“Seize your opportunities like the leopard pounces on its prey, and hunts it down”

~Shivani Narang

This big cat symbolizes strength and power, with chivalric features like none other. Well, while being on a Leopard safari in Jawai, you’d certainly want it to go smoothly. Leopard safaris are arranged in a way such that you don’t have to stay in one particular area even if the leopard is not in a mood to show up. Unlike other wildlife sanctuaries in India and national parks in India, there aren’t any zones or areas that you’d be allotted to spot leopards or other wild animals. So, you don’t have to depend on a single leopard to spot when there is a huge population of them in Jawai. You can go around the villages and spot a wide range of them without any disappointment. 

The safaris cover various routes when it comes to spotting wildlife, exceptionally leopards. There are numerous spots in the distance range of 5km-25km from varawal. Every safari lasts for 3 hours and has slight difference in timings between summers and winters. During summers, the jawai leopard safaritimings are 5-8 AM/PM in the morning/evening respectively. However, during winters, the timings are 5:30AM-8:30AM & 4:30PM-7:30PM in morning & evening respectively. The timings can also be customized according to your requirement.

All the safaris of Varawal leopard Camp are performed under my supervision. I’ve appointed numerous trackers to track down every movement of the leopard. All these trackers patrol around the village appointed to them, every day and track them through their paw prints or their caves or any particular characteristic that they come across. I have, personally, spotted 64 leopards in Jawai till now. However, the trackers are a great deal when it comes to making your safari memorable.

Throughout the year (I.e., 365 days), the trackers patrol through the jungle and find various trends and characteristic of leopards. They note down every single detail (like, how many cubs they have? How long does each leopard sit out of the cave? Timings of their resting period? For how long do they disappear? With whom they mate and after how long?), that helps us understand the behavior of leopards in a better way. According to the reports and trends, leopards sit out of their caves to plan for their hunt at night. That is when their chances of spotting increases. Even when there aren’t any guests or the season isn’t peak, I prefer patrolling because it is the one thing that helps us in their conservation.

Another surprising element is that Jawai is a land under private ownership, not government! These leopards live on those lands in their caves. There are times when a farmer tends to close a cave to protect his farm from wild boar and porcupines. However, a tracker stops them from doing so because the cave might have cubs inside it or might be a leopard’s home. We don’t want even a single leopard to die.

A fact about this place is that leopards are not man-eaters here. Well, apologies to burst your myth, but humans are not a part of the food chain of leopards anywhere! It’s humans, who crush their homes to dust, and that is when they retaliate. Also, the leopards in Jawai live with harmony and peace with the humans around here. The Rabari community has been worshipping them for years now and do not disturb their lifestyle at all. Hence, there isn’t any need for Guards, like in other wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Last year, I observed many people throwing stones to threaten the wildlife around and race their gypsies behind them. However, I talked to all the safari ventures and made an association to have a follow up on ‘Wildlife Safari Guidelines’ for safari in the area. There are a few rules that we follow and would expect you to do the same:

• Whilst on a safari, nobody should step out of the gypsy unless approved by the host or the driver.
• No gypsy is allowed to race behind a leopard.
• Waste packets or papers should not be thrown on the ground.
• When in the territory of the leopard, phones should be on silent and are advised to keep your voices down.
• Night safaris are banned.
• Using spotlights is prohibited. 

The ventures of wildlife safari help people get paid for they do. It provides employment opportunities to them without having to put in extra effort. Tracking down the wildlife while living in Jawai is a chore that everyone takes care of. This is the lifestyle of humans here, with leopards being a major part of their lives. Also, this helps them stay connected to their culture and their foundational roots. This is moreover, everything on how leopard safari operates at Varawal Leopard Camp. Give us a chance to host you!

Visit www.varawalleopardcamp.com soon or book your stay at bookvarawal@gmail.com

You can even WhatsApp us on +91 7742133581

Post-lockdown, our lifestyle will change. Our traveling strategies will upgrade. And the destinations of our travel will gain a whole new perspective. Even after the lockdown, you’d want to play safe and avoid crowded places. Social distancing will still make to the top of the priority list. Discovering such an ideal destination is not an easy task. A Travel destination in Rajasthan were you can stay close to nature seems to be the best option. Visit wildlife sanctuaries, go camping in isolation away from the “shor of the city”, eat organic home-cooked food, and to get yourself back in the game, probably get a little adventurous. Such ideal destinations exist and are the most desirable destinations that you should choose post-lockdown. If you want to be a lone wolf, be one right now and make a bucket-list for yourself!

As the pandemic hit the world in the most unexpected way, thousands of travelers around the world were forced to delay their travel plans and lock themselves up in their homes for a period of 2-3 months (which they haven’t done in almost a decade). Travelers’ minds and souls must’ve gotten frustrated because of the restriction of the only thing they love to do. Remember that, COVID-19 is just an unwanted cataclysmic situation that seemed to occur in the most dreadful manner. Don’t let the fear auto-install itself. Let the positivity in. Pandemics never end well, but eventually, they end at some point. The pandemic is temporary, but your dream of traveling the world is permanent! 

One such destination is Jawai in Rajasthan. An outright-packaged one, where you have all at one place. In Jawai, you can find the perfect amalgam of nature and wildlife, camping, and adventurous safaris. One can enjoy their solitude for as long as they want or listen to unbelievable stories of the bond between the wildlife and community, narrated by the folks here. It is an experience that is raw and beautiful. The fact that there hasn’t been a single leopard attack here, is astonishing. Leopards and the ‘Rabari’  community lives in harmony and peace. The existence of leopards and other wildlife hasn’t affected the community in any harmful manner. Also, the community praises leopards in the face of God.  

Other than spotting leopards, you can also witness a huge flock of migratory birds here. Along with calling this place, the ‘Land of Leopards’, the Jawai dam is also called as ‘The Land of Flamingos’. The flamingos look as if they’re painting the water with their feet. Watching them just makes you feel as if the whole world around you, has faded and you still wouldn’t care about it. You’ll find yourself longing for this beautiful sight as soon as you leave it. No concert, no song will bring you the sigh of relief the way listening to these flamingos will! 

There is a huge amount of wildlife in Jawai. Along with leopards, you’ll also find striped hyenas, hedgehogs, jungle cats, Indian fox, crocodiles and many more. There is huge variety of birds too. Other than the wildlife, Jawai has physiography; which so authentic and exquisite that you’d boast about it to everyone after you click pictures that look surreal. Yes, it’s a paradise for photographers and artists! 

Well, Jawai is a developing tourist destination and every wildlife enthusiast would want to visit this place once in their lifetime. Though there are a number of hotels and camping ventures in the area, you should still be careful while choosing the one you’d want to stay at. You’d want to choose something that firstly, doesn’t compromise with any levels of hygiene and is not crowded. Choose the one with least number of tents. You don’t have to come in contact with much people then. Secondly, choose the one that promises to give you a primordial experience of nature and wildlife rather than make it like a nightmare for you. One such venture is Varawal Leopard Camp.

Varawal Leopard Camp provides you the most extraordinary experience when it comes to safaris, comfort, wildlife and food. Their safaris, along with being adventurous, are knowledgeable. Most of the times the host travels along, but at times when he doesn’t, the drivers will enlighten you with all the knowledge they’ve acquired about the leopards or the other wildlife. The host and the staff are warm and welcoming. They have exciting stories to share. When it comes to comfort, Varawal Leopard Camp has luxurious Swiss cottage tents with all the amenities included. Their food is organic, and most of the vegetables and spices are grown on their own farm that surrounds the camp. They’ve built a whole different eco-system altogether. Also, their packages are flexible and can be changed according to your requirement.  

As soon as COVID-19 ends, hit your nearest airport and fly all the way here. You’d be amazed to see what this place has to offer you. Most people even call it paradise. I found my inspiration here. I found an inevitable urge to run behind what I loved to do.  That is what the place does to you. It sets you on a different journey altogether. You’ll feel more liberated than you already are!  

Visit www.varawalleopardcamp.com soon or book your stay at bookvarawal@gmail.com  You can even WhatsApp them on +91 7742133581 

The part of you that’ll fall in love with the leopards will definitely bring you here. It is just buried deep down inside your soul and you just have to pull it up to have the most phenomenal vacation of your life! 

“Hospitality is simply an opportunity to show love and care”, and this is what I endorse to believe in.

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I’d traveled to Jawai with a group of friends and after the longest journey to reach this beautiful destination of Jawai, all my energy had drained completely. For years, I’ve lived in cities and had never thought of staying in villages. The thought of spending two complete days in a village in Rajasthan made me anxious. Although, I was impressed with the hospitality I’d received at Varawal Leopard Camp, as I heard that Varawal is the Best hotel to stay in Jawai.

A PINCH OF INFORMATION ON JAWAI

I’d learnt about Jawai from a friend and was curious to visit this place. For all those who don’t know, Jawai has a mystifying blend of the most natural elements that are present on this planet. It provides an unbelievably mesmerizing view of the Aravali ranges, the Jawai hills and the Jawai dam. Surf through the internet and you’ll know that Jawai hills were naturally formed millions of years ago when the lava broke down into rocks. Apart from any other hills or ranges, these rock formations are home to the leaps of leopards and many other wild animals. These rocks have caves inside them as huge as the size of any 2-3BHK apartments that we live in, or sometimes even larger than that. This whole area is known as ‘The Land of Leopards’, by all the ones who’ve visited or live here.

THE WELCOME

Once I’d reached the camp, I let out a sigh as we didn’t have to go through any kind of chaos of filling out the formalities or anything like other commercial hotels. Although, the lemonade was refreshing. We were promised a relaxed stay and that is exactly what we got. As soon as we reached the camp, I felt a different kind of breeze as if it was welcoming us in its arms and calming us down with all the essence it has built over the years. I let all the positivity it carried, sink in. We were greeted by the host, Mr. Pushpendra Singh. Turning around from the parking area and there was a beautiful farm. The farm had a unique view at each time of the day. It gave perfect views of the golden and blue hours.

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THE CAMP AREA

Varawal leopard camp starts with a drawing area, facing the farm on one side and a small reception area on the other. It’s an open area on all the four sides. Across the drawing room is the pathway which extends itself to the camp area that we would be staying in. On the right side of the pathway is the dining area followed by the Bonfire-area. The areas on the campsite were so lavishly arranged, like in movies of Bollywood representing the era of kings.  

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THE LAVISH ACCOMMODATION

Amenities include accommodation in luxurious Swiss Cottage Tents, each named after the name of a leopard in Jawai; a specialty of Varawal Leopard Camp. We stayed in the tent named as ‘Neelam’. Swiss Cottage Tents, specifically designed without compromising any levels of comfort. Every tent had a double-sized bed and an attached bathroom with all the necessities required. The tent also owns an area large enough to put a single-sized bed on the side. The camps were air-conditioned and had enough storage space for luggage. When they said luxurious, I didn’t expect luxury to be present in every aspect of my camp. The porch outside the camp had enough sitting area with antique furniture for a one to sit and spend their solitary time by either reading a book or listening to music. I was surprised when I found myself introspecting my own life by the magic of nature!

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THE ORGANIC FARM WITH HOME-MADE FOOD

When my friend first mentioned ‘camps’, I was worried that I might have to cook noodles or prepare ‘Chai’ for myself while my stay at the camp, but I was surprised by the delicacies Varawal laid out for us. On our stay at Varawal Leopard Camp, Jawai, we got a chance to taste the delicious home-made Rajasthani food, directly from the kitchen of the host’s mother. Staying in hostels, I’ve acquired a craving towards home-made food. All the required spices and vegetables too are grown on their own farm that surrounds the camp. Everything around there was natural and organic.

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THRILLING SAFARIS

Safaris are a specialty of Jawai and the knowledge of trackers and drivers who led us to spotting leopards made it a lot more interesting. Varawal Leopard Camp has a tremendous staff with excellent knowledge in this area. The drivers and trackers plan safari accordingly such that leopard spotting is guaranteed. Their knowledge of spotting a leopard at a particular time is commendable. Trackers trace the paw prints of various wild animals to spot their presence. They, themselves are working towards the conservation of leopards and other wildlife in Jawai, along with Mr. Pushpendra.

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THE NIGHT SHOW

In the evening, after the safaris ended, Mr. Pushpendra showed us clips of Leopards’ fighting with each other, or with the hyena sometimes, that he has himself recorded. He has videos of various other wild species that are found in Jawai. He is an enthusiast and has gained reputation as a conservationist in the area. I was personally amazed to hear the mind-blowing stories he shared with us. We enjoyed these stories and listened to the kind of experience that he has undergone during these years, over drinks and bonfire.

The radiant night sky with the dazzling stars added to the beauty of the enthralling camp.

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A GREAT EXPERIENCE!

All in all, I was delighted with the hospitality and the experience. I’d only say that, Varawal Leopard Camp, not only promises you a dream holiday but will also add a different meaning to your life. The stories and views that nature reveals here to you are a feast for both eyes and ears. This place holds the power of healing any heart and soul by mere forces of nature without binding the body to anything. If peace exists, it exists here!

People living at Varawal are definitely one of the luckiest, as this place is heaven!

Visit www.varawalleopardcamp.com soon or book your stay at bookvarawal@gmail.com

You can even WhatsApp them on +91 7742133581

It’s beautiful, and very much affordable. Plus, people at Varawal Leopard Camp are very professional and friendly.