Jawai Leapord Safari Park

Jawai, a quaint village in the Pali district near Sumerpur town, Rajasthan, stands out as a popular tourist spot, especially during winter. Often referred to as Jawai Bandh, it owes its name to a dam on the Jawai River, built during the reign of Raja Umaid Singh, the former ruler of Jodhpur. Spanning 500 sq km, the history of Jawai Bandh is intertwined with its construction, serving as a crucial water source for Jodhpur and the surrounding regions. The Jawai River, a tributary of the Luni River, flows through this area, with the Jawai Dam ranking as the largest in western Rajasthan.

The Jawai Bandh region boasts a rich array of wildlife, featuring unique species such as crocodiles, sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, and bears. It has gained prominence for its notable leopard population, attracting nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors often witness leopards leisurely roaming or resting on the granite hills, ensuring a captivating experience without posing any threat to those exploring the area.

The residents in the vicinity of the dam are members of the renowned Rabari tribe in Rajasthan. The Rabari community views leopards as protectors of their local deity, leading to a harmonious coexistence with several leopards living safely in the area. The behaviour of Jawai leopards is widely discussed because they share close proximity to human settlements and surprisingly display friendliness. They restrict their hunting activities to wild animals during the night, showing no inclination to prey on the locals' cattle. This unique dynamic makes it easy to observe them during the daytime, and notably, they have never posed a threat to any human beings.

Places to Visit in Jawai

The JAWAI experience offers some the most thrilling, authentic and unique ways to
encounter the wilderness and wildlife and immerse in the local culture of the Rajashtan region.

Jawai Hills

Millions of years ago, massive granite hills in the vicinity were shaped by volcanic eruptions or other geological processes, becoming a habitat for numerous wildlife species. These hills present an exciting trekking opportunity for adventure enthusiasts, constituting an integral aspect of Jawai's landscape. With a splendid view of the nearby village, these hills also serve as an ideal location for photography.

Jawai Dam

The region takes its name from the Jawai Dam, constructed across the Jawai River, a tributary of the Luni River. This dam affords a breathtaking view of the majestic river and the surrounding wildlife. Initiated in 1946, the dam's construction concluded in 1957, making it the largest dam in western Rajasthan. Crocodiles and various bird species are easily observable from the dam, which spans vast acres of land.

Dev Giri Temple

Dev Giri Temple venerates the local goddess Ashapura Mata Ji and is situated midway up one of the nearby hills. The belief among locals is that the goddess safeguards the entire village from natural disasters. Nestled amidst rocks, the temple attracts not only human visitors but also leopards and other animals. The temple's tracks are composed of the same granite, and the shrine itself is a monolith.

Abhinav Mahavir Dham

Shree Abhinav Mahavir Dham, a captivating shrine, graces the landscape of Sumerpur amid picturesque hills. It’s convenient proximity to NH 62 makes it easily accessible and a must-visit destination for those exploring the Jawai Bandh region. The temple serves as a window into Jainism and its rich culture, showcasing a vast collection of artefacts and finely crafted murals within its premises.

Kambeshwar Mahadev Temple

Situated in the Sheoganj region of Sumerpur tehsil, the Kambeshwar Mahadev Temple not only draws devotees but also appeals to seekers of tranquility. Positioned on hills accessible via winding roads carved into the terrain, the temple offers an idyllic setting. In November, the annual fair held at this location becomes a one-day event, attracting a substantial crowd from nearby localities.

Jawai Leopard Safari

Jawai National Park in Rajasthan, India, is celebrated for its vibrant leopard population and offers an exhilarating leopard safari experience. The park's rocky landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for spotting these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. Visitors can embark on guided safaris, capturing glimpses of leopards against the stunning terrain, creating a memorable wildlife adventure.

How to Reach Jawai

How to Reach - The nearest airport from Jawai is at Jodhpur. Other options for reaching Jawai by airway are Udaipur, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Trains from Jaipur and other major cities like Udaipur and Jodhpur are well-connected to JawaiBandh, Mori Bera and Falna railway stations, which are in close proximity to the leopard safari area in Jawai. For those opting for road trips, enthralling journeys from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mount Abu, Udaipur, and Kumbhalgarh are worth experiencing.

How to Plan - Considering the climatic conditions of Rajasthan, a thorough planning is crucial to make the trip to Jawai a successful one. The leopard sighting being the predominant attraction of Jawai, the tour plan has to commence with ascertaining the best time to visit. Once the dates are fixed, the rest of the plan is followed by making reservations and bookings for transportation and accommodation respectively. Stay updated with the weather forecasts and guidelines of the leopard safari regions. Also, making a list of packing essential items and executing it accordingly is necessary.

Best Time to Visit - The ideal time to visit JawaiBandh to embark on a thrilling leopard safari is the winter season. To be more specific, the months from November to February are the best. The chances of sighting leopards are at their peak during the winter season. Moreover, the heat does not bother during the full-day leopard safari in the winter season, which is a major challenge during the summer season. However, the evening safari and the early morning safari for leopard sightings provide quite a pleasant experience to the tourists.