


Jawai National Park: Where Leopards Rule the Hills
Jawai Leopard Safari
Knowledge Box
Jawai National Park, known for having the highest density of leopards in the world, is situated in the Pali district of Rajasthan. In the midst of Jodhpur and Udaipur, you will find this wildlife sanctuary, creating a special place in the hearts of wildlife and nature lovers. Apart from the elusive wild cats, you will also find other species of animals here. The rich biodiversity of Jawai is the reason for the diverse flora and fauna flourishing here. The majestic Aravalli hills here are home to leopards, sloth bears, reptiles like the mugger crocodiles, and more. The region of the wildlife sanctuary is also known as Jawai Bandh, as a nearby dam is situated here.
A wildlife safari in Jawai is one of the best ways to explore and interact with the animals prevalent here. Obviously, being a hotspot of leopards, Jawai Leopard Safari on the riverbanks of the Jawai River is something people come from around the world to experience. The wildlife safari also offers you a chance to explore the beautiful landscape, including the scrub, cacti, and Aravalli hills. Another safari here is the crocodile safari, exposing you to the beautiful Indian mugger crocodiles.
Leopard Safari
Morning: 6 am to 9 am
Evening: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Full-day Jawai Safari
Timings: 5:30 am to 6:30 pm
Jawai Bandh
Timings: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Jungle Safari
Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 am
Birding & Crocodile Sighting
Timings: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Jawai National Park, Pali, Rajasthan, is a new addition to the state’s protected wildlife areas. In 2019, it was declared a national park even though it was recognized as a national park sanctuary due to its rich biodiversity. Park is located in the Jawai region near the Jawai Bandh, with efforts to make the park a conservation area for leopards to preserve the endangered species. After converting the Jawai region into a conservation park, it is now a model of conservation blending protection of wildlife with sustainable tourism. The area of the conservation park used to be Jawai Bandh, built in 1957 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, the then ruler of Jodhpur. The aim of the park is not just preserving the leopards but also other species of crocodiles, birds, and more.
Jawai is known best for its natural beauty and wildlife, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. The area is best known for its leopard population, the highest number of these majestic cats in India. Though leopards are the attraction here, there are other species too, like deer, spotted deer, and sambar. The area of Jawai is also home to many species of birds, like painted storks, Indian eagle-owls, and vultures populating the skies.
Apart from the impressive wildlife at Jawai, you will also come across many diverse species of plants (flora) here, including banyan, tamarind, and acacia trees, with the terrain also housing multiple shrubs and bushes. The Jawai River flowing through the area supports multiple plant species, including grasslands and aquatic plants, supporting many plant and animal life.
Jawai has a few zones, but irrespective of the zones, in Jawai Bandh, Rajasthan, the possibility of witnessing leopards and other wildlife here is high. The zones are managed by the government, preserving the wildlife and ecosystem for a smooth
Bera Jawai Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary or zone is the best zone in the Jawai region for witnessing the highest number of leopard populations. The zone will also expose you to other wildlife like sloth bears, hyenas, and crocodiles. In winters, you will see a few migratory birds here, like cranes, geese, and flamingos.
Kothar zone
This Jawai wildlife sanctuary zone is ideal for leopard sightings but not limited to the same. You will also come across other wildlife species here, like Indian sand boa snakes, mugger crocodiles, and migratory species of birds.
Jeewads zone
The zone (like all others) is well-known for leopard sightings and is ideal for a perfect resort stay and camping.
Sena Zone
Sena village, near Jawai Bandh Wildlife Sanctuary, is another zone ideal for a private wildlife safari to witness the elusive leopards. The landscape and flora here also appeal to everyone. You can also camp at the Sena safari camp here.
Rughnathpura Zone
Again, the zone will expose you to leopard sightings, other wildlife, and also the Rabari tribe of the region, known for their unique bond with leopards.
The national park of Jawai is open from early-September to mid-May. However, the best time for Jawai leopard safari booking is between October and March. These are the cooler months of the year, having ideal weather for indulging in outdoor activities like wildlife sightings, safaris, and camping.
Dry season: It is the dry season, so wildlife is easy to spot as animals come out of their hiding places, gathering near the waterholes, making it easier for you to enjoy the wildlife. Also, the visibility is good, so spotting the elusive wild cats of the region is easier.
Bird spotting: The weather is ideal for spotting birds too, as the dry season is the perfect time for migratory birds like flamingos to fly to the Jawai region. For birdwatchers, this is a haven for spotting and clicking impressive photos of these beautiful bird species.
Jawai National Park experiences varied weather conditions throughout the year, making it a year-round destination with some seasonal variations in its climate.
Summers
The months from March to June are summers, with May to June being extremely hot. The temperature ranges between 35°C and 40°C. Thus, it is less comfortable for trekking and safari. It is possible to spot the wildlife, but it is challenging as the animals tend to stay in the shaded region for most of the time.
Monsoon
The monsoon season is from July to September, bringing rains to Jawai, making the weather a bit cooler but also humid. Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C, with the park becoming luscious and green. However, wildlife sightings can be more challenging due to the dense vegetation, with many zones restricting safaris or even canceling the same.
Winters
The winter months from October to February are considered the best time for visiting Jawai, as the temperature ranges between 10°C and 25°C. The dry and cool condition makes it the perfect time for a wildlife safari; the high visibility also means spotting the big but shy cats is easier. It is also the peak season for witnessing the wildlife and exploring the wildlife, perfect for enjoying the outdoor activities like safaris due to the pleasant weather.
Media and Gallery
Project Initiative in Jawai National Park
The conservation projects in Jawai focus on preserving the diverse ecosystems, ensuring that the wildlife corridors remain intact. Jawai National Park, due to the initiatives taken by the government, has become an ecotourism place ideal for wildlife safaris happening, keeping wilderness safety in mind. Let’s learn more about Jawai conservation projects changing the lives of both animals and humans alike in Jawai below.
- Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) II
- Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve
- Luxury Cave Resort by Praveg Limited
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Jawai Paliery

About Forest Management Officers

Sh. Sanjay Sharma
Hon’ble State Minister, Forests Department,
Government of Rajasthan

Shri Bhajan LAl Sharma
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan

Sh. Arijit Banerjee
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Rajasthan
Rajasthan's Official Forest Websites
