In the Shadows of the Wild: Experience a Thrilling Leopard Safari

Do you love adventure? Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Then, a leopard safari is a must. Yes, tigers and lions are great to spot in their natural habitat. But leopards are becoming quite popular for spotting as they are stealthier, natural hunters and go-getters in comparison with lions and tigers. However, tigers are bigger and scarier with decreasing numbers. So, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India were set up to provide a safe haven to these apex predators. 

But India, the rustic country, has a unique topography, ideal for all types of wildlife, who thrive here. Therefore, the opportunity to witness leopards through the many leopard safari options in India is a possibility. The pinnacle of leopard spotting destinations, these safaris are ideal to witness the lightweight big cats, mostly seen on the trees (Yes, they can climb the trees). Are you ready to spot these natural hunters preying on innocent animals? Here are the best national parks or wildlife sanctuaries for a thrilling leopard safari.

The best leopard camps in India for a thrilling leopard safari

Bannerghatta National Park: The Largest Leopard Safari in Bangalore

In June 2024, the largest leopard safari in India came into existence in Bannerghatta Biological Park or National Park. The park has 20 hectares for leopard safari, and as of now, there are eight leopards in the open forest area. There are other animals here too, but the good numbers of leopards mean that highlighting these predators is quite necessary too. Moreover, the park also adopts many leopard cubs to rescue and raise them safely here. The separate space for witnessing the leopards in a secure area ensures safety for all. The park has 14 leopards in total, but as of now, you get the opportunity to spot eight in this part of the park.

• Location: Bannerghatta Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560083
• Safari charges: Non-AC bus: INR 350 (adults), INR 200 (children); AC bus safari: INR 670 (adults), INR 470 (children); Jeep safari: INR 3600-5700.

Jawai Leopard Safari

Jawai Leopard Safari is nestled in the Pali district, and since 2010, it has been a leopard reserve, and the jeep safari tours are the best way to explore these stealthy creatures here. Jawai is rich in leopards; there are over 60 leopards here, and since the availability of prey here is good, the safari here will keep you engaged. The most unique thing about this leopard camp is the coexistence of leopards and the local Rabari tribe here. There has not been a single incident of conflict between the two. Apart from the leopards, you can see some other animals like migratory birds, crocodiles, and deer. There is also a temple nearby and Jawai Bandh, which makes for the best sights to witness near the Jawai Leopard safari.

• Location: 861, Tonk Rd, Shanti Niketan Colony, Tonk Phatak, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302015
• Safari charges: INR 4,500- Jeep safari.

Jhalana Leopard Safari 

Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary famously called the Jhalana Leopard Safari, is situated in the center of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The apex predators here are leopards, and you will see them thrive beautifully here. The number of leopards is significantly increasing due to a surplus of prey. The wildlife safari lets you explore the wildlife sanctuary and enjoy spotting birds, deer, nilgai, and more. 

• Location: Cailgiri Marg, Jaipur.
• Safari charges: INR 1,350 per passenger; INR 7000 (Full gypsy)- Indians; INR 2,500 per passenger, INR 12,000 (Full Gypsy)

Bera Leopard Conservation Area

 Bera Leopard Safari is near Jawai and is a good spot for seeing plenty of leopards. There are many caves in these parts of the hills. The big cats take shelter here, and when they come out to find water and food, spotting them becomes easier. The best time to spot them is, of course, the morning and evening time. During these times, they sit on the rocks, observing the entire area to find the prey. Leopards come for the livestock, and they prey on small animals like dogs and so on. Humans are usually unharmed unless, of course, they trigger them or attack them. So, taking a wildlife safari here is a beautiful and adventurous journey.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary 

A place full of greenery and wildlife, known for leopards but is also a habitat for many other species. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary covers a massive area of the Aravalli ranges, becoming a part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests. Apart from the great Indian leopards, the other species found here include sambars, chinkaras, Indian hares, jungle cats, Indian wolves, sloth bears, golden jackals, hyenas, and more. If you talk about the birds, then you get to see the white-breasted kingfisher, dove, bulbul, grey pigeon, golden oriole, parakeet, red spurfowl, peacocks, and grey junglefowl. This sanctuary has also been chosen for the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project as per the decree of the Supreme Court of India.

• Location: Rajsamand District, Rajasthan, India
• Safari charges: INR 5,500 (Jeep Safari)

Kabini National Park—Witness the unique couple: the golden leopard and the black panther.

Kabini National Park is a recent addition to Karnataka’s wildlife scene. Again, the park is more famous for tigers, avian species, and mugger crocodiles, along with the unique boat safari. However, one other thing that appeals to nature and wildlife lovers in Kabini is the rare couple of Black Panther, ‘Saya,’ and Golden Leopard, ‘Saya.’ This one-of-a-kind couple is rarely seen, but people flock here for a chance of spotting them. The safari also exposes you to many other leopards and wildlife here.  

Sita Mata Sanctuary, Pratapgarh

Sita Mata Sanctuary in the Vindhyachal and Aravali ranges and the Malwa plateau is a beautiful place for spotting leopards. It has been a protected zone since 1979 and is also a merging point for multiple rivers like Budho, Tankiya, Karmoi, Jakham, and Sita Mata. The safari here will expose you to leopards, for sure, but you can also spot other animals like sambhar, jungle cats, antelopes, sloth bears, and hyenas. The avian species is also incredible here, as you can see grey jungle fowl, peacocks, pigeons, golden orioles, and more.

• Location: Pratapgarh, Rajasthan
• Safari prices: INR 20 (adult), INR 10 (children); INR 80 (International tourist).

Amargarh Leopard Safari  

Amargarh Leopard Safari, Rajasthan, is one of the best places for spotting leopards. The hilly and rugged terrain, near shrublands and dense forest, will provide the most unique experience as you watch the wildlife and leopards here. The safari in Amargarh also lets you explore the rocky outcrop caves where you will see the nocturnal creatures hunt on their prey while resting. The leopard safari here provides a chance to explore many wildlife species like wild boars, spotted deer, and other avian species. 

• Location: Near Galta Ji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Safari prices: INR. 1350 per passenger / 7000 Full Gypsy- Indian, INR.2500 per passenger/ 12000 Full Gypsy (International tourist).

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka, is known for its massive population of tigers. But in recent times, it came into the news due to the sighting of a melanistic leopard or ‘Black Panther.’ This caused a lot of intrigue amongst nature and wildlife lovers. Though the sighting of the black panther is rare here now, you do see leopards here. These stealthy and natural hunters appeal to all. Moreover, the park also has a healthy population of Asian elephants, Indian giant squirrels, stripe-necked mongooses, dholes, and more. The avian species here is also impressive, with both local and migratory birds finding a home here. The most unique thing about Nagarhole is the limited number of vehicles getting permission. So, the safari here is impressive and less crowded, making sightings easier and more memorable.

• Location: Nagarhole, Karnataka.
• Safari prices:  INR 1,400 per person (Bus safari); INR 9,500 (Jeep safari)

Conclusion 

Leopards are the perfect predators, and learning more about them will help people take more interest in preserving their habitat. You see them in dense forests near water bodies and hill ranges. They are also adaptable, so conservation efforts for them began. These leopard camps are the reason why the number of leopards are increasing. One or all of these leopard safaris is a thrilling adventure for you to head to and have the best fun.