Northern India
Dera Rawatsar
A peaceful heritage haveli tucked away in central Jaipur, Dera Rawatsar offers a warm, characterful stay shaped by traditional Rajput hospitality. Owned by descendants of the Rawatsar royal family, the property features hand‑painted frescoes, antique furnishings, and a leafy courtyard with a small pool – an inviting place to pause after exploring the Pink City’s palaces and lively bazaars. Rooms are comfortable and well‑appointed, blending old‑world charm with modern convenience.
Just a short drive away lies Jhalana Leopard Reserve, India’s first dedicated leopard sanctuary and one of the country’s most reliable places to observe these cats in a semi‑urban landscape. The reserve supports a healthy leopard population alongside striped hyenas, desert foxes, civets, and a range of birdlife. Morning and evening jeep safaris offer strong chances of sightings, making Dera Rawatsar an excellent base for travellers looking to pair Jaipur’s cultural heritage with time in the field.
India
Facilities
Restaurant, dining room, courtyard, small outdoor swimming pool, lounge areas, free Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour front desk, laundry service.
Local Wildlife
In Jhalana Leopard Reserve, the most sought‑after wildlife is, unsurprisingly, the leopard. When the last tigers were hunted out in the mid‑20th century, leopards rose to become the apex predator. Once hunting ceased entirely, their numbers rebounded dramatically, and the reserve now supports one of the world’s densest leopard populations.
Optional Activities
Visits to the City Palace, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, bazaars of the Pink City, guided heritage walks, Jhalana Leopard Reserve safaris, birdwatching in and around Jaipur, local craft and textile workshops, and food tours.
James Gilpin
Area Specialist
Plan at least one early‑morning Jhalana safari – the first drive of the day often offers the calmest conditions, fewer vehicles, and the best chance of catching leopards moving before they settle into cover.
If you have any questions regarding our India tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Despite flight delays we were warmly welcomed and had efficient transitions in India. In the UK, you couldn’t have been more helpful – “above and beyond” at all points of contact. Thankyou!
[Our experience of the Snow leopard group tour] Is hard to put into words! No genuine expectation of seeing snow leopards – just hopeful, but to see two shortly after arriving at Uley was outstanding. They were so beautiful. Also saw wolves, Tibetan fox, eagles, ibex and lots of urials.
