Leopards are India's most widespread big cat. The 2022 national status report estimated about 13,874 leopards, with the largest numbers in Madhya Pradesh. They live in forests, farmland, hills and even on the edges of cities, but they are shy and hard to see in thick forest.
A few places make leopards easier to find: rocky hills where they rest on open boulders, small reserves near cities, and forests with open undergrowth. This guide covers those places.
Quick answer
The best-known leopard safaris in India are at Jawai and Bera in Rajasthan, where leopards live among granite hills and farmland; Jhalana Leopard Reserve in Jaipur, with jeep safaris inside the city; and Kabini in Karnataka, home to a well-known black leopard. Leopards are also often seen in Tadoba, Bandhavgarh and Satpura. October to March is pleasant; summer can be better for sightings.
Key takeaways
- India had an estimated 13,874 leopards in the 2022 status report.
- Jawai's leopards are seen resting on granite outcrops near villages and temples.
- Jhalana, inside Jaipur, offers leopard safaris a short drive from the city centre.
- Kabini is known for a melanistic (black) leopard, though sightings are never assured.
- Leopard safaris work well alongside a tiger reserve on the same trip.
Leopard safari destinations
| Place | State | Setting | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jawai and Bera | Rajasthan | Granite hills, farmland, reservoir | Private jeep drives with local trackers; not a national park |
| Jhalana Leopard Reserve | Rajasthan (Jaipur) | Dry forest inside the city | Forest department jeep safaris in two shifts |
| Kabini and Nagarhole | Karnataka | Deciduous forest, backwaters | Black leopard in the area; tigers too |
| Tadoba | Maharashtra | Teak forest, lakes | Leopards alongside tigers |
| Satpura | Madhya Pradesh | Hills and gorges | Quieter, with walking safaris |
Jawai and Bera
Jawai lies in Rajasthan's Pali district, between Jodhpur and Udaipur. Leopards here live on granite hills among farms and villages, and the local Rabari herders have lived alongside them for generations. Sightings are often of leopards resting on rocks or near cave temples in the early morning and late afternoon.
Much of the area is farmland and open hills rather than a formal park, so drives are run by lodges and local operators. Choose one that keeps a respectful distance and does not bait animals.
Jhalana, Jaipur
Jhalana is a small forest on the south-eastern edge of Jaipur, opened for leopard safaris in 2017. Forest department jeep safaris run in morning and afternoon shifts, and a drive fits easily into a Jaipur trip. The Amagarh area nearby has also been opened for safaris.
See our things to do in Jaipur guide to plan the rest of the day.
Kabini
Kabini, on the edge of Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, has leopards, tigers, dhole and large herds of elephants. A melanistic leopard, often called Saya, has made the area famous among photographers.
Tips for a leopard safari
- Book three or four drives in one place; leopards are elusive.
- Morning and late afternoon are the most active times.
- Scan rocks, tree branches and ridge lines, not just the road.
- Choose operators who do not use bait or chase animals.
Combining a leopard safari with other trips
Jawai with Udaipur or Jodhpur
Jawai lies between the two cities, about two to three hours from each, so it fits into a Rajasthan circuit.
Jhalana with Ranthambore
Add a morning drive at Jhalana to a Jaipur stay before heading to Ranthambore for tigers.
Kabini with Mysuru or Coorg
Kabini is about two hours from Mysuru, and pairs well with Coorg or Bandipur.
Safety
- Sightings are never guaranteed; wild animals move freely and every drive is different.
- Stay in the vehicle; leopards are more likely than tigers to live near people.
- Do not walk alone at night near villages in leopard country.
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
What to pack
- Binoculars
- A long zoom lens
- Neutral clothes
- Warm layers for winter mornings in Rajasthan
Ready to plan your wildlife escape?
FAQs
Where is the best leopard safari in India?
Jawai in Rajasthan, Jhalana in Jaipur and Kabini in Karnataka are the best known.
How many leopards are there in India?
The 2022 status report estimated about 13,874.
Can you see a black leopard in India?
A melanistic leopard lives around Kabini, but sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time for a leopard safari?
October to March is comfortable; April to June can be better for sightings but is hot.
Are leopard safaris safe?
Yes, when you stay in the vehicle and follow your guide. Leopards avoid people and rarely approach jeeps.
Is Jawai a national park?
No. It is mostly farmland and granite hills; drives are run by lodges and local operators.
