Top 3 Places To See Leopards In Rajasthan, India

In this blog, we will cover the top 3 places to see leopards in Rajasthan, India. Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists due to its cultural and historical richness. Apart from this, the state is also known for its wildlife and natural wealth, especially big cats. Ranthambore National Park situated in Rajasthan is considered as one of the best and most famous tiger reserves in India, where tigers have achieved celebrity status, due to their frequent sightings. Now the state is emerging as one of the best places to see leopards in their natural habitat.

Here is a description of the leopard reserves in Rajasthan, where spotting leopards is becoming increasingly easier.

 

Jawaibandh Leopard Conservation Reserve

Located within the fragile Aravalli landscape, the Jawai Conservation Reserve also known as Bera Leopard Safari Reserve is situated between Udaipur and Jodhpur cities. The Jawai Dam is a key part of this reserve. The area is right at the transition between the southern Aravallis and the Luni basin, where the desert ecosystem begins. The Jawai Dam, built on the west-flowing Jawai River, is an important source of drinking water for western Rajasthan.

The landscape of Bera is dominated by rocky hills and large stone boulders filled with crevices and shallow caves, a perfect terrain for leopards to breed and hide hence making it a perfect place to see leopards in Rajasthan, India. Before Independence, when the forests were still continuous, this area was linked to the Kumbhalgarh forest. It supported plenty of wild ungulates, ensuring an abundant prey base.

The many caves into the rocks offered safe hideouts for leopard cubs, making the region an ideal habitat for breeding of the species. Before Independence, this area was part of the Jodhpur estate and served as a favorite hunting ground for the royal family. Because the terrain made it difficult to conduct organized beats, hunts were usually carried out by tying live bait and waiting on a machaan. The 19.78 sq km reserve was later established primarily to safeguard the population of leopards (Panthera pardus). For this reason, it is also known as the Jawai Dam Leopard Conservation Reserve.

 

 

Diversity in Jawai

The natural vegetation here is sparse and mainly includes species such as Babool, Kumath, Ronjh, Khejri, Dhok, and Gangeran.

The Jawai Dam Conservation Reserve is surrounded by small hillocks, farmlands, and village settlements. A large population of leopards lives in and around the reserve, making it one of the best places to see them in the wild. You can book the famous big cats of India safari tour to witness the best of leopards and other big cats in India. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the area includes Sloth Bear, Striped hyenas, Golden Jackal, Blue Bull or Nilgai, Northern Plains Langur, and Jungle Cat. Jawai Dam also supports the largest population of Mugger Crocodiles in Rajasthan.

A paradise for birds: Around 85 species of terrestrial and aquatic birds have been recorded in the Jawai Dam Leopard Conservation Area. Among the key resident species are the Cotton Pygmy Goose, Knob-billed or Comb Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck, and Lesser Whistling Duck. The site also attracts several notable birds such as 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. After landing, you can hire a taxi or car from the airport to reach Jawai.

By Rail: The closest railway station to Jawai is Mori Bera Railway Station, only about 4–5 km from Jawai. Other nearby stations are Jawai Bandh Railway Station (15 km away) and Falna Railway Station (roughly 30–35 km away) depending on where in the reserve or nearby accommodations you are headed. All three stations are reasonably 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 India’s first designated leopard reserve making it another best place to see leopards in Rajasthan, India. It is in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and is situated in the ancient Aravalli hills, the oldest mountain range in the country. Jhalana was declared a leopard reserve in 2017. Covering about 20 square kilometers, it supports rich flora and fauna and has become a well-known habitat for Jaipur’s leopards.

A special attraction inside the reserve is Shikaar Audi, the three-storied hunting lodge once used by the royal family of Jaipur. Situated right in the middle of Jhalana, it features a viewing platform that offers excellent chances for wildlife sightings, as well as beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

With its strong and healthy population, Jhalana Safari Park is one of the best places to spot a leopard in the wild. Because many of the leopards here are active during the day and are accustomed to safari vehicles, sightings often happen even in broad daylight.

 

 

Diversity in Jhalana Leopard Reserve

The Jhalana Leopard Safari is home to more than 40 leopards, including several cubs making it another best place to see leopards in Rajasthan, India. Besides leopards, 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), and a variety of snakes.
Jhalana is a dry deciduous forest that remains arid for most of the year, as trees shed their leaves during the dry season, but transforms into lush greenery during the monsoons. The forest is dominated by plants like juliflora and khejri. In the sloping valleys, a greater variety of native flora can be found, including dhak, salar, dhonk, and kumta.

The Reserve is also home to many bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors may spot birds such as the Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle Owl, Spotted Owlet, and several others while exploring the park.

Best time to visit Jhalana Safari:

Jhalana Park is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the safari and catch a glimpse of the majestic leopards at any time. However, the best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and nature is in full bloom, adding to the forest’s beauty.

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, also known as Amagarh Safari Park, is India’s second designated leopard reserve. It is located near Galta Ji, a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Surrounded by the ancient Aravalli Range, Amagarh was declared a leopard reserve in 2020. Covering about 1,524 hectares, the area supports rich flora and fauna and has become an important habitat for Jaipur’s leopards.

Amagarh Safari Park is expected to rise in popularity quickly – much like the Jhalana Leopard Safari – thanks to its impressive leopard sightings and the stunning hilly landscape of the Aravalli range.

 

 

Diversity in Amagrah

The Amagarh Leopard Conservation Reserve currently supports a healthy population of around 16–20 leopards. Along with them, visitors can spot a range of other carnivores and herbivores. Wildlife commonly seen here includes 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 snakes.

How To Reach Amagarh Leopard Safari

The safari park is well connected by air, rail, and road to almost all major cities in India. Delhi, the national capital, lies about 270 km away. This makes reaching the Amagarh Leopard Safari convenient for visitors travelling from anywhere in the country or abroad.

By Air: Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport to the Amagarh Leopard Reserve, located just about 16 km away in Sanganer. From the airport, visitors can easily hire cabs or taxis to reach Galta Ji, where the reserve is situated. The airport is well connected to major Indian cities as well as several international destinations, making travel convenient for both domestic and overseas tourists.

By Rail: Rail connection to the Amagarh Leopard Reserve is excellent. Jaipur Junction is the nearest railway station, located only about 11 km from the safari gate. From the station, visitors can easily find buses, taxis, autos, and other local transport to reach the park. Jaipur is well connected by direct trains from major cities such as Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, and many others.

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. The reserve is located close to Galta Ji, from where local taxis, autos, and e-rickshaws are readily available, making road travel smooth and hassle-free.

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 excellent leopard sightings, spotting wildlife in its natural habitat still requires patience, tracking skills, and a bit of luck. It is often said that you can see tigers or leopards only when they want to reveal themselves and they do so only when there is complete silence and no disturbance. So, next time you go for a tiger or leopard safari, follow these principles and see the difference.