- Introduction
- 1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
- 2. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
- 3. Bera, Rajasthan
- 4. Jhalana Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan
- 5. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh / Maharashtra
- 6. Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
- 7. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
- Conclusion: Where Will You Spot Your First or Next Leopard?
Introduction
Leopards are among the most adaptable big cats on the planet, equally at ease in dense forests, rocky outcrops, and even near human settlements. While they may be stealthy and elusive, India is blessed with several incredible destinations where your chances of spotting this majestic feline are surprisingly high. From the dry scrublands of Rajasthan to the lush forests of the Western Ghats, here are the top 7 leopard destinations in India!
1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Tucked in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur is a biodiversity hotspot and one of South India’s premier tiger reserves—but it is also a fantastic place to spot the elusive Indian leopard in its natural forest habitat.
How to reach Bandipur?
Nearest Railhead: Mysuru (75 km)
Nearest Airport: Mysuru (75 km), Bengaluru (220 km)
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from Mysuru, 5–6 hours from Bengaluru
What makes Bandipur unique?
Bandipur’s mix of deciduous forests and open grasslands makes leopard sightings more frequent. Leopards are often spotted on tree limbs or rocky outcrops, especially around dawn and dusk.
2. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
Kabini, part of Nagarhole National Park, is one of the most consistent places in India for leopard sightings, particularly due to its rich prey base and open visibility along the Kabini backwaters. A black panther fondly known as Saaya has thrilled many lucky visitors over the years.
How to reach Kabini?
Nearest Railhead: Mysuru (70 km)
Nearest Airport: Mysuru (70 km), Bengaluru (220 km)
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from Mysuru, 5–6 hours from Bengaluru
What makes Kabini unique?
Kabini is renowned for daytime leopard sightings and also holds the rare distinction of being one of the few places where black panthers (melanistic leopards) have been repeatedly photographed in the wild.
3. Bera, Rajasthan
Bera, near Jawai Dam in Rajasthan, is arguably the best place in India to observe leopards in a human-inhabited landscape. Here, leopards live in harmony with local communities among granite hills.
How to reach Bera?
Nearest Railhead: Falna (40 km)
Nearest Airport: Udaipur (140 km), Jodhpur (170 km)
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Udaipur
What makes Bera unique?
Famous for its high leopard density, these beautiful cats are regularly sighted basking on rocks in broad daylight here. The coexistence model with local Rabari herders adds a cultural conservation angle to the experience.
4. Jhalana Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan
Located right in the heart of Jaipur, Jhalana is India’s first dedicated leopard reserve and one of the easiest places to spot a leopard with minimal travel.
How to reach Jhalana?
Nearest Railhead: Jaipur (10 km)
Nearest Airport: Jaipur (15 km)
Drive Time: 20–30 minutes from anywhere in Jaipur city
What makes Jhalana unique?
With over 30 leopards in just 20 square kilometers, Jhalana offers high chances of sightings, even in short 2–3 hour safaris. It is ideal for wildlife lovers with limited time and one of the most easily accessible wildlife sanctuaries!
5. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh / Maharashtra
Pench, straddling two states, is a lush forest immortalised by Kipling’s The Jungle Book. While famous for tigers, its undulating terrain and mixed forest make it leopard-friendly too. Winter is a great time to catch them basking on rocky outcrops!
How to reach Pench?
Nearest Railhead: Seoni (30–50 km), Nagpur (110 km)
Nearest Airport: Nagpur (115 km)
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Nagpur
What makes Pench unique?
In Pench, leopards are frequently sighted in the buffer zones as well as the Turia zone, which boasts a robust leopard population. The striking contrast between dense teak forests and open meadows creates a beautiful and photogenic landscape.
6. Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Unlike most Indian parks, Satpura offers walking safaris, boat, and jeep safaris—making leopard tracking a more immersive, offbeat experience.
How to reach Satpura?
Nearest Railheads: Sohagpur (20 km), Pipariya (50 km), Itarsi (65 km)
Nearest Airport: Bhopal (140 km)
Drive Time: ~3 hours from Bhopal
What makes Satpura unique?
Leopards are the apex predator in certain zones of Satpura, leading to a better chance of seeing them during both day and night safaris. The rugged terrain gives it a true wilderness feel. Often overlooked by travellers, this park stays under the radar—quietly thriving in the shadow of more famous neighbours like Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
7. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Spread across the Shivalik foothills, Rajaji is one of the most underrated leopard strongholds in North India and offers a quiet, uncrowded alternative to other big parks.
How to reach Rajaji?
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar (10–15 km)
Nearest Airport: Dehradun (35 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour from Dehradun
What makes Rajaji unique?
The park’s steep ridges, sal forests, and dry riverbeds are perfect leopard country. It is also one of the few places where leopards are seen near forest edges bordering cities.
Conclusion: Where Will You Spot Your First or Next Leopard?
From the arid hills of Rajasthan to the misty valleys of the Western Ghats, India offers an exciting variety of landscapes where leopards thrive. Whether you want a luxurious wildlife experience or a rugged back-to-nature escape, there is a leopard haven for every kind of traveller. So pack your binoculars, ready your camera, and keep your eyes peeled—because the next set of golden eyes staring back at you from the bush might just belong to the most elusive big cat of them all.