Rajasthan Leopard Safaris: A Journey Through the Wild

Rajasthan, the state known for its Thar Desert, royal palaces, and beautiful traditions, is one of the favorite tourist destinations. People come to Rajasthan to enjoy the beauty and culture of the state and to shop for stunning Rajasthani dresses. However, the barren land of Rajasthan’s desert is also home to a variety of wildlife. And the most sought-after animal here is the elusive and stealthy hunter, leopard. From Jawai Leopard Safari to Bera Camp, there are a few options to spot these stealthy hunters who camouflage themselves to hunt better. 

The safety of big cats has always been important. Poachers and habitat destruction are the reasons their numbers are dwindling. Project Tiger has already been started, and Karnataka's national parks, like Bandipur National Park and more, exist to protect the apex predator, tigers. Besides tigers, leopards are also endangered, and to increase their numbers and keep them out of human settlements, it is necessary to create reserves and sanctuaries for these creatures too. Jawai and Jhalana leopard safaris in Rajasthan are known as the best safe haven for them. If you love wilderness  

The Best Rajasthan Leopard Safaris: For an adventurous journey through the wild

Jawai Leopard Safari 

Jawai Leopard Safari is situated in the Pali district, and in 2010, it was officially announced as a leopard reserve. The popularity of this leopard preserve seems to increase heavily due to the jeep safari tours available here, allowing nature and wilderness lovers to explore the wild beautifully. Though Jawai is rich in leopards, the most notable thing here is the coexistence between the locals and leopards. Yes, the local Rabari tribe here considers leopards sacred and their protectors. So, you will often see them encountering each other without harming each other. No visitors have been attacked here as well; this Rajasthan leopard safari is ideal for a family outing. The leopards are near the temple, a great place to head to during your wildlife safari. The Jawai Dam is the next spot where you will see leopards and cattle herding. Apart from leopards, the place is highly popular due to the variety of animals here, like crocodiles, migratory birds, and other animals. 

Jhalana Leopard Safari, AKA Wildlife Sanctuary

Jhalana Leopard Safari, nestled in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, has diverse wildlife. The leopards are the main attraction, as no tiger population means they can thrive and are the apex predators here. With conservation efforts, the number of leopards is significantly increasing. There is no shortage of prey, so wildlife safaris run in the morning or late afternoon when leopards are active. The other species here are a variety of birds and deer, nilgai, and so on. 

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.

Sita Mata Sanctuary, Pratapgarh

Sita Mata Sanctuary is again a perfect location for spotting leopards, situated near the juncture of the Vindhyachal and Aravali ranges and the Malwa Plateau. In 1979, it became a protected zone and is also a merging point for many rivers like Sita Mata, Jakham, Karmoi, Budho, and Tankiya.

Apart from seeing the leopards here, you can also spot animals like hyenas, sambhar, jungle cats, sloth bears, and antelopes. Moreover, the bird species here are incredible too, as you get to enjoy grey jungle fowl, white-breasted kingfishers, peacocks, bulbuls, pigeons, golden orioles, and more.  

Amargarh Leopard Safari 

Another Rajasthan leopard safari worth visiting is the Amargarh leopard safari near Jaipur. It is one of the most beautiful places for spotting leopards. Nestled on rugged and hilly terrain, it is near dense forests and shrublands. The safari here is a unique experience allowing you to enjoy watching the leopards and other wildlife here. Also, you can explore the rocky outcrop caves and the forest where these nocturnal creatures hunt and rest. The other wildlife species you can spot here include spotted deer, wild boars, and many avian species. If you are looking for an intimate safari experience, this is the best place to be.

Special Mentions: Sariska and Ranthambore

Sariska and Ranthambore in Rajasthan are two other national parks that house the Indian leopards. They are mostly tiger reserves, so these apex predators drive out the leopards or kill them. But on rare occasions, you do see leopards on your safaris. 

Ending note…. 

Leopards are stealthy, elegant, and stunning creatures. They also do not attack unless hungry or triggered. Also, they balance the ecosystem, so it is necessary to ensure their safety and keep their numbers rising. These wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan are doing the best job of keeping the leopards healthy and happy. Moreover, nature and wilderness lovers can enjoy the safari and look at these majestic creatures hunting and more in their natural habitat. Journeying through the wild via the safari is one of the best experiences and a memorable event. The best thing about leopards is that they are solitary creatures who are adaptable to different situations and can thrive anywhere.