Rajasthan is a state situated in northwestern part of India and is famous tourist destinations due to its cultural and historical richness. Though cultural and historical is the main highlight of Rajasthan but it is also known for its forests and wildlife especially big cats. Ranthambore national park of Rajasthan is world famous for its tigers. In Ranthambore National Park tigers have got celebrity status and many of them were featured in international magazines and documentaries. Now, the state is also getting attention because of another big cat, that is leopard. Now leopards are sighted frequently in various jungles and reserves of Rajasthan.
In this blog I am sharing some of the reserves where leopard sighting is very frequent and in absence of tiger, they are proliferating very fast in these reserves.
Jawaibandh Leopard Conservation Reserve
Jawaibandh Leopard Conservation Reserve is the only conservation reserve of Rajasthan created mainly for the conservation of leopards in India. This reserve is located in the oldest mountains range of India, the Aravalli. the Jawai Conservation Reserve is also known as Bera and is situated at equal distance between Jodhpur and Udaipur. Jawai Dam, which is a part of the reserve is a prominent feature of it. This area is situated at the transition zone between Aravalli mountains and desert. The dam is situated on Jawai River which flows towards western is a major source of drinking water for the people of the region.
The Bera landscape is dotted with large sone boulders and rocky hills. In these boulders and hills there are several crevices and shallow caves, which is perfect habitat for the leopard to hide and breed. Earlier when the forests were not much destroyed and continuous, Bera was linked to the forests of Kumbhalgarh. The prey density specially ungulates was very good during that time. It supported plenty of wild ungulates, ensuring an abundant prey base. Before Independence, the reserve was part of the Jodhpur estate and a favorite hunting ground for the royal family. Because the terrain is difficult to conduct organized beats, hunts were carried out by tying live bait and waiting on a machaan.
Jawaibandh Leopard Conservation Reserve which is 19.78 sq kms in size was established mainly to protect the population of leopards (Panthera pardus). That is why it is also known as the Jawai Dam Leopard Conservation Reserve. You can witness the Indian leopard on a leopard safari in Jawai, Bera in Rajasthan, India.
Diversity in Jawai
There are very less natural vegetation in Jawai which includes species such as Babool, Kumath, Ronjh, Khejri, Dhok, and Gangeran.
The leopard conservation reserve is surrounded by large boulders, small hillocks, farmland and villages. A big population of leopards live in this reserve and the area surrounding it. There is a big population of leopard in this reserve and surrounding areas which makes it one of the best places to see them in the wild. Other major wildlife species found in the area are Sloth Bear, Striped hyenas, Golden Jackal, Blue Bull or Nilgai, Northern Plains Langur, and Jungle Cat. The dam area supports the largest population of crocodiles in Rajasthan.
A paradise for birds: There are more than 85 species of birds which include territorial and aquatic has been documented from here so far. Major resident species are the Cotton Pygmy Goose, Knob-billed or Comb Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck, and Lesser Whistling Duck. This site also attract many migratory birds which includes the Common Crane, Rosy Pelican, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Common Teal, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Oriental Darter, and Shaheen Falcon.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airports to Jawai are Jodhpur Airport (153 km away) and Udaipur Airport (150 km away. From the airport taxis are available to hire for Jawai
By Rail: The closest railway station to Jawai is Mori Bera Railway Station, which is only 4–5 km from Here. Other close by stations are Jawai Bandh Railway Station (15 km away) and Falna Railway Station (roughly 30–35 km away) depending upon where is your accommodation. All three stations are very well connected with major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad via express / passenger trains.
By Road: Jawai Dam is well connected by road to various cities via national and state highways, making it accessible by car, taxi, or bus. Roads are generally good, and the drive offers scenic views of Rajasthan’s landscape.
- Udaipur to Jawai Dam – 150 kms
- Jodhpur to Jawai Dam – 150 kms
- Ahmedabad to Jawai Dam – 280 kms
- Jaipur to Jawai Dam – 385 kms
- Mount Abu to Jawai Dam – 90 kms
Jhalana Leopard Safari Park
The Jhalana leopard safari is first leopard reserve of India. The reserve is in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and is also situated in the Aravalli hills, which is the oldest mountain range in the country. It was declared as a leopard reserve in year 2017. The area of the reserve is around 20 sq km and is rich in typical Aravalli flora and fauna.
Ther is a Shikar Audi in the reserve which is a special attraction because it was used by the royal family of Jaipur, it is a three storied hunting lodge which is situated in the center of Jhalana and features a viewing platform which provides excellent chances to view wildlife and birdlife from a height.
Jhalana has a good population of leopard and it is one of the best places to see leopards in the wild. The leopards in Jhalana are active during the day and are familiar with the safari vehicle which makes it easier to spot them. Witness the Indian leopards up close on a leopard safari tour in India.
Diversity in Jhalana
here are more than 40 leopards inhabit Jhalana reserve, which includes cubs also. Apar from leopard visitors can spot striped hyenas, Indian civets, desert cats, jungle cats, desert foxes, jackals, porcupines, jungle rats, monitor lizards, mongooses, sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai), etc.
The forest in Jhalana is dry deciduous which remains arid most of the time of the year. During monsoon when new leaves come then the forest convert into a lush green forest. The forest is mostly dominated by trees like juliflora (An invasive species) and khejri. The native flora mainly found in the sloping valleys which includes dhak, salar, dhonk, and kumta.
The Reserve is also home to many species of birds, which makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors may spot various bird species during their leopard safari such as the Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle Owl, Spotted Owlet, and several others while exploring the park.
Best time to visit Jhalana Safari:
Jhalana reserve is open year-round, which allows tourists to enjoy the safari and get a glimpse of this majestic predator at any time of the year. Though the best time in terms of weather and sighting chances are November to March.
How to Reach Jhalana Leopard Reserve:
By Air: Jaipur International Airport is only 6 km from Jhalana Leopard Reserve, about a 15-minute drive. The airport is well connected with numerous domestic and international flights. From the airport, visitors can easily hire a taxi, cab, or take a bus to reach Jhalana Safari Park.
By Rail: Jaipur Junction is the nearest railway station to Jhalana Leopard Reserve, located about 11.7 km away. It is a major station well connected by direct trains from cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, and others. Visitors can reach the reserve from the station by hiring a taxi or taking a local bus.
By Road: A main road runs close to Jhalana Forest Reserve, connecting it to cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Kota, and linking further to other major cities in India. Whether travelling from Delhi, Mumbai, or Udaipur, reaching Jhalana by road is easy and hassle-free. Visitors can drive their own vehicle or use state-run bus services to reach the reserve.
Road Distance between Jhalana Leopard Reserve and other cities-
- Alwar to Jhalana – 174 Km
- Gurugram to Jhalana – 270 Km
- Delhi to Jhalana – 307 Km
- Agra to Jhalana – 239 Km
- Jodhpur to Jhalana – 343 Km
- Udaipur to Jhalana – 405 Km
Amagarh Leopard Reserve
The Amagarh Leopard Reserve is India’s second leopard reserve. It is located near Galta Ji, a famous Hindu temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This is also situated in Aravalli hills. It was declared a leopard reserve in year 2020. Covering about 15.24 sq km, the area supports rich flora and fauna and has become an important second habitat for Jaipur’s leopards. If you want to witness the Indian leopard in the wild, browse through our popular tiger safari tours in India.
Diversity in Amagrah
The Amagarh Leopard Conservation Reserve supports a population of around 16–20 leopards. Along with them, visitors can spot various other carnivore and herbivore species. Other wildlife found in this reserve are Indian civets, jungle cats, striped hyenas, desert cats, desert foxes, jackals, porcupines, jungle rats, monitor lizards, mongooses, spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai), sambar deer, and several species of birds.
How To Reach Amagarh Leopard Safari
Being located close to Jaipur the safari park is well connected by air, rail, and road to almost all major cities in India. Delhi, the national capital, is about 270 km from this park.
By Air: Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport to the Amagarh Leopard Reserve, located just about 16 km away in Sanganer. Taxis can be hired from the airport to the Galta ji where the reserve is located. Jaipur airport is very well connected with all the major airports of India and several international destinations.
By Rail: Jaipur Junction is the nearest railway station, which is located only about 11 km from the safari gate. All means of public transport are available from the station to the safari, taxis and cab is also available from the station. Jaipur is well connected by direct trains from all major and other cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
By Road: Traveling to the Amagarh Leopard Reserve by road is convenient and well-connected. Visitors can easily reach the park from nearby cities like Delhi, Ajmer, Udaipur, Kota, and others. Regular government and private buses operate to Jaipur from major cities across Rajasthan and beyond. From Galta ji local taxis, autos, and e-rickshaws are easily available.
Road Distance between Amagarh Leopard Reserve and other cities-
- Alwar to Amagarh – 151 Km
- Gurugram to Amagarh – 234 Km
- Delhi to Amagarh – 270 Km
- Agra to Amagarh – 233 Km
- Jodhpur to Amagarh – 361 Km
- Udaipur to Amagarh – 405 Km
Though these places are known for their excellent leopard sightings, but still spotting wildlife species in their natural habitat requires patience, tracking skills and a bit of luck. It is said that you can see tigers or leopards only when they want to show themselves, and they show themselves only when there are complete silence and no disturbance. So next time when you go for a tiger or leopard safari follow these and see the result.
