Enigmatic Kuno

Enigmatic Kuno

Kuno National Park, also known as Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated in the Sheopur and Shivpuri districts of the state, covering an expansive land area of 74,200 hectares. The sanctuary derives its name from the meandering Kuno River that graces the region. Perched atop a lofty hill, Kuno unfolds as a natural paradise, promising a distinctive and indelible experience for nature aficionados and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

But it's not just the wildlife that makes Kuno National Park special. The park is home to the Kardhai tree, which is believed to turn green at the mere presence of humidity in the atmosphere, even before the arrival of monsoon showers. The Kardhai tree represents the true spirit of Kuno; the ability to thrive despite the many challenges of the forest. 

Kuno National Park and the surrounding area have a rich history intertwined with the majestic Lions that once roamed in the area. As far as ancient times, this region was known for its dense forest and abundant wildlife.  Today, the park is also celebrated for the significant presence of diverse bird species found within its borders. 

Over the years, various efforts have been made by the government  to reintroduce the big cats to the region. And today, we can proudly say that Kuno National Park stands out as the only national park in India that is home to Cheetahs. The park's commitment to wildlife conservation continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for all who visit this unique and beautiful part of India. 

Cheetahs in Kuno National Park

The Cheetah is a fascinating and beautiful animal, known for its incredible pace and agility. With slender bodies and long muscular legs, Cheetahs are built for speed, and capable of running at over 70 miles per hour.

Cheetahs were reintroduced in India after more than 70 years as part of Project Cheetah on September 17, 2022. Eight cheetahs were translocated from Namibia and released into a quarantine enclosure at Kuno National Park. This year, on February 18, an additional 12 cheetahs (seven males and five females) were successfully rehabilitated in Kuno.

For now, the tourists cannot witness these majestic big cats but keep following us to know about the real-time updates. 

Fauna of Kuno

Kuno is a diverse wildlife sanctuary, home to a large number of species like Spotted Deer, Sambar, Blue Bull, Hyena and many more. A large number of bird species and reptiles can also be witnessed while exploring the jungles of Kuno National Park.

Flora of Kuno

Kuno National Park showcases an exceptional fusion of woodland and flora that stands unparalleled in Madhya Pradesh and its surrounding regions - truly a sight to behold. The forest is dominated by Kardhai, Salai, and Khair trees, among mostly mixed forests that foster a rich array of flora and fauna species. The park encompasses vast grasslands, hosting a total of 123 tree species, 71 shrub species, 32 exotic and climbing species, and 34 bamboo and grass species.

Best time to visit Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is available for tourism all year round, except during the monsoon season (as per forest guidelines). Nonetheless, due to its tropical location, vegetation, and geographical features, the ideal time to visit Kuno is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and the stay is comfortable.

How to reach Kuno?

By Air: The nearest airport to the park is Gwalior Airport, just 176 km. 

By Rail: Shivpuri railway station is the closest to Kuno National Park, around 70 km. Other major railway stations nearby Kuno are Gwalior, Jhansi, Kota, Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur.

By Road: Sesaipura in the Sheopur district is the nearest village, just 15 km from the park. Kuno is well connected with other cities like Shivpuri, Sawai Madhopur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kota and Jaipur. 

Kuno National Park Safari Booking

To ensure you don't miss out on the wild experience of Kuno, it is recommended that you book your safari in advance. You can make bookings through the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, i.e.https://forest.mponline.gov.in/. The website offers an easy and convenient booking system that lets you choose from a variety of booking options as per your preferred date and time.