11 Indian Wildlife Experiences Beyond Tiger Safaris

3. Urban leopard safaris — Jhalana and Amagarh (Jaipur, Rajasthan)

Jaipur’s Jhalana and Amagarh reserves are unusually close to a major city and offer very accessible leopard watching. These small urban forests have adapted leopards that sometimes move into nearby fields and neighborhoods, giving visitors an urban-safari experience that few countries can match. Safaris are typically shorter than national-park drives and can fit into a half-day schedule, which is ideal for families or travelers on a tight itinerary. Peak viewing times are early morning and late afternoon; mid-winter months from November to February are especially pleasant. Jaipur’s airport and rail connections make logistics simple for North American visitors—fly into Delhi or Mumbai with a short domestic hop to Jaipur. The activity is family-friendly but requires quiet behavior; leopards tend to disappear with loud noise. Booking through the Jaipur Forest Department or recommended private naturalist groups ensures experienced trackers who know individual leopards by name. Because sightings are frequent, these safaris are also great for photographers learning to shoot big cats without the long drives of larger reserves. Remember: this is urban wildlife, so follow local rules and respect buffer zones where residents live.