New Delhi: Every year on December 4, wildlife lovers across the globe celebrate International Cheetah Day to honour, celebrate and reflect their love for animals and their restoration. While Africa has long been the stronghold of this iconic species, India is also now writing a historic chapter by conserving the cheetah with the reintroduction of African cheetahs under the Project Cheetah.
From the open grasslands of Madhya Pradesh to the rolling plateaus of Rajasthan, India’s wildlife map is slowly transforming with renewed hope. This International Cheetah Day 2025, here is your definitive guide to the top places in India where you have the best chances of spotting the magnificent beast.
Top places to spot Cheetah in India
1. Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The epicentre where Cheetahs were first reintroduced in 2022 in India. The Cheetah from Namibia and South Africa were relocated here, establishing the country’s only functional cheetah habitat. A mix of grasslands, woodlands, and riverine belts recreates the African savanna-like environment ideal for cheetahs to survive.
Best time to visit: October to March
Travel tip: Opt for early morning drives—cheetahs are most active during dawn hours.
2. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
Under Phase 2 of Project Cheetah, Gandhi Sagar is being developed as India’s next big cheetah site. The place offers a mix of open grasslands, scrub forests, ravines, and plateau grasslands, and holds great promise for cheetah movement.
Best time to visit: November to February
Travel tip: Choose guided eco-tours for behind-the-scenes conservation insights.
3. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Mukundra Hills tiger reserve has a long potential to welcome cheetahs and provide them a safe space to live with its expansive grasslands and low predator density. The rolling Aravalli landscapes, canyon-like gorges, and rich herbivore population make it a strong contender for future cheetah habitation.
Best time to visit: October to April
Travel tip: Combine the trip with a heritage circuit to Kota and Bundi for a perfect wildlife-plus-culture getaway.
4. Shahgarh, Bulge, Rajasthan
Located near the Indo-Pak border, this region was once considered for cheetah reintroduction due to its uninterrupted grassland belt and minimal human disturbance. Though not yet a tourist safari zone, Shahgarh remains a powerful symbol of India’s historic cheetah landscape.
Best time to visit: November to March
Travel tip: Travel with authorised wildlife researchers or tour operators due to restricted access.
As India continues its ambitious journey to restore the cheetah to its former glory, this year marks a milestone for conservation and a tourism boost to visit places where people can spot cheetahs in India.