{"id":30065,"date":"2025-11-18T08:56:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T03:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/?p=30065"},"modified":"2026-08-19T16:24:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:54:53","slug":"indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"India&#8217;s First Cheetah Safari at Kuno National Park: The Complete 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TL;DR<\/strong><br>India&#8217;s first cheetah safari opened to the public at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, on 1 October 2025. Safaris run October to June in morning and evening slots, cost roughly \u20b94,000\u2013\u20b95,000 per jeep for up to six people, and are booked online through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal up to 120 days in advance. The park closes every year from July to September for the monsoon and reopens on 1 October.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In this Blog<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Quick_Info\" >Quick Info<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Is_the_Kuno_cheetah_safari_open_and_what_exactly_is_it\" >Is the Kuno cheetah safari open, and what exactly is it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Kuno_cheetah_safari_tickets_timings_and_prices_for_the_2026-27_season\" >Kuno cheetah safari tickets, timings and prices for the 2026-27 season<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Timings_by_season\" >Timings by season<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Prices\" >Prices<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#How_to_book_a_Kuno_safari_step_by_step\" >How to book a Kuno safari, step by step<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Will_you_actually_see_a_cheetah_An_honest_answer\" >Will you actually see a cheetah? An honest answer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Where_Project_Cheetah_stands_in_2026\" >Where Project Cheetah stands in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Best_time_to_visit_Kuno_National_Park\" >Best time to visit Kuno National Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#How_to_reach_Kuno_National_Park\" >How to reach Kuno National Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#What_else_youll_see_at_Kuno\" >What else you&#8217;ll see at Kuno<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#12_places_to_visit_near_Kuno_National_Park\" >12 places to visit near Kuno National Park<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#1_Palpur_Ruins\" >1. Palpur Ruins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#2_National_Chambal_Gharial_Sanctuary_Palighat\" >2. National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, Palighat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#3_Sheopur_Fort\" >3. Sheopur Fort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#4_Gwalior_Fort\" >4. Gwalior Fort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#5_Jai_Vilas_Palace_Scindia_Museum\" >5. Jai Vilas Palace &amp; Scindia Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#6_Teli_ka_Mandir\" >6. Teli ka Mandir<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#7_Gujari_Mahal_Archaeological_Museum\" >7. Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#8_Chausath_Yogini_Temple_Mitaoli\" >8. Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#9_Bateshwar_Temple_Group_Padavli\" >9. Bateshwar Temple Group, Padavli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#10_Kakanmath_Temple_Sihoniya\" >10. Kakanmath Temple, Sihoniya<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#11_Madhav_National_Park_Shivpuri\" >11. Madhav National Park, Shivpuri<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#12_Chhatris_of_Shivpuri\" >12. Chhatris of Shivpuri<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Suggested_itineraries\" >Suggested itineraries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Kuno_vs_Gandhi_Sagar_which_cheetah_site_should_you_visit\" >Kuno vs Gandhi Sagar: which cheetah site should you visit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Safari_rules_and_what_to_pack\" >Safari rules and what to pack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Where_to_stay_near_Kuno_National_Park\" >Where to stay near Kuno National Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#Planning_your_trip\" >Planning your trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"quick-info\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Info\"><\/span>Quick Info<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Fields<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Location<\/strong><\/td><td>Sheopur and Shivpuri districts, Madhya Pradesh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Park area<\/strong><\/td><td>748.76 sq km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Safari season<\/strong><\/td><td>1 October to 30 June (closed July\u2013September)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best time to visit<\/strong><\/td><td>October to March<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nearest airport<\/strong><\/td><td>Gwalior Airport (~176 km)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nearest railway station<\/strong><\/td><td>Shivpuri (~70 km); Gwalior for better connectivity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Safari cost<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b94,000\u2013\u20b95,000 per jeep (up to 6 people) + 18% GST<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ideal duration<\/strong><\/td><td>2 days \/ 1 night minimum, 3 days recommended<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Booking window<\/strong><\/td><td>Up to 120 days in advance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"is-the-kuno-cheetah-safari-open-and-what-exactly-is-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_Kuno_cheetah_safari_open_and_what_exactly_is_it\"><\/span>Is the Kuno cheetah safari open, and what exactly is it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1597877774402-d04cad0b7596?q=80&amp;w=2070&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\" alt=\"Image credit: Partha Narasimhan via unsplash\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. India&#8217;s first cheetah safari opened to the public at Kuno National Park on 1 October 2025, and the park now runs it as a regular seasonal offering alongside its general jungle safari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is what it is not: a guaranteed cheetah viewing. Kuno is a genuine open national park, not an enclosure with a viewing gallery. The cheetahs you may see are wild animals moving across 748 sq km of grassland and dry deciduous forest. Some are free-ranging across the full park. Others live in soft bomas \u2014 large fenced conditioning enclosures of 50 to 150 hectares \u2014 which are not part of the tourist route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes the experience different from a tiger safari at Bandhavgarh or Ranthambore is the landscape. Kuno&#8217;s terrain is open savanna grassland broken by acacia and low ridges, which is exactly why it was chosen for cheetahs. You are not peering into dense sal forest hoping for a flash of stripe. You get long sightlines across golden grass, and when a cheetah is out, you tend to see it properly and for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952. Project Cheetah brought them back in September 2022 with eight animals from Namibia, followed by twelve from South Africa in February 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"kuno-cheetah-safari-tickets-timings-and-prices-for-the-202627-season\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kuno_cheetah_safari_tickets_timings_and_prices_for_the_2026-27_season\"><\/span>Kuno cheetah safari tickets, timings and prices for the 2026-27 season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safari slots are sold per vehicle, not per head \u2014 six people pay the same as two, which makes the trip considerably cheaper for a family or a group of friends than the headline number suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"timings-by-season\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timings_by_season\"><\/span>Timings by season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Season<\/th><th>Morning safari<\/th><th>Evening safari<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>October \u2013 December<\/td><td>6:00 AM \u2013 11:30 AM<\/td><td>3:00 PM \u2013 6:00 PM<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>January \u2013 March<\/td><td>6:30 AM \u2013 11:30 AM<\/td><td>3:00 PM \u2013 5:30 PM<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April \u2013 June<\/td><td>5:30 AM \u2013 11:30 AM<\/td><td>4:00 PM \u2013 7:00 PM<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>July \u2013 September<\/td><td>Park closed for monsoon<\/td><td>Park closed for monsoon<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each safari runs roughly three hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"prices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prices\"><\/span>Prices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Season<\/th><th>Vehicle<\/th><th>Capacity<\/th><th>Cost<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>October \u2013 March<\/td><td>Jeep \/ Gypsy<\/td><td>Up to 6<\/td><td>\u20b94,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April \u2013 June<\/td><td>Jeep \/ Gypsy<\/td><td>Up to 6<\/td><td>\u20b95,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The jeep fare bundles the park entry fee, the vehicle charge and the naturalist guide. GST at 18% is added on top. Budget around \u20b94,700\u2013\u20b95,900 all-in per jeep per safari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-book-a-kuno-safari-step-by-step\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_book_a_Kuno_safari_step_by_step\"><\/span>How to book a Kuno safari, step by step<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Go to the official portal.<\/strong> Bookings open on the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department site at <a href=\"https:\/\/forest.mponline.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">forest.mponline.gov.in<\/a>. The park also has a dedicated portal at <a href=\"https:\/\/kunocheetahjunglesafari.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">kunocheetahjunglesafari.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Book early.<\/strong> The window opens 120 days ahead. Weekend mornings in December and January are the first to go, and they go months out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enter details for every passenger.<\/strong> You need full name, age, gender, nationality and an ID proof number for each person. These must match the IDs you carry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Save the confirmation.<\/strong> You get email and SMS confirmation. Carry a printout \u2014 mobile network at the gates is unreliable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Register at Sesaipura.<\/strong> Permit collection happens at Sesaipura village, roughly 18 km from the main gate. Allow 15\u201320 minutes. You collect your permit, vehicle sticker and guide allocation here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arrive 15 minutes early.<\/strong> Slots start on time and late arrivals lose the first light, which is the part that matters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Same-day tickets are sometimes available at the gate, but treating that as a plan is how people end up driving 176 km for nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"will-you-actually-see-a-cheetah-an-honest-answer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_you_actually_see_a_cheetah_An_honest_answer\"><\/span>Will you actually see a cheetah? An honest answer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1624958320348-f6be5a84aff5?q=80&amp;w=1625&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\" alt=\"Image credit: Ahmed Galal via unsplash\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;object-position:58% 29%\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the question everyone asks and most guides dodge, so here it is plainly: no, sightings are not guaranteed, and a meaningful number of visitors leave without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the safari first opened, this was a real source of frustration. Much of the cheetah population was still inside soft bomas at the time and only a small group was free-ranging in the tourist zones. Reports from that first season featured visitors who completed multiple safaris and saw none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The picture has improved. India&#8217;s cheetah population has grown well past 50 animals, and the number roaming free across Kuno&#8217;s grasslands has risen with it. More free-ranging cats across the same tourist zones means better odds than the launch season offered. But they are still wild cheetahs on 748 sq km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to genuinely improve your chances:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Book at least three safaris across two days.<\/strong> One safari is a coin flip. Three is a reasonable sample. This is the single highest-impact thing you can do.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prioritise mornings.<\/strong> Cheetahs hunt in the cooler early hours and rest through the middle of the day. First light is the window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Go in the cold months.<\/strong> December to February brings the best light, the best animal activity and the shortest grass, which matters enormously for sightlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Talk to your guide properly.<\/strong> Kuno&#8217;s naturalists track individual animals daily and know where collared cats were last recorded. Ask before you set off, not halfway through.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sit high and bring glass.<\/strong> A 300mm lens minimum, and binoculars are more useful here than at any tiger park in India \u2014 the open terrain means sightings are frequently at distance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go in treating the cheetah as a bonus and the grassland itself as the experience, and you will not have a bad trip. Go in expecting a guaranteed cheetah, and you might.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"where-project-cheetah-stands-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Project_Cheetah_stands_in_2026\"><\/span>Where Project Cheetah stands in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Milestone<\/th><th>Date<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cheetah declared extinct in India<\/td><td>1952<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8 cheetahs arrive from Namibia<\/td><td>September 2022<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>12 cheetahs arrive from South Africa<\/td><td>February 2023<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>First cubs born on Indian soil<\/td><td>March 2023<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Two cheetahs released at Gandhi Sagar<\/td><td>April 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cheetah safari opens to the public<\/td><td>1 October 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Second-generation cubs born at Kuno<\/td><td>December 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9 cheetahs arrive from Botswana (6 female, 3 male)<\/td><td>February 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Botswana translocation in February 2026 was the third international transfer and pushed India&#8217;s total well past 50. Kuno holds the large majority; Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district holds a small group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more meaningful number is the India-born one. More than two dozen cubs have now been born and survived at Kuno, including a second generation \u2014 cubs whose own parents were also born in India. That is the threshold a reintroduction has to cross to stop being a translocation and start being a population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"best-time-to-visit-kuno-national-park\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_time_to_visit_Kuno_National_Park\"><\/span>Best time to visit Kuno National Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>October to December<\/strong> is the sweet spot. The park reopens on 1 October after the monsoon, the grass is still green, the light is clean and temperatures sit between 12\u00b0C and 28\u00b0C. Book well ahead \u2014 this is peak season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>January to February<\/strong> brings the coldest mornings, down to 6\u00b0C or lower at dawn, and the best wildlife activity of the year. Grass has dried and shortened, which improves visibility across the grasslands considerably. Our pick for serious wildlife photographers. Carry more warm layers than you think you need \u2014 an open jeep at 6:30 AM in January is genuinely cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>March to June<\/strong> gets progressively hotter, touching 45\u00b0C in May. It is uncomfortable, but water sources shrink and animals concentrate around them, so sightings can actually improve. Safaris shift earlier and later to dodge the worst heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>July to September<\/strong> \u2014 the park is closed. Do not plan around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-reach-kuno-national-park\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_reach_Kuno_National_Park\"><\/span>How to reach Kuno National Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1621847473222-d85c022cbf07?q=80&amp;w=2525&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\" alt=\"Image credit: \nUdara Karunarathna via unsplash\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kuno sits in a genuinely rural corner of Madhya Pradesh. There is no shortcut, and self-drive or a hired car is the only sensible way in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By air:<\/strong> Gwalior Airport (GWL) is the nearest at roughly 176 km, about a 4-hour drive. Gwalior has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Indore. Jaipur (~340 km) and Delhi (~450 km) are alternatives if fares work out better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By rail:<\/strong> Shivpuri railway station is closest at ~70 km but has limited services. Gwalior Junction is far better connected \u2014 it is on the Delhi\u2013Bhopal main line with frequent trains \u2014 and is the practical rail choice despite the longer road transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By road:<\/strong> Sesaipura village in Sheopur district is the gateway, about 15 km from the park entrance. From Gwalior, drive via Shivpuri on NH-46 and then towards Sheopur. From Delhi it is roughly 450 km via the Agra\u2013Gwalior route on NH-44, a 9\u201310 hour drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-else-youll-see-at-kuno\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_else_youll_see_at_Kuno\"><\/span>What else you&#8217;ll see at Kuno<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kuno was originally prepared in the 1990s for a different reintroduction entirely \u2014 Asiatic lions from Gir \u2014 and villages were relocated to create the prey base. That project stalled, but the prey base it built is why the cheetahs are thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expect <strong>chital<\/strong>, <strong>sambar<\/strong>, <strong>nilgai<\/strong>, <strong>chinkara<\/strong>, <strong>four-horned antelope<\/strong>, <strong>wild boar<\/strong> and <strong>langur<\/strong> in good numbers. The predator list beyond cheetah includes <strong>Indian leopard<\/strong>, <strong>striped hyena<\/strong>, <strong>jungle cat<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>dhole<\/strong> and <strong>Indian wolf<\/strong>. Leopards in particular are well established here and are seen more often than cheetahs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Birders do well too \u2014 a spring survey recorded 129 species, and the raptor list is strong, with vultures, eagles and owls across the grassland and along the Kuno River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"12-places-to-visit-near-kuno-national-park\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_places_to_visit_near_Kuno_National_Park\"><\/span>12 places to visit near Kuno National Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kuno pairs naturally with Gwalior and the Morena temple circuit, which is where most of the region&#8217;s heritage sits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-palpur-ruins\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Palpur_Ruins\"><\/span>1. Palpur Ruins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The abandoned settlement of Palpur sits within the Kuno landscape, the remains of the village complex that gave the sanctuary its original name. Crumbling stone structures against open grassland \u2014 a quiet reminder of the human relocation that made this habitat possible.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> Covered by safari permit \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> Safari hours only \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Morning safari \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> Inside the park, on some safari routes \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 20\u201330 mins \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> History-minded travellers \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Ask your guide in advance whether your route passes it \u2014 not all do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-national-chambal-gharial-sanctuary-palighat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_National_Chambal_Gharial_Sanctuary_Palighat\"><\/span>2. National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, Palighat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About 30 km from Sheopur town on the Chambal River, this is one of India&#8217;s best places to see the critically endangered gharial, alongside mugger crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins and enormous flocks of skimmers.<br><strong>Timings:<\/strong> Boat safaris typically 7 AM\u20135 PM \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> November\u2013March \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> ~30 km from Sheopur by road \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> Half day \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Families, birders \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> The boat safari is the whole point \u2014 skip the bank viewpoint and get on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-sheopur-fort\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Sheopur_Fort\"><\/span>3. Sheopur Fort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 16th-century fort on the banks of the Seep River, largely unrestored and almost never crowded. Worth an hour if you are staying in Sheopur town.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> Free entry \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> Daylight hours \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Late afternoon \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> 2 km from Sheopur bus stand \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 1 hour \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Solo travellers, photographers \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Sheopur is also known for its wooden lacquerware \u2014 the local market is a genuinely good souvenir stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-gwalior-fort\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Gwalior_Fort\"><\/span>4. Gwalior Fort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the largest and most dramatic hill forts in India, rising on a sandstone plateau above the city. The Man Singh Palace within it has some of the finest surviving tilework of its period.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> \u20b975 for Indians, \u20b9250 for foreign nationals \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> 9 AM \u2013 5:30 PM daily \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> October\u2013March, early morning \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> ~176 km from Kuno, in Gwalior city \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 3\u20134 hours \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Everyone \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> The evening sound-and-light show is worth staying for if you are overnighting in Gwalior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"5-jai-vilas-palace-amp-scindia-museum\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Jai_Vilas_Palace_Scindia_Museum\"><\/span>5. Jai Vilas Palace &amp; Scindia Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Scindia family&#8217;s 19th-century palace, built in a European style, and home to a 3,500 kg chandelier and a silver toy train that once served dinner guests. Still partly a residence.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> \u20b9150 for Indians \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> 10 AM \u2013 5 PM, closed Wednesdays \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Year-round, indoors \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> Gwalior city centre \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 2 hours \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Families \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Photography rules inside are strict and enforced \u2014 check at the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"6-teli-ka-mandir\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Teli_ka_Mandir\"><\/span>6. Teli ka Mandir<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 9th-century temple inside Gwalior Fort with an unusual South Indian style roof on a North Indian structure. At around 100 feet, it is the tallest building in the fort complex.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> Included with Gwalior Fort ticket \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> 9 AM \u2013 5:30 PM \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Morning \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> Inside Gwalior Fort \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 30 mins \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Architecture enthusiasts \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Pair it with the adjacent Sas-Bahu temples in the same walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"7-gujari-mahal-archaeological-museum\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Gujari_Mahal_Archaeological_Museum\"><\/span>7. Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Built by Raja Man Singh for his queen Mrignayani, now a museum holding sculpture from across the region, including the celebrated Shalabhanjika statuette.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> \u20b910\u2013\u20b950 \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> 10 AM \u2013 5 PM, closed Mondays \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Year-round \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> At the base of Gwalior Fort \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 1 hour \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> History travellers \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Ask specifically to see the Shalabhanjika \u2014 it is kept separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"8-chausath-yogini-temple-mitaoli\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Chausath_Yogini_Temple_Mitaoli\"><\/span>8. Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A circular 13th-century temple with 64 shrines arranged around the rim, sitting on a hilltop in Morena district. It is widely cited as an architectural reference point for the design of the Indian Parliament building.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> Free entry \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> Sunrise to sunset \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Early morning \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> ~40 km from Gwalior, Morena district \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 1 hour \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Architecture and photography \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> It is a steep flight of around 100 steps to the top \u2014 not ideal in midday heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"9-bateshwar-temple-group-padavli\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Bateshwar_Temple_Group_Padavli\"><\/span>9. Bateshwar Temple Group, Padavli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A cluster of roughly 200 sandstone temples from the 8th\u201310th centuries, painstakingly reassembled from rubble by the Archaeological Survey of India over two decades. One of the most remarkable restoration stories in the country.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> Free entry \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> Sunrise to sunset \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> October\u2013March, morning \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> ~35 km from Gwalior, near Morena \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 2 hours \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> History travellers, photographers \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Combine Mitaoli, Padavli and Bateshwar into one half-day loop \u2014 they sit close together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"10-kakanmath-temple-sihoniya\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Kakanmath_Temple_Sihoniya\"><\/span>10. Kakanmath Temple, Sihoniya<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An 11th-century Shiva temple built without mortar, still standing at around 115 feet despite centuries of damage. Sparse, ruined and genuinely striking.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> Free entry \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> Sunrise to sunset \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Late afternoon \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> ~65 km from Gwalior, Morena district \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 1 hour \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Offbeat travellers \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Roads in are rough \u2014 a hatchback will struggle after rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"11-madhav-national-park-shivpuri\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Madhav_National_Park_Shivpuri\"><\/span>11. Madhav National Park, Shivpuri<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A compact park with a lake system, a marsh crocodile population and the George Castle hunting lodge on a hilltop. A useful second wildlife stop that breaks the drive between Kuno and Gwalior.<br><strong>Timings:<\/strong> Morning and evening safari slots \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> October\u2013March \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> ~110 km from Kuno \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> Half day \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Families \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Sunset from George Castle over Sakhya Sagar lake is the highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"12-chhatris-of-shivpuri\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Chhatris_of_Shivpuri\"><\/span>12. Chhatris of Shivpuri<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The marble and sandstone cenotaphs of the Scindia rulers, set around formal gardens and water channels. Considerably quieter than comparable monuments in Rajasthan.<br><strong>Entry:<\/strong> \u20b920\u2013\u20b950 \u00b7 <strong>Timings:<\/strong> 9 AM \u2013 6 PM \u00b7 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Late afternoon \u00b7 <strong>How to reach:<\/strong> Shivpuri town, ~70 km from Kuno \u00b7 <strong>Time required:<\/strong> 1 hour \u00b7 <strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Couples, photographers \u00b7 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Golden hour here is exceptional and almost nobody is around for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"suggested-itineraries\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggested_itineraries\"><\/span>Suggested itineraries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weekend (2 days \/ 1 night)<\/strong> \u2014 Drive from Gwalior on Friday evening. Saturday: morning and evening safari. Sunday: one final morning safari, then drive back. Three safaris, two nights of sleep, and realistic sighting odds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3 days \/ 2 nights (recommended)<\/strong> \u2014 Day 1: arrive, evening safari. Day 2: morning and evening safari. Day 3: morning safari, then drive to Gwalior via Shivpuri, stopping at the Chhatris. Four safaris and the odds tip properly in your favour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5 days, full circuit<\/strong> \u2014 Days 1\u20133 at Kuno as above. Day 4: the Morena temple loop \u2014 Mitaoli, Padavli, Bateshwar, Kakanmath. Day 5: Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, then fly out. This is the trip we would actually book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"kuno-vs-gandhi-sagar-which-cheetah-site-should-you-visit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kuno_vs_Gandhi_Sagar_which_cheetah_site_should_you_visit\"><\/span>Kuno vs Gandhi Sagar: which cheetah site should you visit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Kuno National Park<\/th><th>Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>District<\/td><td>Sheopur \/ Shivpuri<\/td><td>Mandsaur \/ Neemuch<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cheetahs introduced<\/td><td>September 2022<\/td><td>April 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cheetah population<\/td><td>Large majority of India&#8217;s total<\/td><td>Small group<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Public cheetah safari<\/td><td>Open since October 2025<\/td><td>Small group<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Landscape<\/td><td>Open savanna grassland<\/td><td>Chambal riverine, plateau, gorges<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nearest airport<\/td><td>Gwalior (~176 km)<\/td><td>Indore (~250 km)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Best for<\/td><td>Cheetah sightings, first-time visitors<\/td><td>Landscape, quieter experience<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a cheetah-focused trip in 2026, Kuno is the clear choice. Gandhi Sagar is worth watching as its population establishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"safari-rules-and-what-to-pack\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safari_rules_and_what_to_pack\"><\/span>Safari rules and what to pack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kuno enforces its rules seriously. Vehicles stay under 20 km\/h. Nobody steps out of the jeep at any point. Speakers and music are banned outright. Feeding, calling to or provoking animals will end your safari and can get your operator blacklisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pack:<\/strong> layered clothing in earth tones (avoid white and bright colours), a windproof outer layer for winter mornings, binoculars, a 300mm or longer lens, spare batteries \u2014 cold drains them fast \u2014 sunscreen, a hat, and your original ID plus the printed permit. Carry cash; card acceptance around Sesaipura is patchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"where-to-stay-near-kuno-national-park\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_near_Kuno_National_Park\"><\/span>Where to stay near Kuno National Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accommodation immediately around Kuno is limited to forest lodges and a handful of resorts near Sesaipura, and it books out for peak-season weekends well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most travellers we speak to build the trip around <strong>Gwalior<\/strong> instead \u2014 it is the arrival airport, it has the region&#8217;s best food and heritage, and it works as a comfortable base at either end of the safari leg. If you are travelling as a family or a group of friends, a private villa makes far more sense than separate hotel rooms, particularly with 5:30 AM starts and everyone on the same schedule. Browse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/madhya-pradesh\/villas-in-gwalior\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">luxury villas in Gwalior<\/a> on StayVista for options with private pools and full kitchens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are extending into a wider wildlife trip, StayVista&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/rajasthan\/villas-in-ranthambore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">villas in Ranthambore<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/rajasthan\/homestays-in-ranthambore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homestays in Ranthambore<\/a> pair well with Kuno for a tiger-and-cheetah run across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128722453\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is the cheetah safari at Kuno National Park open in 2026?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. The safari opened on 1 October 2025 and runs every year from October to June. The park closes from July to September for the monsoon and reopens on 1 October.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128740423\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How much does the Kuno cheetah safari cost?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Approximately \u20b94,000 per jeep from October to March and \u20b95,000 from April to June, for up to six people, plus 18% GST. The fare includes park entry, the vehicle and a naturalist guide.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128759608\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How many cheetahs are there at Kuno National Park?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">India&#8217;s cheetah population passed 50 in 2026, with the large majority at Kuno and a small group at Gandhi Sagar. Nine cheetahs arrived from Botswana in February 2026. Not all are in tourist-accessible zones \u2014 some remain in soft-release enclosures.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128775880\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are cheetah sightings guaranteed at Kuno?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Cheetahs at Kuno are wild animals across 748 sq km. Booking three or more safaris across two days, prioritising morning slots and visiting between December and February gives you the best realistic chance.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128793587\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I book a Kuno safari online?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Book through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal at forest.mponline.gov.in or the dedicated Kuno safari portal, up to 120 days in advance. You need ID details for every passenger and must collect the permit at Sesaipura before your slot.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128807913\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the best time to visit Kuno National Park?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">October to March. December to February offers the best wildlife activity and shortest grass for visibility, though mornings drop below 10\u00b0C.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128821596\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I reach Kuno National Park from Delhi?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Roughly 450 km by road via NH-44 through Agra and Gwalior, about 9\u201310 hours. Alternatively fly or take a train to Gwalior, then drive the remaining 176 km.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787128843511\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I see cheetahs anywhere else in India?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh, is India&#8217;s second cheetah site, with animals released from April 2025. Kuno remains the only site with an established public cheetah safari.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"planning-your-trip\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Planning_your_trip\"><\/span>Planning your trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India spent seven decades without a cheetah. Getting them back took a translocation programme across three countries, a relocated prey base built for a lion project that never happened, and a fair amount of argument. That the safari now exists at all is the interesting part \u2014 and standing in an open jeep at 6:30 AM watching one cross a Madhya Pradesh grassland is a genuinely different thing from any other wildlife experience in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Book early, book several safaris, and give yourself three days. Then let StayVista handle where you sleep \u2014 browse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/madhya-pradesh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">villas and homestays in Madhya Pradesh<\/a> to build the trip around it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TL;DRIndia&#8217;s first cheetah safari opened to the public at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, on 1 October 2025. Safaris run October to June in morning and evening slots, cost roughly&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":30066,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[820],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30065","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-itineraries"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Kuno Cheetah Safari 2026: Tickets, Timings &amp; Booking Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"India&#039;s first cheetah safari at Kuno National Park is open. Get 2026-27 tickets, timings, booking steps, sighting odds and how to reach. Plan your trip.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kuno Cheetah Safari 2026: Tickets, Timings &amp; Booking Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"India&#039;s first cheetah safari at Kuno National Park is open. Get 2026-27 tickets, timings, booking steps, sighting odds and how to reach. 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After dabbling into entertainment journalism, I found my voice while narrating travel and tourism stories. When I\u2019m not typing away on my keyword or diving headfirst into a thriller novel, I\u2019m out exploring different cuisines and catching up on the latest rom-com releases.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/brandonf\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128722453\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128722453\",\"name\":\"Is the cheetah safari at Kuno National Park open in 2026?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. The safari opened on 1 October 2025 and runs every year from October to June. The park closes from July to September for the monsoon and reopens on 1 October.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128740423\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128740423\",\"name\":\"How much does the Kuno cheetah safari cost?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Approximately \u20b94,000 per jeep from October to March and \u20b95,000 from April to June, for up to six people, plus 18% GST. The fare includes park entry, the vehicle and a naturalist guide.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128759608\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128759608\",\"name\":\"How many cheetahs are there at Kuno National Park?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"India's cheetah population passed 50 in 2026, with the large majority at Kuno and a small group at Gandhi Sagar. Nine cheetahs arrived from Botswana in February 2026. Not all are in tourist-accessible zones \u2014 some remain in soft-release enclosures.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128775880\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128775880\",\"name\":\"Are cheetah sightings guaranteed at Kuno?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Cheetahs at Kuno are wild animals across 748 sq km. Booking three or more safaris across two days, prioritising morning slots and visiting between December and February gives you the best realistic chance.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128793587\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128793587\",\"name\":\"How do I book a Kuno safari online?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Book through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal at forest.mponline.gov.in or the dedicated Kuno safari portal, up to 120 days in advance. You need ID details for every passenger and must collect the permit at Sesaipura before your slot.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128807913\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128807913\",\"name\":\"What is the best time to visit Kuno National Park?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"October to March. December to February offers the best wildlife activity and shortest grass for visibility, though mornings drop below 10\u00b0C.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128821596\",\"position\":7,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\\\/#faq-question-1787128821596\",\"name\":\"How do I reach Kuno National Park from Delhi?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Roughly 450 km by road via NH-44 through Agra and Gwalior, about 9\u201310 hours. 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After dabbling into entertainment journalism, I found my voice while narrating travel and tourism stories. When I\u2019m not typing away on my keyword or diving headfirst into a thriller novel, I\u2019m out exploring different cuisines and catching up on the latest rom-com releases.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/author\/brandonf\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128722453","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128722453","name":"Is the cheetah safari at Kuno National Park open in 2026?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. The safari opened on 1 October 2025 and runs every year from October to June. The park closes from July to September for the monsoon and reopens on 1 October.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128740423","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128740423","name":"How much does the Kuno cheetah safari cost?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Approximately \u20b94,000 per jeep from October to March and \u20b95,000 from April to June, for up to six people, plus 18% GST. The fare includes park entry, the vehicle and a naturalist guide.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128759608","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128759608","name":"How many cheetahs are there at Kuno National Park?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"India's cheetah population passed 50 in 2026, with the large majority at Kuno and a small group at Gandhi Sagar. Nine cheetahs arrived from Botswana in February 2026. Not all are in tourist-accessible zones \u2014 some remain in soft-release enclosures.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128775880","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128775880","name":"Are cheetah sightings guaranteed at Kuno?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Cheetahs at Kuno are wild animals across 748 sq km. Booking three or more safaris across two days, prioritising morning slots and visiting between December and February gives you the best realistic chance.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128793587","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128793587","name":"How do I book a Kuno safari online?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Book through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal at forest.mponline.gov.in or the dedicated Kuno safari portal, up to 120 days in advance. You need ID details for every passenger and must collect the permit at Sesaipura before your slot.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128807913","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128807913","name":"What is the best time to visit Kuno National Park?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"October to March. December to February offers the best wildlife activity and shortest grass for visibility, though mornings drop below 10\u00b0C.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128821596","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128821596","name":"How do I reach Kuno National Park from Delhi?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Roughly 450 km by road via NH-44 through Agra and Gwalior, about 9\u201310 hours. Alternatively fly or take a train to Gwalior, then drive the remaining 176 km.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128843511","position":8,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/indias-first-cheetah-safari-at-kuno-national-park\/#faq-question-1787128843511","name":"Can I see cheetahs anywhere else in India?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh, is India's second cheetah site, with animals released from April 2025. Kuno remains the only site with an established public cheetah safari.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30065","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30065"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30065\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43712,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30065\/revisions\/43712"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}