Jawai

Rooms

Each of the 10 tents is set on dark grey slate looking out to the kopjes that rise dramatically above the bush. Most have a simple double bed and ensuite bathroom set-up, but the Royal Tented Suite (consisting of 2 tents connected by a canopy) is best suited to groups or families.

All-white canvas inners are topped with fly sheets and waterproof liners, ensuring you'll stay relatively cool in summer and, in the unlikely event of rain, bone dry. You also have the luxury of heating and air-con units (hidden behind white canvas). The same angular chrome, canvas and leather furniture that’s been used to such eye-catching effect in the dining tent has been used for the beds, the bedside tables, the desk and the campaign-style chairs, which you’ll find out on the deck.

In the coir-matted sleeping section, your kingsize double bed is backed by an enormous black-and-white photo of the same leopards you may just have seen on your game drive. The colour scheme is carried over in a triple bank of black cushions that are lined up atop a white cotton bedspread, whilst American designer Michael Aram’s whimsical bedside lamps up the 'glamp' quotient. Metal trunks are home to safety and cool boxes; torches and a bird guide speak more of the bush.

The tents’ shower rooms were no afterthought. You’ll find vanity units and a high rain shower in chrome and teak, twin basins and mirrors, bathrobes and slippers, stacks of white towels, and Michael Aram’s hammered-metal soap dishes and mugs. There are chunky bars of soap as well as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, along with a tube of mozzie repellant.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• In-room treatments available
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Mealtimes follow the rhythm of the game drives and Jawai is already making waves for its haute bush cuisine. After awaking to drinks delivered to your tent, and a snack during the morning drive, you’ll probably be feeling pretty peckish on your return to camp. Expect excellent coffee and an extensive selection of teas, a fresh fruit salad (maybe pineapple, papaya and mango), as well as juice, cereals, cheeses, cold cuts and the cooked breakfast of your choice.

Buffet-style lunches are served in the main dining tent and feature a big choice of salads with fish or white meat, subtly spiced sauces or, if you prefer, an omelette. There are also light desserts and bowls laden with fruit. If you’d prefer, opt for something lighter like a club sandwich and a fresh lime soda delivered to your tent: my triple-decker was simply scrumptious.

Dinners are the main culinary event and normally begin shortly after the evening game drive. Eating in the dining tent has a formal feel (join your fellow guests or dine à deux), though every second evening, weather permitting, you eat around a boma fire in a candlelit corner of the reserve. Whilst you’re sipping your aperitif and discussing the day’s sightings, delicious amuse-bouches are brought round: tiny pakoras with tamarind sauce or maybe skewered mutton tikka with a mint dip. The sailana chicken main course on our first night and the jungli mas the following evening were both superb and accompanied by delicately flavoured daals, vegetables and rice. If you’re celebrating a special event, you can even arrange to have a private dinner beneath the stars, way out in the bush.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Communal dining
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Be amongst the first travellers to track leopards at Jawai, and become part of a ground-breaking conservation initiative whose long-term aim is to ensure that these majestic big cats stay around for future generations
  
• Walk out through the bush with a Rabari tribesman and get an insight into how the local communities farm their land and tend their crops
  
• Be amazed at the birdlife at the margins of the Jawai dam where, along with storks, herons, flamingos and eagles, you’re also bound to see crocodiles
  
• Visit the local temples, where you’ll be greeted by inquisitive langur monkeys and screaming peacocks; ‘temple leopard’ might even put in an appearance
  
• Treat yourself to a hot-oil massage or a herbal rub at the Suján Spa or in your tent; the therapists use indigenous herbs and oils for skincare and other beauty products
  
• Grab a book from Jawai’s library then chill out beside the beautiful drop-edge pool, or request an alfresco cooking lesson
  
• Head further afield with Jawai’s driver and car to visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur and the mighty wall and battlements of Kumbhalgarh Fort (additional cost)
  
• Quiz Resident Big Cat Specialist Adam Bannister about his pioneering work with leopards in Rajasthan, and listen to Director of Wildlife Experiences Yusuf Ansari’s fascinating stories about wildlife conservation in India

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Safaris
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Wildlife

Kids

Any older kids interested in wildlife would have a thrilling time at Jawai, but apart from the pool - and for much of the year it’s too cold for comfortable bathing - there is less that would be of interest to younger kids at the camp.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

All tents have space for an extra bed, and would work well for families with one younger child. The Royal Tented Suite is best suited to families with 1 or 2 older children, as it has 2 ensuite double bedrooms connected via a canopy (no twin beds) plus it's own pool. There is no charge for children under 7 years, older children incur a surcharge.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Jawai Leopard Camp is set in the heart of rural Rajasthan, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Udaipur and just under 3 hours from Jodhpur.

By Air:
Udaipur (127km away) and Jodhpur (153km away) are the nearest airports. Both are served by internal flights from India's major international hubs, including Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay) - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
We recommend making use of Jawai's car service as the camp can be difficult to find - request when booking. If you are visiting as part of a wider tour of Rajasthan, you may want to enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator.

By Train:
Udaipur is easily reached by rail from Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Ahmedabad and Delhi. From the station it's a 2 and a half hour journey to Jawai Leopard Camp. There are also limited services to Jawai Bandh station, which is 12km / 20 minutes from the camp.

Getting Around:
Jawai's car and driver service can be used for local excursions.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Rajasthan and getting around