Day2: JAWAI - Jawai : The land of harmony
Rajasthan with the presence of Ranthambhore and Sariska is popular among wildlife enthusiasts for a long time now. A new and less explored region quietly was thriving and flourishing in its leopard population all this while and has recently gained popularity on the wildlife map - Jawai, where man and animal live in perfect harmony! About Jawai -Jawai Bandh (dam) was made by Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji of Jodhpur over a span of 11 years at a cost of INR 2.7 Crores. Built on the Jawai River, a tributary of Luni River, Jawai Bandh is the largest dam in western Rajasthan and supplies water to Jodhpur and nearby area. The region is conveniently located to be accessed from Jodhpur (150 km), Udaipur (150 km) and Mount Abu (110 km) and can be easily woven into any itinerary. What to expect when in Jawai -Leopards of course! But besides these graceful feline beauties, the wildlife enthusiasts can revel on the sightings of crocodiles, sloth bears, antelopes, Indian wolves, hyenas, white fox, nilgai and a plethora of migratory birds. Meet the local, friendly and hospitable community of Rabaris who are herders and keepers of cattle, camels and other domestic animals. The men are out during the days herding their stock while the women engage in some embroidery and handicrafts to earn an extra buck. The Rabaris are protectors of the leopards as they believe them to be the guards of their local deity. Men’s attire includes a large red turban and white kurtapyjamas/dhoti while the women wear their traditional dress with bangles that cover their entire arms, and silver anklets. The migratory birds that flock the Jawai region include the lesser flamingos, spot-billed pelicans, glossy ibis, common sandpipers, bar-headed geese, brahminy ducks, painted storks, little cormorants, Indian river terns, little and intermediate egrets, white-breasted kingfishers, black winged stilts, stone chats, pied bushchats, paddy field pipits and red wattled lapwings. The Jawai region also presents breathtaking views of the horizon, the landscape, the magnificent dam and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Entirely a photographer’s delight! The Safari The leopard safaris, though these should be named as the explore-Jawai safari more aptly, start at 05:30 am everyday as the elusive cats are most likely to be spotted during those hours. The safari takes you up and around the granite rock formations that are home to the leopards and the other animals and birds. While looking for the leopards, one encounters the other wild life, experiences the ride over the round granite rock formations, meets the Rabaris and gets enthralled by the magnificent panoramic views of nature’s beauty spread all around. The safaris are conducted on customized jeeps (4X4 open jeeps with extra seats added) with an accompanying naturalist/guide who is a local and knows the land and animals well. The evening safari starts at around 05:30 pm and finishes by 07:30 pm before it gets dark. Evening excursion to Jawai Dam and Hill ride and excursion for Leopard safari. Overnight stay at your Hotel
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