In 1947, Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo hunted the last three recorded Asiatic cheetahs that once roamed freely from Jaipur to Mysore and Deogarh. These majestic feline creatures were officially declared extinct in India in 1952. And this remained the story for 70 years until September 17, 2022. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, eight African cheetahs from Namibia – five females and three males 4-6 years old – were flown 8,000 km Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, and released as part of India’s Rs 90 crore cheetah introduction project.

Today, despite many crises and obstacles, India is once again home to a handful of cheetahs. And the base of this huge effort is Kuno National Park.

History of Kuno National Park

Located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, Kuno National Park takes its name from the Kuno River, which is the backbone of this wildlife destination. It is also a symbol of India’s ambitious conservation efforts. Originally established as a wildlife sanctuary, Kuno was converted into a national park to accommodate Asiatic lions. However, this plan was later abandoned and the park was made suitable for aspiring project cheetahMaking Kuno the centerpiece of India’s cheetah reintroduction programme.

Wildlife in Kuno

Kuno is not just about leopards. The park boasts diverse flora and fauna, including over 120 tree species, grasses and shrubs that support a thriving ecosystem. It is home to leopards, jackals, striped hyenas, nilgai, chinkara and a variety of birds and reptiles. This biodiversity creates a balanced environment for cheetahs to adapt and thrive.

Safari in Kuno National Park

Kuno’s cheetah population has made it a center of attraction for wildlife lovers. Tourists can explore the park’s semi-arid grasslands and dry deciduous forests, which provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. The park has three entrance gates: Ahera, Pipalbawdi, and Tiktoli. Safaris are currently operated from Ahera, as Tiktoli is closed for cheetah incubation.

There are two timings for safari: 6:30 am to 11:30 am and 3 pm to 6 pm, with slight variations depending on the weather and season.

Since safaris are not very common in Kuno, you can book a jeep safari straight from the gate, or get it done from your hotel. Each vehicle that seats six costs ₹750, with an additional ₹150 per person for larger groups. You can also use your own car to tour the national park, but it is mandatory to take a government guide (at a fee of ₹360).

Also read: Wildlife Conservation Day: 5 inspiring stories from Indian national parks

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