India Leopard Hotspots: Top 5 Destinations for Guaranteed Sightings

India's rich biodiversity makes it a prime location for observing wild leopards. These adaptable creatures thrive in various environments. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers have several national parks and sanctuaries to choose from for optimal viewing opportunities.

Here's a guide to five locations in India where spotting a leopard is almost guaranteed:

Bera, Rajasthan

For an unconventional wildlife experience, Bera stands out. Unlike typical national parks, leopards here roam freely. Often overshadowed by nearby, more famous parks, Bera offers similar terrain to Jawai, ensuring high chances of leopard sightings.

Best time to visit: October to March

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Located along the Kabini River, this sanctuary is another prime location for spotting leopards in their natural habitat. As part of the larger Nagarhole National Park, Kabini boasts a healthy leopard population. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of the elusive black panther, a melanistic variation of the leopard.

Best time to visit: November to May

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra

One of the few national parks located within a major city, Sanjay Gandhi National Park offers a unique setting. While daytime sightings may be less frequent, night cameras have captured numerous leopard sightings. The park also serves as an important research center for understanding human-leopard interactions.

Best time to visit: November to March

Jawai Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan

The Jawai Leopard Reserve is arguably one of the best places in India to observe these magnificent animals. Situated in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Jawai is a haven for leopard enthusiasts. Its granite hills create an ethereal landscape where leopards have established their homes, often coexisting peacefully with the local Rabari community, who treat them as family.

Best time to visit: October to April

Jhalana Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan

Located in Jaipur, the Jhalana Leopard Reserve has become a key destination for witnessing leopards in their natural environment. More accessible than other reserves in Rajasthan, Jhalana attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe, despite its proximity to urban areas. Spotting a leopard here is a delight for photographers.

Best time to visit: October to June