Last updated: 17 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
A Jhalana leopard safari is one of the most unusual things to do in Jaipur. The reserve sits right inside the city, and its Aravalli hills are home to a healthy population of wild leopards.
Safaris run in open jeeps in two shifts a day, morning and evening, each lasting about two and a half hours. Here is how the zones, timings and booking work, and how to give yourself the best chance of a sighting.
Jhalana Leopard Safari at a Glance
- Location: south-east Jaipur, near Malviya Nagar, about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre.
- Area: Jhalana covers about 20 sq km, and together with nearby Amagarh about 36 sq km.
- Leopards: recent counts put the population at around 40, up from under 30 a few years earlier.
- Safari: open gypsy jeeps, up to 6 guests each, with a driver and a forest guide.
- Shifts: morning and evening, about 2.5 hours each.
- Managed by: the Rajasthan Forest Department.
How the Zones Work
Jhalana has two safari zones, Zone 1 and Zone 2. The Forest Department allocates the zone, so you usually cannot choose it.
Both zones have rocky hills, dry scrub forest and waterholes where animals come to drink. Leopards are seen in both, so do not worry too much about which one you get.
Safari Timings by Season
Exact times change through the year with sunrise and sunset, and your permit shows the reporting time. As a rough guide:
- Winter (around November to January): morning shift roughly 7:00 to 9:30 AM, evening shift roughly 3:15 to 5:45 PM.
- Summer (around April to May): morning shift roughly 5:45 to 8:15 AM, evening shift roughly 4:15 to 6:45 PM.
- Monsoon (around July to September): safaris may stop or change depending on conditions, so always check before you plan.
Reach the gate 20 to 30 minutes before your reporting time.
Morning or Evening Safari?
Morning: cooler air, soft light and active animals after the night. In summer it is the most comfortable choice by far.
Evening: warm golden light for photos as the sun sinks behind the hills. Leopards often start moving as the day cools.
If you can, book both. Two drives in different light and zones give you a much better chance of seeing a leopard.
What You Can See
- Big cats: leopards, the reason most people come.
- Other mammals: nilgai, spotted deer, sambar, jackals, foxes, jungle cats, striped hyenas and civets.
- Birds: a rich mix of local birds, including owls, rollers and birds of prey.
Sightings are never guaranteed in the wild. Patience, a good guide and a quiet jeep make the biggest difference.
How to Book a Jhalana Safari
Safari permits are issued by the Rajasthan Forest Department through its official online booking system. You can also book through an authorised operator.
Be careful with lookalike websites that use "official" in their name but are run privately. Check that you are paying on a government portal or a known, authorised operator.
- Book early for weekends and the October to March season.
- Carry the same photo ID you used for booking.
- Ask whether your seat is in a shared jeep or a private one.
Tips for a Better Safari
- Wear earthy colours, not bright white or neon.
- Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and water.
- Keep voices low and stay seated in the jeep.
- Carry a light jacket for winter mornings in an open jeep.
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Best Season for Jhalana
October to March is the most comfortable season, with pleasant weather for both shifts. In April to June, mornings are the better choice, and animals often gather near waterholes in the heat.
See our guide to the best time to visit Jaipur to plan your whole trip around the season.
Add Elephants to Your Wildlife Day
Many wildlife lovers pair a Jhalana safari with a few hours at our elephant sanctuary. The sanctuary is 10 to 15 km from Jaipur city centre and open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Feeding, painting, walking and safari are included, with bathing from March to October, for ₹2,500 to ₹5,500 per person. See our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page, or our Golden Triangle itinerary to fit it all into your trip.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Book early, stay quiet and keep your eyes on the rocks. And after the big cats, come and meet our gentle giants!
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur