Kuno National Park Safari Reopening: What’s New This Season?
Table of contents
- 1. Kuno National Park Safari Reopening: What’s New This Season?
- 2. Important Dates & Updates
- 3. Official opening schedule
- 4. New safari routes or rules
- 5. How to Secure Early Safari Bookings
- 6. Benefits of advance reservations
- 7. Best time slots for sightings
- 8. Why Stay at The Palpur Fort During Safari Season
- 9. Close proximity to park gates
- 10. Custom safari packages
- 11. Conclusion
Kuno National Park Safari Reopening: What’s New
The much-awaited Kuno safari season has begun, welcoming travelers eager for an authentic Kuno wildlife experience. With the successful reintroduction of cheetahs, Kuno has become a symbol of India’s conservation triumph. The 2025–26 season is perfectly aligned with the high-travel window from October to March, when weather is pleasant and sightings are at their peak.
For those planning a cheetah safari at Kuno, this is the best time to witness India’s rare species in their natural habitat, enjoy immersive landscapes, and complement the adventure with a stay at Palpur Fort—a heritage retreat that blends luxury and wilderness.
Important Dates & Updates
| Update | Details |
| Monsoon closure period | The park is closed for safari during the monsoon, from 1 July to 15 October 2025. |
| Safari season reopening | The park reopens for the new safari season on 1 October 2025 |
| Safari booking opening date | Safari bookings for the 2025 season opened on 8 September 2025, from 11 AM via the official site |
| Ticket price update | A 10% increase in park entry ticket rates was applied from 1 July 2025, under MP Government Order no F 14-82-1988 dated 22 October 2024 |
| Permits and rules | Valid permits are required to enter; speed limit inside the park is recommended at 20 km/h. |
| Safari timing (approximate) | Morning and evening safaris are typical, with the best visibility outside the monsoon (i.e. from October onwards). |
Safari Booking Opening Date: Bookings for the 2025–26 season opened on 8 September 2025 at 11 AM via the official portal.
Park Reopening Date: The park officially reopens for visitors on 1 October 2025, right after the monsoon closure.
Safari Season Duration: Safaris run from October 2025 to June 2026, offering the best wildlife sightings in the cooler months (Oct–March).
Monsoon Closure Period: The park remains closed from 1 July to 30 September every year to allow the forest to regenerate.
Official opening schedule
Mark your calendars because the most expected wildlife months will begin in October with the opening of the Kuno safari for the 2025–26 season. After the monsoon break from July 1 to October 15, the popular Uno Safari opening for the 2025–26 season begins on October 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2026. The park stays open. There was plenty of time to plan a visit; the best months to go are between November and February when the weather is cool, especially for the cheetahs you can see there. There are two shifts for the safari, i.e., mornings from around 6:00 am and afternoons from 3:00 pm to 5:30-6:00 pm. Timings were set according to the sunrise and sunset change. The Tiktoli, Ahera or Peepalbawadi gates are the entry points for visitors, however he paths may change based on the movement of the animals, here is a lot of demand for the kuno safari opening, it is best to book your safari in advance to avoid missing out.
New safari routes or rules
As the gates open once again for the 2025-26 kuno safari opening, here’s a quick look at the new routes and revised rules you need to know before heading into the wild.
- Valid Permits Required – Entry is allowed only with a confirmed online booking and authorized permit.
- Speed Limit – Safari vehicles must maintain an average speed of 20 km/h inside the park.
- Stay Inside the Vehicle – Stepping out during a safari is strictly prohibited for visitor safety and minimal disturbance to wildlife.
- Respect Wildlife – Maintain distance, never block animal paths, and avoid feeding or provoking them.
- Follow the Guide’s Instructions – Naturalists and guides know the park well; follow their cues for safety and better sightings.
- Keep Noise Low – Speak softly and avoid sudden movements that could scare animals.
- No Flash Photography – Flash can disturb animal behavior; use natural light or low-light camera settings.
- Avoid Strong Fragrances – Strong perfumes or lotions may disturb animals.
- Do Not Litter – Carry back all trash to help preserve Kuno’s fragile ecosystem.
How to Secure Early Safari Bookings
If spotting cheetahs at sunrise is on your wishlist, Kuno National Park safari booking 2025 should be at the top of your travel plans. Use the official website kunonationalpark.org to secure your permits, ideally 10–30 days in advance during the peak season (October to March). Since permits are limited per time-slot and gate, early planning ensures you don’t miss out on the best safari slots, especially morning drives when wildlife is most active. Keep a valid government ID handy for each traveler, and select the entry gate, Ahera, Peepalbawadi, or Tiktoli, that aligns best with your itinerary. For added convenience, stay at Palpur Fort or nearby resorts, where the team can assist with safari permits and create a seamless start to your cheetah safari at Kuno.
Benefits of advance reservations
High season at kuno means crowds, but advance reservations make your safari smooth and worry free. You can enjoy special dining experiences, like fresh freshly harvested meals grown at the resort or relaxing evenings by the bonfire. Booking in advance makes your trip stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your wildlife adventure. It also gives the staff time to prepare for any special requests, like food preferences or specific room choices, making your stay more comfortable and enjoyable
Best time slots for sightings
Don’t miss the thrill of planning your trip around the Kuno safari opening, when the park comes alive with wildlife activity. Each season has something special to offer, making it easy to decide the best time to visit Kuno National Park:
- October to December – The forest is lush with post-monsoon greenery, creating a scenic backdrop for safaris.
- January to February – Cool mornings, pleasant weather, and peak chances of wildlife sightings make this the most popular window.
- March to June – As temperatures rise, big cats like cheetahs and leopards are often spotted near waterholes.
Safari timings also add to the adventure: morning drives (around 6:00–6:30 am) are ideal for catching cheetahs and other wildlife at their most active, while evening safaris (3:00–6:00 pm) often reward visitors with glimpses of predators returning from hunts or herbivores grazing in open grasslands.
Whichever season you choose, booking early ensures you enjoy Kuno at its absolute best.
Why Stay at The Palpur Fort During Safari Season
Looking for convenience and comfort during the Kuno safari opening? A Palpur Fort stay near Kuno puts you right at the doorstep of adventure. As the closest heritage site to Kuno National Park, it blends royal charm with wilderness thrills like no other. Guests not only enjoy quick access to the park’s entry gates but also personalized help with cheetah safari bookings, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
When you’re not exploring the wild, Palpur Fort offers peaceful indulgences, whether it’s a hi-tea by the Kuno River, storytelling evenings under the stars, or simply soaking in the fort’s timeless courtyards. This rare blend of heritage luxury and untamed nature makes Palpur Fort the ultimate base for your Kuno wildlife experience.
Book your Palpur Fort stay near Kuno for a seamless safari adventure.
Close proximity to park gates
Being close to the gates makes your kuno safari opening experience smoother and more convenient. Staying at the palpur fort means you’re just a few minutes from park gates, making it easy to join the kuno safari opening without rushing early in the morning. Being so close gives you more time to enjoy wildlife and the less time you can spend travelling especially during the busy peak season.
Custom safari packages
The kuno safari opening is more memorable when you choose a package that matches your wildlife adventure style. A custom package usually covers everything you need for a smooth experience, cozy stay, guided jeep safaris with wildlife experts, meals, and transfers from nearby towns. Many also include special touches like cultural interactions with local communities, walks for spotting birds, or nature paths for a deeper connection with the region.
Conclusion
The wait is finally over, with the Kuno safari opening this season, the park is ready to welcome explorers eager for rare sightings and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Kuno safari opening for 2025–26 is the best time to enjoy wildlife at its peak. From cheetahs and leopards to peaceful views by the Kuno River, the park promises unforgettable moments. October to March is the high season, with pleasant weather and great chances for sightings.
It’s wise to reserve your safari early as the Kuno safari opening responds to high-season demand, with its natural food, old-world beauty, and closeness to the entrance, staying at Palpur Fort enhances the experience. Kuno provides you the perfect combination of heritage and nature, whether you’re going on a morning hunt or spending a warm evening by a bonfire.
