Jhalana Leopard Safari

Few cities have wild leopards living inside their limits, but Jaipur does. The Jhalana forest, on the city's south-eastern edge and south of the Jaipur to Agra highway, was declared a leopard conservation reserve in 2017 under Rajasthan's Project Leopard, and is often described as the first reserve of its kind in India. Together with the neighbouring Amagarh forest it now forms a single conservation reserve managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department. Safaris offer a realistic chance of seeing a leopard without travelling far from your hotel.

The land was once a royal hunting ground, later used for grazing and firewood, before protection allowed the forest and its wildlife to recover. The leopard population was counted at 28 in 2019 and around 40 by the end of 2022, a density that has led to occasional encounters on the city's edge. Other animals include nilgai, sambar and spotted deer, jackals, foxes, civets and wild cats. The Rajasthan tourism department also highlights the birdlife, as well as historic structures inside the forest such as a royal hunting lodge, or shikar oudhi, dating from 1835, and two temples.

Safaris opened to visitors in 2017, with limited numbers allowed in each day, and the reserve is divided into three zones with different terrain. A driver who doubles as your guide takes you along the tracks and follows reports of recent leopard movements. Langurs and nilgai, also called blue bulls, often appear near the entrance. The landscape is dry, rocky Aravalli scrub, and leopards blend remarkably well into it, so sightings are never guaranteed, though on a good day visitors may see more than one. An old hunting lodge on a hill gives a wide view back over Jaipur. Binoculars help a great deal, and keen photographers should bring a zoom lens.

Because numbers are limited, book ahead, particularly for weekends and holidays, and confirm the meeting point and timing when you do. Wear layers for early starts in winter and bring sun protection in the warmer months. Children usually enjoy the experience, though they need to sit still and keep quiet for long stretches. Follow your guide's instructions, stay in the vehicle and never try to feed or call animals.

Jhalana is close to the centre, so a safari fits easily into a day of sightseeing. Combine a morning drive with an afternoon in the old city, or an afternoon drive with an evening at Jawahar Kala Kendra or Birla Mandir, both in the southern part of the city. Those wanting a quieter outing can also ask about the newer Amagarh area of the reserve, which includes an 18th-century fort built by Sawai Jai Singh.