Ranthambore is famous for tigers; Kuno is India's home of the cheetah. The two parks are only about 135 km (2 hr 30 min) apart, so you don't have to choose — many travellers see both in one trip.
Kuno vs Ranthambore at a glance
| Kuno National Park | Ranthambore National Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Famous for | Cheetahs — 60 in India (October 2026) | Tigers |
| State | Madhya Pradesh | Rajasthan |
| Nearest town | Sheopur (70 km) | Sawai Madhopur |
| Landscape | Open grasslands, forest and the Kuno river | Dry forest, lakes and an old hill fort |
| Other wildlife | Leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear, nilgai, deer | Leopard, sloth bear, crocodile, deer |
| Crowds | Quiet — still a young safari destination | Very popular, busy in peak season |
| Season | 1 October – 30 June | Check the Rajasthan Forest Department |
Which one should I choose?
- Want something rare? Kuno is India's main cheetah park — the best place in the country to look for cheetahs in the wild.
- Want tigers? Ranthambore is one of the best tiger parks in India.
- Prefer fewer vehicles and a quieter forest? Kuno.
- Have 3 days? Do both.
Ranthambore + Kuno in one trip
A simple 3-day plan:
- Day 1 — Ranthambore: tiger safari, then drive about 135 km to Sheopur in the afternoon (around 2 hr 30 min).
- Day 2 — Kuno: 06:00 AM cheetah safari from Tiktoli Gate (the best gate when you come from Sawai Madhopur). Add the 03:00 PM safari for a second chance.
- Day 3: head home, or back to Sawai Madhopur / Kota.
We can arrange the taxi between Sawai Madhopur and Kuno and your Kuno safari together. For hotels, see where to stay near Kuno.
FAQ
About 135 km, roughly 2 hr 30 min by road from Sawai Madhopur.
Ranthambore is best for tigers; Kuno is India's main cheetah park, and it is much quieter. With 3 days you can visit both.
Tiktoli Gate, reached from Sheopur via Sesaipura. Our safaris start there.