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It is important to be clear about one point here: this is not a
National Park but an area on the fringe of several small rural
villages that is absolutely prime Leopard habitat. It certainly
resembles a small version of ‘Yala National Park’ in Sri Lanka,
with the open scrubland dotted with huge monoliths providing an
impressive backdrop to evening and early morning jeep excursions.
By their very nature leopards are wary, especially in the
daylight, so close encounters are uncommon as they like to keep
their distance. That said we did have some wonderful night time
encounters during our 2004 ‘recce’ trip, with a female Leopard
listening intently to village dogs from a boulder just 15 feet
above our heads. Undoubtedly the highlight of the trip was two
Leopards mating just after sunrise with another Leopard close by.
As well as a thriving Leopard population there is a good variety
of other wildlife to be seen on these daily drives. We had good
sightings of Rusty-Spotted Cat, Hyena and Jackal. There is a major
dam nearby, which is an important habitat for Saras crane,
spoonbill, ibis and endemic ducks. Winter visitors are bar-headed
geese and several species of ducks. Jackal and mugger crocodiles
are likely to be seen along the lakes.
The accommodation provided on the edge of the town is simple but
comfortable. This location really suits clients looking to get
away from the more touristy sanctuaries and to enjoy both the
wildlife and the colourful tribals that light up this part of
Rajasthan.
The ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur makes a convenient start point for a
visit to the leopard destination, as well as for a longer road
trip through southern Rajasthan staying in some wonderful heritage
properties en route. Though the temples of Ranakpur and the ‘lake
city’ of Udaipur are definitely breathtaking you may find that the
highlights will also include everything in between, from ox-driven
water wheels and colourful bazaars to impressive forts and
peaceful ‘art deco’ lakeside palaces.
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