KUNO NATIONAL PARK
Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of northern Madhya Pradesh, is one of India's most exciting wildlife destinations. Spread across 748 square kilometres, this beautiful park is filled with dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky hills, and the life-giving Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal River. It is famous around the world for bringing the cheetah back to India after nearly 70 years.
A HISTORIC RETURN OF THE CHEETAH
Kuno National Park has made history through Project Cheetah. The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952, but in 2022 India launched an ambitious conservation programme by bringing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno.
The project has been a major success. By February 2026, 24 cheetah cubs had been born in the park, and the cheetah population had grown to 35. Today, Kuno is the only national park in India where cheetahs live in the wild.
A PARK WITH A RICH HISTORY
Kuno was first declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 with an area of 344.68 sq km. During the 1990s, it was selected as the best place to relocate the Asiatic lion from Gir National Park. To prepare for this, 24 villages were relocated outside the sanctuary.
Although the lion project did not happen, the sanctuary was upgraded to Kuno National Park in 2018, paving the way for the successful cheetah reintroduction.
FLORA: A RICH GREEN TREASURE
Kuno's landscape is a mix of forests and open grasslands, making it ideal for large carnivores. The park is home to around 123 species of trees, along with shrubs, climbers, bamboo, and grasses.
Some important trees include:
●Kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) – a drought-resistant tree that turns green even with very little humidity.
●Khair (Acacia catechu) – an important tree of Central India's forests.
WILDLIFE OF KUNO
Besides cheetahs, Kuno shelters many amazing animals, including:
●Chital (spotted deer)
●Sambar deer
●Nilgai
●Chinkara
●Blackbuck
●Sloth bear
●Indian leopard
●Indian wolf
●Dhole (wild dog)
●Hyena and jackal
Its diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife throughout the year.
BIRDS AND REPTILES
Kuno is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 bird species recorded. Some of the most beautiful birds include the Indian paradise flycatcher, Indian golden oriole, crested serpent eagle, Egyptian vulture, and common crane.
The Kuno River is home to fascinating reptiles such as the gharial, mugger crocodile, and Indian softshell turtle.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kuno National Park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
How to Reach
Nearest town: Shivpuri (70 km)
By rail: Kota (214 km) and Shivpuri are well connected.
Nearest airport: Gwalior (about 160 km away)
AMAZING FACTS
Kuno National Park is the first place in the world to successfully reintroduce cheetahs into a country where they had become extinct.
It is currently India's only home for wild cheetahs.
The park combines forests, grasslands, rivers, and rocky hills, creating a perfect habitat for many rare animals and birds.
DID YOU KNOW?
●The Kuno River, after which the park is named, plays a vital role in supporting its rich biodiversity and providing water to wildlife throughout the year.
●Kuno National Park is a shining example of India's commitment to wildlife conservation and the restoration of endangered species, making it a true jewel of Central India.
