Best places to spot leopards in India

It’s true that India is blessed with tigers, lions and a number of big cats, and we say this even with their numbers reaching highs and lows. But we are not here for the lions and tigers, we are here for the other big cat, the one that has captured the interest of wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike for as long as one can remember. The elusive Indian leopard is every wildlife photographer’s delight.

Also read: What’s inside India’s smallest tiger reserve?

Leopards are primarily found in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country. Here are some of the best places to spot them.

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its thriving leopard population. The sanctuary offers a picturesque landscape with dense forests, hills, and a river. Safaris in open jeeps or boats are conducted here, providing excellent opportunities for leopard sightings.

Jawai Leopard Reserve, located in Pali district, is a unique place to observe leopards. It is known for its rocky hills, where leopards often rest and can be easily spotted. The reserve offers a range of wildlife safaris and nature walks that allow visitors to observe leopards in their natural habitat.

Jhalana Leopard Reserve is a unique conservation area located in Jaipur. It is one of the best places in India to observe leopards in their natural habitat. Jhalana Leopard Reserve is home to a significant population of leopards. The reserve's enclosed area of around 23 square kilometres provides a suitable habitat for these elusive cats, offering ample prey and sufficient cover for them to thrive.

Nagarhole National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Jeep safaris and boat rides are organised in the park, allowing visitors to spot leopards along with other wildlife species.

Though Satpura is a national park and a Tiger Reserve, spotting a tiger here may not happen for you. Leopards, however, are thriving in the forests of Satpura. The national park offers a unique experience with walking safaris, canoeing trips, and jeep safaris that take you deep into the heart of the park, increasing your chances of leopard sightings.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, located in Maharashtra, is one of the largest and oldest tiger reserves in India. Apart from tigers, the reserve is also home to a substantial leopard population. The rugged terrain and dense forests of Tadoba provide an excellent habitat for leopards.

Though the national park is primarily known for its population of tigers, it is also home to the leopard. The leopards of Ranthambore are well adapted to the forested and rocky terrain of the region. Although leopards are less commonly sighted compared to tigers, they have a stable population within the park.

Bandipur National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Did you know that the park was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore? It was later converted into a wildlife sanctuary in 1974. Bandipur National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), and more.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the very few national parks in the world that is located completely within the city’s limits. This green oasis is a natural habitat for leopards. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is known for its thriving population of leopards.