We swept through the desert landscape of Rajasthan on our way to another safari. As we arrived to Jawai a spartan, rocky landscape rose before us. The granite hills are reminiscent of the Sierra Nevadas, just lacking the giant forest. Instead, there are cacti, desert scrub, and small, resilient conifers. We arrive at the meeting place where our transfer vehicles are traded for the jeeps that will take us the rest of the way over rutted, sandy roads to Sujan Jawai—our accommodations for the coming days. A leopard sighting has just been reported. Our bags are left to be taken to the camp in one jeep, while we are sped away to search for the leopard. Alas, a leopard sighting is not forthcoming on that first night, as the sun sets over the high desert, but our appetites are wet for what’s to come.
Spread out across a grassy plain and interconnected by dirt paths, our luxury tent accommodations offer solitude and plenty of comfort. The central, common area has a restaurant, bar, library, spa, and swimming pool. In contrast to our first wildlife safaris where we stayed outside of the national parks, in Jawai there is no national park. We are in the middle of the wild landscape. Protected reserves and communal lands intermingle with the surrounding community and villages. The Rabari shepherds, native to the region and the original protectors of the leopards, have shown the way of how to live at peace with the wildlife through their reverence for the leopards. It is they who walk the region, working as spotters to find the leopards we are in search of.
And find leopards, we do. In the coming days, we spy six leopards including a mother and her three cubs. As well, we see plenty of wildlife. Some of our group hike up to a beautiful vista, while others ride horses to the edge of a reservoir. We head to Udaipur after another beautiful trip into the wilds of India.
Travels Through India
- Photos (88)
- Cultural Immersion, India, Staff Blog, Tour, Traveler Stories, Urban , Urban Experience, Wildlife, Wildlife Viewing
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