Jawai Leopard Safari in Rajasthan

Popularly known as the Leopard Hills, Jawai Hills settled amidst Pali district of the Indian state Rajasthan are surrounded by the Aravali mountain ranges. The abundance of grasslands surrounding the region makes it home to the Indian leopards. Shaped and molded by lava over the past million years, today one can find natural caves that serve as den for the animals that roam around freely in their habitat. 

Worthy of all your attention, Jawai leopard hills is one of the lesser known tourist destinations of India. Here, the big cats live in harmony not just with each other but also with humans of the surrounding villages and towns. This well explains how leopards are not necessarily solitary animals by their very nature. This coexistence of humans and wild animals in this region certainly makes Jawai leopard hills one of the best places to spot leopards in India. Tourists can opt for leopard safari rides at the sanctuary which offers clear guidance by experts.

Apart from spotting the big wild cats, Jawai is also home to thousands of migratory birds who make their way here time and again, each season. For bird watching enthusiasts, this place can be categorised as nothing less than a paradise. Other tourist spots here include Jawai leopard hills, Jawai leopard temple, Jawai bandh (Dam), Kambeshwar ji leopard sanctuary, and the Jawai dam crocodile sanctuary. All of these places allow tourists to get a glimpse into the local lifestyle of the region. There is continuous wildlife activity in the Jawai Leopard Sanctuary and it isn’t limited to leopards as several other graceful animals have made these hills their cozy habitat.

Wildlife at Jawai

The region of the Jawai Sanctuary is replete with wildlife and not just the majestic wild cat is known for - the leopard. Other members of the wild feline family like the Indian Panther, the Caracal as well as the Jungle Wild Cat also roam these grasslands along with other predators like the Indian Wolf, Jackals, and Striped Hyenas.

Moving on from the hunters to the hunted, other animals that are often spotted in the sanctuary are Sambhar, Chinkara, and Nilgai being the animals of prey. Sloth Bear, crocodiles, and langurs also dwell in the water bodies and on the trees of Jawai Hills. Peacock sightings are quite common in the region.

Things to do

Like any other wildlife sanctuary, Jawai Hills also offers various activities that people can indulge in to experience the wildlife and nature. Camping in the jungle and spending the night in a tent with just the campfire to keep you warm is an enchanting experience that many have tried and enjoyed. For adventure enthusiasts who wish to witness the daily lives of the fauna up close, the Jeep safari in the infamous Gypsy is the activity to try. There are different types of safaris like the leopard safari that takes one deep into the leopard territory so that they can spot the big cat hunting, strolling or simply lazing around on a rock or a tree. The jungle safari, on the other hand, will take you through different parts of the jungle where you might see caracals, jackals, panthers, wolves, sambhar, chinkara, Nilgai, and other animals and even birds.

Bird and crocodile watching is another activity that many visitors opt for while at Jawai Bandh. More than a hundred species of birds like the tufted duck, Northern Shoveller, Peacocks, Kentish Plover, Pied Avocet, and Brahminy duck to name a few migrate to Jawai to spend their winters. Ornithologists are quite fascinated by them and the migration patterns they follow. Watching crocodiles lay still, basking in the sun and then suddenly go on a hunt is a fascinating sight to witness.

One can visit temples located atop hills that offer a panoramic view of the jungle like the Dev Giri temple and Kambeshwar Mahadev temple. The various live events organized at the temples by the villagers and priests give you a glimpse of the local culture and tradition. Staying at a safari lodge or a nature resort inside the leopard reserve is also a unique experience worth trying.

How to book?

Booking a stay as well as the various activities offered at Jawai Leopard Sanctuary is easy and simple. One must simply visit the website and have a conversation through an online chatbox. The entire booking process is digital with easy payment options made available like BHIM UPI, and Google Pay and an instant confirmation of the booking will be provided once the payment is processed.

Other Activities 

Jungle Game Drive in 6 sitter Seater Open Gypsy,3 Hrs drive .

• Mornig timing - 5.30 am to 9.15 am
• Evening timing - 4.00 pm to 7.30 pm 

Other locations for Leopard spotting

1. Perwa Village

Situated around 9.6km from Jawai, it takes a person about 20 minutes to reach the village at the foothills of Perwa Hill. Perwa village and its inhabitants have an altogether different relationship with the big cats in their vicinity. Here, the leopards go about their business and the humans go about theirs without interfering in each other’s matters. The predators are often considered a blessing by the villagers despite instances where the leopards have hunted cattle and dogs from the village. This unique dynamic is something worth observing and understanding.

2. Narlai Leopard Safari

Narlai village is at a distance of a little over 60 km just a two hour drive from Jawai Hills. Located at the base of a hillock, the region has many Jain and Hindu temples like those of Adinath and Lord Shiva. Narali used to be a hunting reserve for the royal family almost hundred years ago and has ever since become a protected area for leopards where tourists from Udaipur and Jaipur come for jeep safaris and interesting village walks.

3. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another place where one can go on a safari into the jungle and hope for a leopard sighting. It is only 2 km away from the infamous Kumbhalgarh fort, the birthplace of the legendary king Maharana Pratap.

4. Ghanerao

This is a small village situated very close to the Kumbhalgarh Fort and Wildlife Sanctuary. It has a rich history and is home to some very old temples like the Mahavir Jain temple that was constructed over a millenia ago. The village itself was founded more than four centuries ago in 1606.