Northern India
Dera Rawatsar
A peaceful heritage haveli tucked away in central Jaipur, Dera Rawatsar offers a warm, characterful stay shaped by traditional Rajput hospitality. Owned by descendants of the Rawatsar royal family, the property features hand‑painted frescoes, antique furnishings, and a leafy courtyard with a small pool – an inviting place to pause after exploring the Pink City’s palaces and lively bazaars. Rooms are comfortable and well‑appointed, blending old‑world charm with modern convenience.
Just a short drive away lies Jhalana Leopard Reserve, India’s first dedicated leopard sanctuary and one of the country’s most reliable places to observe these cats in a semi‑urban landscape. The reserve supports a healthy leopard population alongside striped hyenas, desert foxes, civets, and a range of birdlife. Morning and evening jeep safaris offer strong chances of sightings, making Dera Rawatsar an excellent base for travellers looking to pair Jaipur’s cultural heritage with time in the field.
Facilities
Restaurant, dining room, courtyard, small outdoor swimming pool, lounge areas, free Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour front desk, laundry service.
Local Wildlife
In Jhalana Leopard Reserve, the most sought‑after wildlife is, unsurprisingly, the leopard. When the last tigers were hunted out in the mid‑20th century, leopards rose to become the apex predator. Once hunting ceased entirely, their numbers rebounded dramatically, and the reserve now supports one of the world’s densest leopard populations.
Optional Activities
Visits to the City Palace, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, bazaars of the Pink City, guided heritage walks, Jhalana Leopard Reserve safaris, birdwatching in and around Jaipur, local craft and textile workshops, and food tours.
James Gilpin
Area Specialist
Plan at least one early‑morning Jhalana safari – the first drive of the day often offers the calmest conditions, fewer vehicles, and the best chance of catching leopards moving before they settle into cover.
If you have any questions regarding our India tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Naturalist guides were brilliant. We seem to have been given the best one in each place. Had same one for whole of stay in each place. Cultural guides gave just enough information and then left you to ask questions about what interested you which is what we like. They did not seem to have a set patter. Helpful about photographic sites – i.e. good position to take photos.
[OVERALL STANDARD OF SERVICE] Excellent isn’t good enough. In every place we were treated like royalty. Totally relaxed and felt totally safe but not smothered.
[WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] 11 tigers, innumerable rhino, wild elephants, buffalo, otters, hog and swamp deer, and wild boar. Birds at Keoladeo excellent. Watched leopard and three cubs at Siana for 1.5 hrs of exceptional viewing.
An outstanding holiday which far exceeded our expectations. Many people would enjoy it I’m sure.
