Jawai National Park, Rajasthan

Well known as the Land of Leopards in India, Jawai is snuggled in the Aravalli Mountains of Pali district in Rajasthan. Despite being home to many wildlife sanctuaries, various birds, and mammals, Rajasthan is bestowed with a natural paradise in the form of Jawai National Park. The leopard safari in Jawai Bandh seeks the attention of many wildlife enthusiasts from across the world.

Jawai Jungle Safari -
Jungle safari in Jawai Leopard Sanctuary ensures the sightings of wild leopards near the areas of Jawai Bandh or granite hills. This is the most amazing adventure in this enthralling landscape of Jawai and Bera which gives a lifetime of delightful remembrance. The national park covers 60 kilometers of area, including 16 villages and 9 points to spot the leopard. The chances of leopard sighting are very high on an open jeep safari in the morning and night. Enjoying a safari in Jawai will take you through the mountainous belt or hills. Taking a private drive-by vehicle is quite risky, so it is suggested to book a safari from the resort and enjoy a safe ride with a safari guide. For a leopard safari trip to Jawai, there are no time restrictions other than the night jeep ride to the surrounded hilly area.

Fauna in Jawai –
Fauna and mammals discovered during the jungle safari in Jawai are the Indian leopards, caracal, chinkara, desert cat, Indian wolf, jackal, jungle cat, striped hyena, and blue bulls, etc. Also, the Crocodiles are often sighted in the Jawai River while on a safari tour. Moreover, this place is best for birdwatchers where more than 100 species of resident and migratory birds are seen while on a leopard safari tour. The residing and migratory birds are Indian eagle owls, bulbul, spotted owls, black-winged stilt, red-naped ibis, flamingos, spot bill duck, demoiselle, and many more.

Entry Gates –
There is no specific entry gate for the leopard safari Jawai. The bordered summits of a few of the villages where the safari rides are conducted, include Bera, Tela, Varavel, Terua, Bisalpur, Lilora, and Kothar. The small mountains around these villages are the best place for sighting leopards.

Safari Timings –
Safari in Jawai can be enjoyed anytime after sunrise till sunset, there are no declared guidelines by the government and hence no timelines are defined for the jeep safari. Visitors can be on the safari for unlimited time and any time of the day. Night safaris in Jawai can only be organized on special requests. As these are restricted by local tribes, considering the disturbances caused to the fauna species during the night ride on the hills.

Cohabitation of Tribes and Leopards -
The most distinctive and unusual fact about this place is that leopards and humans co-exist in this province of Rajasthan. The most interesting and unsaid fact of Jawai is that there is no man and animal conflict happen till date. Although there is no more prey base available for leopards, they hunt for goats or livestock of the villagers. The local Rabari tribe believes that it has been bestowed to goddesses so they don’t harm each other and they accept the hunt of livestock by leopards. Tourism by Jawai leopard safari contributes to their livelihood, which is another reason for their smooth harmonious relationship.

Jawai Dam & its construction –
Jawai Dam Rajasthan is built across the Jawai River, and the dam offers a splendid view of the river. Its construction was commenced on 12th May 1946 by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur and was finished after 11 years in 1957. It is the biggest dam in western Rajasthan with a height of 61.25 feet. While on a holiday break in Jawai, one must embark a visit to Jawai Bandh and capture the beautiful sights of rivers, forests, mountains, and hills.

How to reach Jawai?
By air – The nearest airport to Jawai is around 150 kilometers away in Udaipur. Besides, there are many other airports in proximity like Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Delhi, and Jaipur. So, as per your preference, you can take a flight and reach Jawai easily by taxi or cab service.

By rail – Mori Bera Railway Station is at 4 kms distance from Jawai which has good connectivity from all the major cities of the country. You can traverse comfortably from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, and other places in India by train.

By road – The well-developed road connectivity of Jawai from almost all the major cities of Rajasthan makes it easier to travel by road. National highways 27, 58, and 62 connect Jawai to many other destinations across the state.

Best time to visit –

Months of October to March are recommended for enjoying a holiday in Jawai. Being a hilly region, the climate becomes hot, and the chances of leopard sighting decrease during the summers. Nights are cool in summer and the leopard movements are high during this time of the year. In the winter season leopards are frequently sighted during the day as the middays are sunny and pleasing. February is an ideal time for enjoying bird-watching as you will get to see various migratory birds in this region.

Other things to do on Jawai Leopard Safari Tour –

• Bird Watching
• Meeting Rabari Tribe
• Visiting Bera River
• Sunset over Granite Hills
• Worship Temples in Jawai
• Hiking or trekking up the hills
• Yoga session in an open environment
• Hi-tea, theme dining, or dine anywhere in nature
• Jawai River & Dam visit

Winding up –

Jawai Leopard Sanctuary in Rajasthan is the best place to have a wildlife break with family, friends, or solo. Unlike Ranthambore and Sariska, Jawai is not a popular wildlife destination but is emerging to be a hot favorite place in Rajasthan Tourism for wildlife holidays. If you are looking forward to heading on a wildlife trip to Rajasthan, then Jawai could be a great place to enjoy a holiday. So, get ready with your bags and set off for a thrilling vacation in Jawai.