Who would have ever imagined that in the heart of Rajasthan’s bustling capital of Jaipur with a population of 4 million would lie an isolated patch of forest, today, home to 40+ leopards! Jhalana Leopard Reserve is just that. After years of conservation efforts by the Government and non-profit organizations, the area was finally declared a protected reserve in 2017. Today, Jhalana is a 20 sq km patch of forest, 15 minutes drive from the airport and a few minutes further from the hustle bustle of Jaipur’s main attractions.
Aravalli hills of Jhalana Leopard Reserve
Till the early 20th century, the densely forested Aravalli hills around the city of Jaipur were popular hunting grounds for the royalty. The last tiger in Jaipur was apparently shot here in the 1940s. Evidence of Jaipur’s hunting past is visible when you are in Jhalana on a jeep safari. During your safari you will come across an ancient Shikar Audhi or a hunting palace located on top of a hill with panoramic views of the reserve and Jaipur city.
In Jhalana the leopard is the apex predator. Here the leopard has shed it’s shy and elusive demeanor for one that exuberates confidence. During the jeep safaris in Jhalana, guests get to see this otherwise nocturnal animal in broad daylight, often in the middle of the safari track, least bothered with humans squalling at each other for dibs on front row seats.
Leopard, Jhalana’s Apex Predator
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Other than the leopard, Jhalana is also home to the striped hyena, desert and Indian fox, Blue bull, spotted deer, sambhar deer, Indian hare, mongoose, jackal, jungle cat and the monitor lizard. Avifauna is quite diverse as well with 130 species being recorded such as the Indian Pita, paradise flycatcher, scops owl, sparrow hawk etc.
Safaris in Jhalana are organized in the morning and the afternoon. Safari timings differ from season to season. Like with most national parks in India, in Jhalana too you need to book your safari permits in advance. Being in the heart of Jaipur, Jhalana has become immensely popular in recent years and with the leopard being the show stopper here, this has only increased the Reserve’s fame especially amongst the wildlife photographer fraternity.
Blue Bull (male)
Black Redstart
When you book a safari in Jhalana, it doesn’t come with a guide (at least not yet). Instead, the vehicle driver doubles up as your guide. However, when you book your safaris through us we ensure you are out with a personally tried and tested team comprising of an experienced driver AND a trained English speaking guide / naturalist.
