Top Spots for Leopard Sightings in India

By - September 19, 2024 - India, wildlife

India is a place where most of the national parks and sanctuaries are in different zones. Indian forests are famous for their density level and hilly ranges and mountains. These forests have sustained various types of creatures for the past few decades. Ever you see the leopard? If no, then you have to check these places in India to discover the leopards. The most popular species in cats are famous for their bigger size. But the leopard is a smaller and lightweight species.

After the tiger, the leopard is the only one who is famous for its physical strength and its dreaded behavior. Leopard is more powerful and capable than other wild animal, also well-known for its climbing skills. In different continents, leopards are also known as the Pardus or Panthera. Most probably found in Africa and Asian continents. Leopards were identified by their circle brown rosette strips. Many states in India like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, where you found the wild leopards.

Below are some famous leopard sanctuaries that you can visit:

1. Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, Rajasthan

Jhalana leopard safari park is in Jaipur, Rajasthan beside, Malviya Nagar. There are more than 30 leopards. It is the most recommended tourist place in India and popular for safely watching leopards. Apart from leopards, some unique Indian species like wolves, blue bulls, sloth bears, chinkara, and many more. Infect, a single case of attacking has never been heard from the period of establishment. You can spot the leopard during the mid-day and in the night and inside the park as well outside. If you think to visit here, pre-bookings are available online. You should check it before arriving.

Read also: India Travel: October’s Best Attractions and Places

Location: Located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.

How to Reach: Jaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road with major cities in India. Jhalana Leopard Safari Park is approximately 10 km away from the city center of Jaipur, easily accessible by local transport.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for safari.

Where to Stay: There are numerous accommodation options in Jaipur, ranging from luxury hotels to budget stays, catering to all preferences and budgets.

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2. Jawai Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan

Jawai leopard reserve is in Pali, Rajasthan. This small region has been covered with a good environment with a fusion habitat. This type of living factor has been increasing the number of leopards day by day. Here, you find the leopards live in naturally built large caves. This site is covered by Jawai bandh, and many grasslands reflect its breathtaking vision and attract a lot of visitors. At this place, the leopards are living together with humans for a few years. The only hilly regions to spotting the leopards. It is the best place for those who have been experiencing wildlife and walk through jungle adventures.

Location: Nestled in the Pali district of Rajasthan, between Jodhpur and Udaipur.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Udaipur, about 150 km away, while Jodhpur Airport is about 170 km away. The nearest railway station is Falna, roughly 35 km away. Taxis or private vehicles can be hired from these points to reach the reserve.

Best Time to Visit: Ideal from September to March, during the cooler months.

Where to Stay: The area offers various luxury tented camps and boutique accommodations focusing on eco-tourism and wildlife experiences.

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3. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Satpura National park is in the Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh. Satpura was established in 1981 by DR. Salim Ali, a famous bird watcher. The place is also known as a tiger reserve body. Just because the Satpura range hills are nearby by the park, their names are derived from there. Bori and Pachmarhi are famous sanctuaries that attract the maximum number of tourists across the world. Both wildlife sanctuaries are situated nearby the park. You can also see the rare species of plants, leopards, mammals, and reptiles at that place.

Location: In the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh.

How to Reach: The nearest city with an airport is Bhopal, approximately 190 km away. The closest railway station is in Sohagpur, around 20 km from the park. Taxis or buses are available from these points to reach the park.

Best Time to Visit: From October to April is the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather and optimal wildlife viewing conditions.

Where to Stay: There are forest rest houses, luxury resorts, and budget hotels near the park, especially in the town of Sohagpur and Madhai gate area.

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4. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Another famous place for leopard is the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary which is in Rajsamand, Rajasthan. It spreads in a 610.5 sq km area. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is the center attraction of this place inside the jungle. You can explore this sanctuary to do horse riding, or you can choose an open jeep ride. Additionally, you can also enjoy trekking at these locations. This location is covered with four huge mountain range that is Arravallis – Kumbhalgarh hilly ranges, Sadri, Desuri, and Bonkhada Range. For a better experience, you must watch the golden jackal, chin Kara, striped hyena, sloth bear, and many varieties of animals.

Location: Near the town of Kumbhalgarh, close to Udaipur.

How to Reach: The nearest major city, Udaipur, is about 100 km away. The sanctuary can be reached via road from Udaipur, with taxis readily available.

Best Time to Visit: The months from October to March are most suitable for visiting, due to the cooler climate.

Where to Stay: Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to budget stays in Kumbhalgarh, with some properties offering stunning views of the fort and sanctuary.

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4. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

The most prominent national park is in the southern zone of India. It covered an 874 sq km area of the land. It is the most favorable place for its climate. Ooty is nearby the place where most of the tourists love to visit. Bandipur national park was established under the tiger project in 1974. It is also known as the famous hunting place for Raja Maharajas. The destination is also famous for its naturally occurring flora and fauna that create a natural habitat for creatures. The major quality of that place is it is also covered by a dry deciduous forest that creates a different environment for leopards and tigers. The three wildlife reserves also adjoining with that place are Wayanad, Mudumalai, Nagarhole national sanctuaries. Several species and creatures have also resided with leopards. Elephants, grey lugers, pythons, bears, antelopes are some of them.

Location: In the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

How to Reach: The nearest city, Mysore, is approximately 80 km away. The park is well-connected by road from Mysore, and taxis can be hired to reach Bandipur.

Best Time to Visit: The period from October to May is ideal for wildlife sightings, especially during the summer months when animals frequent waterholes.

Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodation options, from forest lodges and luxury resorts to budget stays located near the park.

Read Also: 5 Popular National Park in Karnataka

5. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett national park is in Nainital, Uttarakhand. This park is part of the largest tiger reserves project.

The park was established in 1936. It is famous for its glory and beauty. It is one of the oldest parks in India. This place is covered in a 520 sq km area. The specification about the place is it is the only park in India which allows us to stay overnight in the jungle. You can stay overnight in the laps of nature for a better experience. For viewing the place, you can hire an open jeep or chose an elephant ride. Another best thing is that there is a lot of safari zone you can visit. Biryani Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone, Sitabani Buffer Zone, and Durga Devi zone are some of them.

Location: In the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand.

How to Reach: The nearest city, Ramnagar, is about 15 km from the park’s main gate. Ramnagar is well-connected by train and road to major cities like Delhi, which is about 260 km away.

Best Time to Visit: The park is open from mid-November to June, with the winter months (November to February) being the best for bird watching and the summer months (March to June) ideal for tiger sightings.

Where to Stay: A wide range of accommodations is available in and around Ramnagar, from luxury resorts to budget hotels, many offering safari packages.

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6. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra

Another best place in India to spotting the leopards is Sanjay Gandhi National park. It is in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and spreads in a 34 sq km area. The establishment of this park is in 1996 at Borivali. Every year around 2 million tourists visit here to explore the natural and wildlife beauty. Although the main attraction of this park is Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, mini train, and boat rides. The specialty of that place is its 2400-year-old Kanheri caves that are made of cliffy rocks.

Location: In the northern part of Mumbai, Maharashtra.

How to Reach: Being within Mumbai, it is easily accessible by road from any part of the city. The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport, about 20 km away.

Best Time to Visit: The park is accessible throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.

Where to Stay: A wide range of accommodations is available in Mumbai, from luxury hotels to budget lodgings, catering to all preferences and budgets.

Read Also: Top National Parks and Wildlife in Maharashtra

 

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