EXPEDITION DOSSIER

Jawai Leopard Expedition

Into the Land of Leopards · Jawai · Bera, Rajasthan

DESTINATION Jawai · Bera, Rajasthan
DURATION 4 Nights / 5 Days
BEST SEASON October – April
GROUP SIZE Small Groups (Max 4-6 guests)
ENQUIRE NOW
✦ EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Into the Land of Leopards

Return to the landscape where Pushpendra’s own journey began. Spend five days tracking individual leopards through the granite hills of Jawai, understanding feline territorial behaviour and discovering the unique relationship between the cats and the Rabari pastoral communities.

Jawai is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural history sanctuaries. Here, solitary wild leopards inhabit the ancient, sun-baked granite rock formations that surround local villages, living in peaceful coexistence with the scarlet-turbaned Rabari shepherds. Guided personally by Pushpendra Singh Ranawat—born and raised in these hills with over 15 years of tracking individual leopards—this expedition prioritizes non-invasive fieldcraft, patient positioning for golden hour photography, and deep natural history understanding.

Expedition Highlights

  • Personal field tracking & photography mentoring by Pushpendra Singh Ranawat
  • Track resident leopards on ancient granite kopjes without commercial tourist crowding
  • Authentic interaction with the Rabari pastoral community and temple guardians
  • Sunrise & sunset drives in customized open 4x4 safaris tailored for telephoto stability
  • Wetland birding and Marsh Crocodile scanning along the waters of Jawai Dam
  • Luxury heritage tented stay at Varawal Leopard Camp with local Mewari cuisine
Jawai Leopard resting atop the granite kopjes in Bera, Rajasthan
SIGNATURE EXPEDITION

Field Specifications

Lead Naturalist Pushpendra Singh Ranawat
Habitat Billion-Year-Old Volcanic Granite Hills & Scrubland
Altitude / Region 450m Above Sea Level
Core Focus Leopard Tracking, Granite Kopjes & Rabari Coexistence
Expedition Batches
October 2026 – March 2027 (Custom Dates & Scheduled Small Groups)
RESERVE EXPEDITION WhatsApp Inquiry ↗
DAY-BY-DAY FIELD ROUTE

Expedition Itinerary

Crafted for patient natural history tracking, optimal photographic lighting, and ethical wildlife encounters.

Day 1

Arrival in Jawai & Sunset Granite Ridge Safari

Arrive at Varawal Leopard Camp by early afternoon. Warm traditional reception followed by an expedition briefing by Pushpendra on feline behaviour and field safety. Set out on our first evening 4x4 safari into the granite hills to locate resident leopards as the rocky outcrops glow gold in the setting sun. Return to camp for an open-air dinner and fireside debrief.

Day 2

Dawn Kopje Tracking & Feline Territorial Behaviour

Early morning departure before first light to position ourselves near high kopjes known for dawn sunbathing. Study territorial scent-marking, listen for langur alarm calls, and observe feline interactions. Midday break at camp for lunch and photographic review. Late afternoon drive exploring boulder-strewn valleys where cubs and mothers often seek shelter.

Day 3

Rabari Pastoral Coexistence Walk & Deep Scrubland Drives

Morning walk with elder Rabari herdsmen through village paths beneath granite ridges, gaining rare firsthand insight into how pastoralists and big cats share resources without conflict. Afternoon deep scrubland expedition tracking elusive hyenas, Indian rock pythons, and leopards returning to their daytime caves.

Day 4

Jawai Dam Wetland Birding, Crocodiles & Night Field Drive

Morning expedition to the shores of Jawai Bandh, observing wintering Bar-headed Geese, Flamingos, Pelicians and massive Marsh Crocodiles basking on sandy spits. Late afternoon return to the high leopard hills for sunset framing, followed by an ethical spotlight drive to observe nocturnal wilderness behaviour.

Day 5

Final Dawn Field Drive & Farewell Breakfast

A final dawn drive to bid farewell to the granite country and capture lingering morning silhouettes. Return to camp for a hearty farewell breakfast, photo debrief and departure assistance to Falna, Udaipur or Jodhpur.

TRANSPARENT EXPEDITION STANDARDS

Inclusions & Exclusions

Comprehensive field logistics designed so you can focus entirely on photography and natural history.

What is Included

  • 4 nights boutique accommodation at Varawal Leopard Camp
  • All gourmet meals, morning field tea/coffee, snacks and bottled spring water
  • 8 private safari drives in customized open 4x4 vehicles with experienced local drivers
  • Personal mentoring and tracking guidance by Pushpendra Singh Ranawat throughout
  • Forest entry permits, village conservation cesses and local tracker remuneration
  • High-magnification spotting scopes and telephoto stabilization beanbags provided

What is Not Included

  • Airfare or train travel to/from Jawai Bandh, Udaipur or Jodhpur
  • Personal camera equipment and lens hire
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal laundry expenses
  • Personal medical and travel insurance
  • Gratuities for camp staff and driver-trackers
WORDS FROM OUR GUESTS

Traveller Reviews

Reflections from naturalists, wildlife photographers and private guests who have travelled into the wild with Pushpendra.

★★★★★

“Pushpendra does not chase leopards; he reads the granite kopjes like an open manuscript. His relationship with the local Rabari pastoralists and his intimate knowledge of individual cats gave us encounters that were peaceful, dignified, and photographically extraordinary.”

Dr. Alistair Vance Edinburgh, UK
★★★★★

“Staying at Varawal Leopard Camp and exploring Jawai with Pushpendra was the highlight of our three months across Asia. You see firsthand how conservation is built on mutual respect between local communities and predators. We saw 6 different leopards across 4 days without any rush.”

Julian & Claire Beaumont Melbourne, Australia
PERSONAL EXPEDITION INQUIRY

Plan Your Jawai Leopard Expedition

Every expedition is hosted in small groups with personal attention to detail. Let Pushpendra know your preferred dates, group size, and specific wildlife or photographic goals.

Direct Phone: +91 89054 33581
Email Desk: pushpendra@wildlifewithpushpendra.com
Field Base: Jawai · Bera, Rajasthan

Your details are kept completely private and answered directly by Pushpendra within 24 hours.

✦ COME INTO THE FIELD

Tell me where you want to go, when you want to travel and what you hope to experience.

Whether it is your first wildlife journey, a dedicated photography expedition or a return to a landscape you already know, I personally plan the experience around the wildlife, the season and the people travelling with me.

▾