Rajasthan: Maila Bagh In Nahargarh To Become Jaipur's Third Leopard Reserve

With more than 70 leopards in the surrounding forests, Jaipur already boasts two popular wildlife destinations—Jhalana and Amagarh Leopard Reserves—which have become major tourist attractions. Now, Maila Bagh in the Nahargarh region is set to be developed as the city's third leopard reserve. All three reserves are well-connected, forming a natural corridor that allows leopards to move freely between them.

Raghuvendra Singh Rathore, Regional Forest Officer of Nahargarh, said the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary spans an area of 5,240 hectares. Jungle safari tracks have been developed over approximately 30% of this area, covering about 19 kilometers. A boundary wall has been built around the reserve, and 12 waterholes have been created to support wildlife. He added that around 21 leopards inhabit the Nahargarh forest area, with 10–11 of them frequently spotted near the safari tracks.

This upcoming safari will feature a unique attraction—sand dunes. Visitors will not only experience a jungle safari but also get a taste of a desert safari, thanks to the dunes developed in some parts of the area. The safari route also includes the historical site 'Maila Bagh Shikar Odi', a hunting lodge where visitors can rest and enjoy panoramic views of the landscape.

In addition to leopards, the new reserve is home to various wildlife species such as Sambhar, Nilgai, Hyena, Jackal, Sehi (porcupine), and Wild Boar. Nahargarh Sanctuary is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded.

Among the existing reserves, Jhalana was the first to open and has gained fame as one of the most popular leopard reserves in the country. It is home to around 40 leopards and covers an area of about 700 hectares near the Malviya Nagar Industrial Area. Inspired by Jhalana, the Amagarh Leopard Reserve was developed over 1,524 hectares and hosts around 20 leopards. Together, both reserves attracted over 63,000 wildlife enthusiasts in 2024 alone.