The land of Madhya Pradesh, which earned the historic distinction of witnessing the return of cheetahs after 70 years, is now hosting a unique celebration of nature, adventure and culture. Amid the picturesque landscape of Kuno National Park in Sheopur, the second Edition of the “Kuno Forest Retreat” was inaugurated on 14 November 2025.

Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi said that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, the “Kuno Forest Retreat” aims to offer a distinctive blend of tourism, wildlife, and culture that provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. He added that this festival will position Kuno—home of the cheetahs—on the global map as a major sustainable tourism destination, while also providing a platform to promote local art, craft, and cuisine, further strengthening the vision of an Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh. The prestigious festival, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, was formally inaugurated by Shri Sitaram Adivasi, Chairman of the Sahariya Development Agency (with Minister of State status), with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

Kuno to Emerge as a National Ecotourism Destination
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, described the festival as a celebration of the state’s natural heritage, wildlife conservation, and rich cultural traditions. He said that the event is not merely a festival, but also a tribute to the globally acclaimed cheetah reintroduction project. “Our goal is to connect visitors with nature, create livelihood opportunities for local communities, and establish Madhya Pradesh as a leading ecotourism destination on the national map,” he added.

Unforgettable Experiences Amid Nature
Organised in collaboration with Evoke Camping, the Forest Retreat offers visitors a treasure trove of immersive experiences. A total of 25 luxury all-season glamping tents have been set up amidst Kuno’s natural splendour, providing an exceptional opportunity to stay in the lap of nature. Along with jungle safaris, the retreat features land and aerial adventure activities, yoga and meditation sessions, village tours, and curated wellness experiences.

Cultural Evening Enchants Visitors
The cultural evening held during the inauguration mesmerised the audience. The traditional Badhai dance brought alive the birth episodes of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, while Bundelkhand’s famous Naurata dance showcased the region’s vibrant folk heritage. The festival also features exhibitions of local handicrafts and tribal art, offering visitors an opportunity to engage deeply with the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh. Senior officials from the Tourism Board, Forest Department, and local administration were present on the occasion.

For more news visit our site: Click here