India's Leopard Trail: Top 5 Destinations for Guaranteed Sightings of the Elusive Big Cat

India's remarkable biodiversity positions it as a top global destination for observing wild leopards. These adaptable and elusive big cats thrive in various environments. Several national parks and reserves offer excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to spot leopards in their natural habitat.

Here are five locations in India where you can reliably spot these majestic creatures:

1. Bera, Rajasthan

Bera provides an unconventional wildlife experience, differing from typical national parks. Here, leopards roam freely in the rugged terrain near Jawai. While often overlooked in favor of better-known parks, Bera boasts exceptional chances of spotting leopards.

Best time to visit: October to March

2. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Situated along the Kabini River, the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary presents another prime location for observing leopards in the wild. Forming part of the larger Nagarhole National Park, this sanctuary supports a robust leopard population. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the elusive black panther, a melanistic variation of the leopard.

Best time to visit: November to May

3. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra

Sanjay Gandhi National Park stands out as one of the few national parks globally located within a major city. Although daytime sightings can be infrequent, night cameras frequently capture stunning images of leopards. The park also serves as a key research hub for studying human-leopard interactions.

Best time to visit: November to March

4. Jawai Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan

The Jawai Leopard Reserve, situated in Rajasthan's Pali district, is arguably among India's finest locations for observing these magnificent animals. The area's unique charm is defined by its granite hills. Over time, leopards have established their homes here, residing in natural caves and coexisting harmoniously with the local Rabari community, where they are regarded as family.

Best time to visit: October to April

5. Jhalana Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan

Jhalana Leopard Reserve in Jaipur has emerged as a leading destination in India for witnessing leopards in their natural environment. More accessible than other reserves in Rajasthan, Jhalana attracts wildlife enthusiasts globally, despite its urban surroundings. Spotting a leopard here is particularly rewarding for photographers.

Best time to visit: October to June