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.
Jonathan Morris
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
It was absolutely amazingly fabulous. Wonderful, wonderful sightings of The Ghost. We were so very very fortunate and privileged to have been able to see, not once but each day this amazing cat. Words really cannot describe the trip. I have wanted to do it for so long and not only did it come about but I had spectacular views of the premier Cat. I cannot thank you enough for making a dream come true.
