homeland
Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, has become one of India’s most talked-about wildlife destinations since 2022, when African cheetahs were reintroduced here after 70 years of extinction from the Indian subcontinent. This historic Project Cheetah initiative has put Kuno firmly on the global conservation map.
Why Kuno?
Kuno is the only place in India — and one of very few in the world — where you can see both African cheetahs and Asiatic lions being introduced into a single habitat. The park’s open grassland-savanna landscape closely resembles the African plains, making it ideal for cheetah adaptation.
- African Cheetahs — 20+ cheetahs translocated from Namibia and South Africa under Project Cheetah
- Leopards — resident population of Indian leopards across the park
- 748 sq km — vast open landscape with grasslands, woodland and river valleys
- Kuno River — the lifeline of the park, supporting diverse aquatic and riparian life
- Historical Significance — was originally prepared to receive Asiatic lions from Gir
Project Cheetah
In September 2022, Prime Minister Modi released the first batch of 8 Namibian cheetahs into Kuno, marking the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation. Subsequently, more cheetahs arrived from South Africa.
The cheetahs have been gradually acclimating to the Indian habitat, and several have already produced cubs — a promising sign for the long-term success of the project.
- 2022: First 8 cheetahs released from Namibia
- 2023: 12 more cheetahs arrived from South Africa
- 2024–25: Multiple cubs born, cheetahs moved to larger enclosures
Safari Experience
Kuno safaris are currently limited and strictly regulated to protect the cheetahs during their acclimatisation period:
- Jeep Safari — 4×4 safaris through designated routes. Cheetah sightings are not guaranteed but chances are improving.
- Guided Nature Walks — available in buffer zones
- Photography Permits — special permits available for professional wildlife photographers
Best Time to Visit
- October–March — Pleasant weather, best visibility. Temperature: 10°C–28°C.
- April–June — Hot, but animals cluster near waterholes for easier spotting.
- Monsoon (July–September) — Park usually closed due to heavy rainfall.
Other Wildlife
- Indian Leopard
- Indian Wolf
- Striped Hyena
- Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
- Indian Pangolin (rare)
- Mugger Crocodile (Kuno River)
How to Reach
- By Air: Nearest airport is Gwalior (200 km, ~4 hours drive)
- By Train: Sheopur Kalan Railway Station (60 km from park gate)
- By Road: Kuno is approximately 320 km from Jaipur and 350 km from Bhopal via state highways
