Safari at Jhalana Leopard Park
Updated: May 26
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Safari at Jhalana Leopard Park in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India is one of the best places for leopard sighting in India and slowly climbing the charts to becoming a very popular tourist destination. India being so phenomenally diverse in landscape, ranging from snow clad mountains to deserts, beaches to evergreen forests, valleys to low land marshes, gives access to flourishing flora and fauna. And amidst this vast bio diversity, lies one such reserve forest which has always been home to leopards.
The Allure of Jhalana Leopard Park
With a forest area spread over 23 square kilometers, Jhalana is India’s first leopard reserve and is said to be the world's most densely populated leopard reserve, with almost 40 leopards, although only 6-7 leopards have their presence in the tourism area of the park. Right in the heart of the leopard reserve sits Shikaar Audi, a charming three-story hunting lodge once used by the Royal families of Jaipur. It's a fantastic spot for spotting animals and catching stunning views of both sunrise and sunset.
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Best time to Visit Jhalana Leopard Park
Unlike other parks in India, it is open throughout the year, making sightings possible any time. The period from November to April is widely regarded as the optimal time for visiting Jhalana Reserve. During this span, the weather is delightful, and nature is at its peak. The best time to visit the park is during sunrise as the view is simply enchanting.
How To reach Jhalana Leopard Park
✈️ The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 10-12 kilometers away from Jhalana Leopard Park. To reach Jaipur, you have several options. If you prefer flying, book a flight to Jaipur International Airport (JAI) from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore. If you're coming to Jaipur from abroad, you may fly directly to Jaipur International Airport (JAI) from select international locations or connect through major Indian hubs like Delhi or Mumbai. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE.
🚖From the airport, you may conveniently book your taxi to the Leopard Park here using EASY AIRPORT TAXIS BOOKINGS. Ubers are quite popular, reliable and easy to travel in Jaipur.
🚆If you're traveling by train, the railway station is Jaipur Junction (JP) and is well-connected to cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The station is approximately 10 kilometers from Jhalana Leopard Park.
🚌Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) Buses or private buses also offer a convenient way to reach Jaipur. Sindhi Camp Bus Stand is the main and largest bus terminal in Jaipur. For travellers taking flights, Sanganer Bus Stop is located closest to the airport. Jaipur Railway Station Bus Stand is convenient for travellers arriving by train.
🚗You can also opt to rent a car and drive yourself to the Leopard Park, which can be easily arranged by BOOKING HERE.
Safari Timings
The park is open for tourists for two safaris i.e Morning & Evening. Depending upon the time of the year, the timing of the safaris change by an hour or so, starting earlier in the summer months when the sun rises early and a little later in the winter months.
February to July:
Morning: 06:15 am – 08:45 am
Evening: 03:45 pm – 07:15 pm
August to January:
Morning: 06:45 am – 09:15 am
Evening: 03:45 pm – 06:15 pm
A Guide to Safari Booking
The Park is split into 3 gates or zones, each with a different topography and unlike other parks the drivers can drive into and out of all 3 zones as the tourist zone of the park is relatively small and all gates are close to each other. Seeing a leopard or any wild animal for that matter in the wild is purely dependent on luck and good fortune. In most parks in India, the wild cats aren’t tracked and hence we must rely on the tracking abilities of the driver/guide who looks out for pugmarks, listens to calls of peacocks, jungle fowls, monkeys and chital deers and a huge stroke of luck.
Different types of Safaris in Jhalana Leopard Park During the half-day safari, visitors have the opportunity to explore the diverse habitats of the reserve and encounter a variety of wildlife, including leopards, spotted deer, langurs, and more. Knowledgeable guides lead the safari, providing insights into the flora and fauna of the region.
Duration: Typically around 6-7 hours.
Price: INR 18,000 for Indian visitors, INR 25,000 for foreign visitors.
Timing:
Morning Shift: 05:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening Shift: 12:00 PM – 07:00 PM (Timings may vary based on seasonal changes).
The full-day safari offers an extended exploration of the reserve, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the wilderness and wildlife. With more time at hand, there's a higher chance of encountering elusive species and witnessing unique behaviors. It's an ideal option for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive safari experience.
Duration: Typically around 12 hours.
Price: INR 34,000 for Indian visitors, INR 50,000 for foreign visitors.
Timing: Full day, from early morning to late evening.
Visitors are advised to book their safaris in advance to secure their spot and make the most of their wildlife adventure.
Safari Permit Costs
Entry permits can be obtained at the gate or booked online through the Rajasthan Forest Department's official website. Safari permits are valid for all zones throughout the Jhalana Leopard Safari.
How can I get a Guide for the safari?
Do your Own research: Take the initiative to conduct your own research. This is our approach – we review feedback and suggestions on platforms like TripAdvisor, opting for safari companies with high ratings. Our criteria include ensuring they employ knowledgeable naturalists, guides, and ethical forest drivers, who possess excellent sighting skills. Much of the success of sightings relies on their understanding of the forest, navigation routes, interpreting animal calls, and prioritizing animal and human safety.
Online Booking: Some tour operators or travel agencies may offer online booking options for guided safaris at Jhalana Leopard Park. You can search for tour packages that include a guide and book in advance. GetYourGuide is a trusted platform for guided tours.
At the Park Entrance: When you arrive at the park, there will likely be guides available for hire at the entrance gate or visitor center. You can inquire there about hiring a guide for your safari.
Through Accommodation: If you're staying at a hotel or resort in Jaipur, they may be able to arrange a guided safari for you, either through their own services or by recommending a reputable guide or tour operator.
How can I arrange a Vehicle for the safari?
After going through reviews on TripAdvisor we finally decided to go ahead with a safari company called World of Wilders. Kunal, our safari guide and driver, was very helpful in arranging the two safaris for us.
Safari Costs
Since there were 6 of us (4 adults and 2 kids) we booked ourselves an entire gypsy (The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is a four-wheel-drive sports utility vehicle) which cost us INR. 8,000 including the pick-up and drop off from our Haveli in central Jaipur which was a 30 minute drive from the park entrance. Children aged 6 and older are considered adults and are charged at the adult rate.
For Indian visitors:
Safari: INR 1500 per person.
Full Gypsy: INR 7000 (for up to 6 persons).
For foreign visitors:
Safari: INR 2500 per person.
Full Gypsy: INR 14000 (for up to 6 persons).
Accommodation We lodged at Alsisar Haveli, located approximately 12-14 kilometers from Jhalana Leopard Park, which typically required a 30-45 minute journey between the two sites.
While our stay was comfortable and well-arranged, opting for accommodations in close proximity to the reserve is essential to minimize travel time. |
Within a short radius of about 5-6 kilometers from the park, visitors can choose from various options catering to different budgets, such as the budget-friendly Hotel Siddharth Palace, the mid-range The Lalit Traveller, and luxurious stays like The Lalit Jaipur and Clarks Amer.
Additionally, approximately 10 kilometers from the park, accommodations like Umaid Mahal, Zone by The Park, and the heritage property, Rambagh Palace, offer further choices for travelers.
I chose booking.com for my Jaipur hotel stays. For convenient booking, use my LINK. With competitive prices and reliable service, booking.com ensures a hassle-free experience.
Our Safari Tales
Our day at the Jhalana Leopard Reserve kicked off with excitement as we eagerly planned both the morning and afternoon safaris. Kunal, our guide and driver, arrived bright and early at 5:45 am, setting the stage for our adventure. Stepping into the cool morning air, we were thankful for our cozy attire, feeling the anticipation building as we made our way to the park entrance. There, we treated ourselves to chai and biscuits, relishing the warmth amid the chilly surroundings.
From 6:30 am to 9:00 am, we embarked on a thrilling morning safari through the awakening wilderness. Guided by Kunal's expertise, we immersed ourselves in the sights and sounds of nature. We noticed Hanuman langurs gazing blankly in our direction, while Nilgais were busy grazing on plants and grass during the morning. The peacocks carried on with their activities without a care in the world. It seemed like everyone was busy with their own tasks, while we stood there, utterly fascinated, observing them in awe. We loved exploring the diverse scenery of Jhalana Park, with its mountains, cliffs, grassy fields, and peaceful forests. The tree life here was fascinating, dominated by hardy species that have adapted to thrive in the arid conditions and rocky soil. We spotted numerous Indian Babul, Ber, and Salar trees scattered across the forest floor, showcasing the beauty of native Indian flora. Everywhere we looked, there was beauty to behold!
On our morning safari, we didn't spot any sneaky leopards. But you know what? The excitement of discovering their habitat kept us hooked the whole time! After our morning escapade, Kunal dropped us off at the haveli for a hearty breakfast. Satisfied and content, we retreated to our quarters for a well-deserved break. The children, weary from the excitement, settled down for a nap, while we relished a moment of peace. As the sun reached its peak, Kunal returned to whisk us away for the afternoon safari at 2:15 pm. Renewed with energy and anticipation, we embarked on the second leg of our safari journey.
The leopards of Jhalana National Park are renowned for their diurnal habits much like the tigers of Ranthambore and Sariska, meaning they are easily visible in the daytime. Apparently they had a change of heart precisely when we showed up. Instead of being their usual visible selves during the day, they opted for a nocturnal, reclusive lifestyle, leaving us with nothing but tales of their rare sightings. How considerate of them to keep us on our toes! Anyway, we were treated to sightings of various other wildlife, including peacocks and peahens, langurs, spotted deer (chital), Blue Bulls (Nilgai), a pair of mongoose, and even an elusive desert fox. This diverse array of creatures made for memorable moments, with one particularly striking instance being the casual stroll of the desert fox right in front of our jeep.
As the afternoon came to an end, we sadly said goodbye to the amazing Jhalana Leopard Reserve. With memories we'll never forget, we headed back to the haveli, feeling grateful for the time we spent enjoying the park's incredible wildlife.
World of Wilders
Apart from being experts in Safaris and ensuring the provide knoweldgeable guides to make your experience wholesome, at World Of Wilders, they also offer customized travel packages, hassle-free flight bookings, comfortable hotel accommodations, and convenient cab reservations to suit every budget.
World of Wilders - https://worldofwilders.com
Address: Central road ( Roads End ) ,Inside, Malviya Nagar Industrial Area, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302018, India
For Safari reviews please visit REVIEWS.
Closing Thoughts
Although we didn’t spot any leopards on our safari, it was still one of the best experiences of our trip. This might be due to the adventurous streak I carry in my blood. We always include an activity in our itinerary that not only offers just local sightseeing and cultural immersion, but also an adrenaline rush, an animal sighting excursion, a safari, or a visit to a zoo in our holiday plans, so we can turn our vacation into an educational learning experience for both us and the kids. It enriches our understanding of wildlife and nature, fosters a sense of curiosity and respect for the environment, and creates memorable and meaningful experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. Have you visited Jhalana Leopard Reserve, and did you manage to spot any leopards? Let us know in the comments below.
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