I had never seen or heard about a bond between a wild animal and a human, but it's true. In a small village in Rajasthan, Jawai, one of the only wildlife sanctuaries in the world, a bond can be seen between leopards and the people of the village. The Jawai village people are highly passionate and dedicated to the cause of saving wildlife and ensuring the well-being of these wonderful creatures.

I went to Jawai in October 2023. Jawai is renowned for its leopard sanctuary. The region is one of the best places in India to spot leopards in their natural habitat. I stayed in a glamping tent with all the amenities of a hotel. This place is a completely dry area and home to the Bishnoi community, known for their environmental conservation efforts and deep-rooted love for nature and wildlife. I had booked two jeep safaris prior to my stay. The first was a sunrise jeep safari at 6:00 am. The safari in Jawai is completely different from a normal wildlife safari. Instead of going through a jungle or simple route, you actually climb hills in an open jeep, speeding through the whole dry area. We first viewed the amazing sunrise and then started the safari. There are different sectors, like in other places such as Ranthambore and Jim Corbett. My guide and driver was an amazing person who drove safely and adventurously and also provided a lot of information about the place. He took me to the Sena area where we spotted a mother leopard with two cubs playing around. I took some pictures and waited for a while to watch them. Later, we went to a big hill to view the village and sipped some tea while overlooking the spectacular scene. The safari lasted a complete three hours, and I was back at my stay by 9:00 am for breakfast, rest, and waiting for my next evening safari.

By 4:30 pm, my jeep was ready with my guide to explore the Bera area. The safari felt like a thrilling roller coaster ride. First, we visited the beautiful Jawai Dam, a picturesque location. The Jawai River is home to many crocodiles, which usually come out in January and February. We sipped a cup of coffee overlooking the dam and river, then proceeded to spot the leopards. We saw a female leopard resting. There are about 50-60 leopards in Jawai. My guide explained why the animals do not hunt humans: humans do not trespass into the leopards' habitat, allowing the leopards to live as they wish. That's the main reason leopards don't interfere with human lifestyles. It was an amazing safari. We even saw the sunset and concluded the day by taking some good pictures.

Visiting Jawai was an unforgettable experience that showcased the unique and harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife. The dedication of the Jawai villagers to wildlife conservation and the thrilling safaris made this trip truly special. I have visited many safaris before, but the Jawai safari is completely unique, adventurous, and thrilling. It guarantees you will spot wildlife in their natural habitat. If you're looking for an extraordinary adventure that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural immersion, Jawai is the perfect destination.