Jhalana and Jawai Leopard Safari: Catch the stunning beauty of Wildlife

By Rakesh Arora

info@rapsafaris.com

Rajasthan is a land of forts, forklore and fun, known for their cultures to food across the globe. But, did you know that it is also a home of spectacular wildlife, flora and fauna. As a wildlife photographer, I am always looking for adventure and my camera yearns to capture the beauty that lies in the wildlife. So, when I visited a friend in Jaipur, the excitement to visit the Jhalana leopard reserve couldn’t be resisted.

The leopard safari began with my guide, who hadn’t been on such a journey before and of course, my ‘camera’, all set to capture the exclusive beauty.

Situated close to the industrial town around 15 km from the of city Jaipur, the amalgamation of city and the Aravalli hills is definitely a site to adore.

I was doing two safaris, one in the morning and another in the evening. Also, I must say – the Rajasthan Government should be credited for keeping this reserve so efficiently in the protection of the leopards. This is the 1st leopard reserve in India that houses more than 35 leopards including 5 cubs. It was opened for the first time in December 2016 for tourists.

Next up, in my Rajasthan trip was visiting the Jawai Bandh. I reached the city of lakes Udaipur and travelled to the Jawai Bandh post lunch, and thus started my safari.

Jawai Bandh, a dam in Rajasthan which is built across the Jawai River in Pali district. It is the biggest dam in western Rajasthan. It houses leopards, birds, hyena, white fox, sloth bear, jungle cat, nilgai, crocodiles, among other animals.

 Jawai Bandh is not a national park and the kind of cordial relationship between leopards of Jawai and villagers is amazing. The leopards are seen on hills and they can also be seen hiding in in caves. They often come out for hunting prey.

Many wildlife photographers come here as, leopards can be seen frequently sitting on top of the hills and such sights are worth capturing. There many tented resorts and sometimes homestays available, close to the hills from where you can see leopards, early in the morning.

So what make these places hot tourist spot? The stunning landscape, surrounded by granite rocks, the magnificent leopards site and the colorful local people. Are you ready to go on your wildlife safari?

(Photos By Rakesh Arora)