Jhalana national park

Intro

When the dense canopy is intertwined with a generous mix of wilderness with rutted topography, arid climate, cerulean skies, serene lakes along with a dollop of history and a diverse species of wildlife it paints the picture of the ideal holiday.

Be spellbound when you witness the spotted cat amble through the tall grass mesmerized as the rustic holiday that you have only imagined unfolds in front of you

Where

Jhalana national park also known as Nahargarh Biological Park. It is bounded by Aravalli ranges and its surrounded by lush green forests. It covers a total area of 7.2 square kilometres. The topography of the forest is covered with quartz and sandstone rocks. It is also home to a varied species of animals like leopards,hyenas, reptiles and crocodiles. Avid birders are in for. A treat for there is numerous native and migratory birds that have made the reserve their home. Explore the rutted terrain with jeeps or horse ride.

What to do

Jhalana Jeep safari: Connect with nature as you experience the wildlife of Rajasthan. In a signature royal style

Watch out for the spotted elusive cats as they roam the Jhalana forest reserve fearlessly. Apart from housing leopards, this reserve is also famous for foxes, hyenas, desert fox. Avid birdwatcher can look out for spotted owlet, Indian pitta from the safe haven of your jeep.

The park is a protected area, hence it is open only from sunrise to sunset. Only prescribed vehicles are allowed to enter and leave the premises. the vehicles have to be accompanied by forest guide and park admin personnel.

Don’t forget to carry water bottles, snacks while on the safari. Take care not to litter. Also, ensure that you do not provoke or irritate the animals. Carry your binoculars to spot animals at a distance. Carry a camera to snap away pictures of wild animals in their natural habitat. Make sure to also carry enough sunscreen, insect repellants to protect yourself in the forest. The Safari is usually the most sought after activity. Owing to the small area of the park only ten jeeps are allowed in two shifts morning and evening. Each jeep can accommodate only upto six people. Make sure to book online in advance to avoid any hassle or jeeps being unavailable in the last minute.

Kali Mata temple: Add a spiritual streak to your holiday by visiting the three-hundred-year-old temple in the reserve. If legends are to be believed, the temple is erected in honour of Devi Durga who is said to have appeared from a pipal tree. Soak in the mysticism on an idyllic afternoon watching out for the lurking spotted cat which may occasionally spring out of nowhere.

Flora, fauna and photography: Jhalana reserve is a haven for photography enthusiasts. This is the only leopard safari in the country. The leopard is coy like the tiger, often elusive. But it feels at home in the reserve and it is often spotted skulking amidst the tall reeds or the deciduous canopy of the furrowed terrain. Enjoy a stroll amidst the proud peacocks which strut around the reserve displaying their emerald blue plumage. Keep your eyes peeled for the monitor lizards which are easily camouflaged by the rocky topography. If you are lucky you could also spot chital, nilgai and many snake species. It is, however, the over 100-odd species of birds, including raptors like shikras and white-eyed buzzards, that are its other attraction.

Jaipur Modern: Another must visit location while at Jhalana is the Jaipur modern store which boasts of international flavours. There is also a fashion store attached to this bistro. This organizations support craftsman from humble backgrounds and promotes their art while valuing their craftsmanship. Shop for printed scarves, pillow covers and other artefacts which are unique to this store. the store basks in creative artefacts and colours making it a treat to watch. The walls are made of stone and brick, a contrasting offset amidst glimmering dull lights. There is also a café attached to this store. An interesting fact is that this café is constructed from 400 wooden bricks each intricately embroidered to stand testimony to the craftsmanship. The café supports local homegrown produce as well as international cuisines. Treat yourself to healthy Quinoa menu which is unique for this is in association with the Organic farmers Company. This also emphasizes the importance of eating healthy. Apart from this, there is an assortment of choices from pizzas to burgers and salads.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options in Jhalana and in and around Jaipur. Be sure to check out ITC Rajputana hotel at palace road. It is one of Jaipur’s finest hotels and located at a convenient 15minute drive from the park. The entire hotel reeks of royal splendor that the city exudes. It is designed based on the architecture of ancient havelis. The restaurant at this hotel is definitely worth raving about for it boasts not only of an extravagant global platter but also of a cuisine that is heavily derived from the regal lineage and local taste. In addition to this, let your soul escape in the aesthetically designed suites, the swimming pool and the spa to detox from the mundane everyday life.

Another an option worth checking out is the Narain Niwas Palace. This place is sure to make you feel like a royal with its walls whispering regal opulence. The ceilings are high with diamond-like chandeliers dangling by the intricate carvings. There are also peacocks swaggering around the well-manicured lawns and fountains of this hotel. Tickle your taste buds with an elaborate cuisine ranging from international recipes to the local menu. Walk around the courtyard at dusk to see the hotel shimmering in the evening lights.

How to reach

Air: The the closest airport is Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected by air to all major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. On reaching the airport, hire a local cab or bus to reach into the city

By Train: Thanks to the extensive Indian Railways network, Jaipur is connected to all almost cities and towns like Agra, Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore, Delhi, Kanpur to name a few

By road: Jaipur is also well connected by road thanks to the TTC (Rajasthan state board transport) from Delhi, Kota, etc. Both AC and Non-AC buses ply along this route. Also, for road trip junkies, the road trip from Delhi to Jaipur is worth a try as you pass through tiny hamlets and the landscape change.