Here is a list of the two most popular jungle safaris in Jaipur.
1. Jhalana Leopard Safari Park
This national park is one of the most popular wildlife safaris in Jaipur, home to more than 30 leopards. Besides leopards, you can also spot other animals like spotted deer, blue bulls, wild boars, hyenas, jackals, and over 500 animal species. In addition, if you visit here during the migratory period, you will be a witness to countless migratory birds.
- Area Covered: 23 square kilometres
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
- Operational Hours: Winter safari timing- 6:45 am to 9:30 am, 3:00 pm to 5:50 pm; Summer safari timing- 5:45 am to 8:50 am, 3:45 pm to 6:15 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 5.2km via NH21/NH248
- Entry Fee:
- Indian visitors - ₹706 per person
- Foreign visitors - ₹1731 per person
- How to reach: Fly to the Jaipur International Airport and take buses or cabs from there.
2. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar, Rajasthan. This is also among the well-known tiger reserves in India. You can find several wild animals in this arid forest. This includes tigers, leopards, jackals, deer, nilgai, small Indian civet, northern plains grey langur, striped hyena, and many more. Currently, there are around 24 tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve. In addition, you have many options to choose from for a safari in Sariska.
- Area Covered: 800 square kilometres
- Best Time to Visit: October to Feb
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
- Operational Hours: Winter safari timing- 6:30 am to 10:30 am, 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm; Summer safari timing- 6:00 am to 9:30 am, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 110km via NH21
- Entry Fee:
- Indian visitors - ₹706 (Canter Amount), ₹1062 (Gypsy Amount)
- Foreign visitors - ₹1366 per person (Canter Amount), ₹1722 (Gypsy Amount)
- How to Reach: Both private and government buses are available from the airport or railway station. Cabs and taxis are also easily available.
3. Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambore National Park is northern India’s biggest and most renowned national park. Formerly, it served as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rajasthan. Today, it is famous all over the country for housing several tigers along with other animals and exotic species. The area of the national park is surrounded by the Ranthambhore Palace, both of these combined make the area a very popular tourist destination.
- Area Covered: 1334 square kilometres
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Time to Spend: 2 days
- Operational Hours: Morning Jungle Safari - 7 am to 10:30 am, Evening Jungle Safari - 2:30 pm to 6 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 160 km from Jaipur International Airport
- Entry Fee:
- For Indians - ₹750
- For Foreigners - ₹1815
- How to reach: Cabs and taxis are easily available outside airports and railway stations to reach the national park.
4. Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the world’s largest feeding grounds for birds. The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary also served as a hunting and game reserve during the time of the Maharajas. Now, it nestles some of the most rare and exotic species of bird and is a paradise for those who enjoy bird watching.
- Area Covered: 28.73 square kilometres
- Best Time to Visit: August to November
- Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 5 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 56 km from Agra Airport
- Entry Fee:
- Indian visitors - ₹75
- Foreign visitors - ₹500
- How to reach: By air, people can travel to the nearest airport and then take a cab or taxi to reach the destination. By train, the Bharatpur Junction is the closest to this sanctuary at a distance of 5 km which can be covered by any national transport.
5. Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in an area surrounded by hills and rivers making it a very scenic destination for tourists. This wildlife sanctuary hosts several species of animals and birds and is also home to various varieties of trees. Several activities are offered to tourists in this wildlife destination.
- Area Covered: 674 square kilometres
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Average Time to Spend: NA
- Operational Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 64.5 km from Agra Airport
- Entry Fee: ₹5000 for 4 people including a guide and a Jeep
- How to reach: Cabs and taxis are available from outside the nearest airport to the destination. People travelling by train must get down at the Gangapur station which is the closest to it. Public transport is easily available from outside the railway station.
Apart from these two wildlife safaris, there are other options to explore in Rajasthan. However, if you are settled around Aravalli or in the main city, these wildlife safari tours in Jaipur are ideal for you. You must also remember to check the timings and operating hours and these are subject to change as per season.