Panthers of the 'Pink City'

Jaipur, the flamboyant pink city of India, is known for its art, architecture, palaces, forts, exquisite cuisine and royal life. But just on the outskirts of the city with its huge buildings, cacophonous crowds and deafening sounds lies a small, happy, peaceful refuge where nature rules.

- BORNINI ROY SARKAR

During our recent trip to Jaipur, we visited the Jhalana Leopard Reserve, the only reserve forest in India exclusively dedicated to leopards. We did not know much about Jhalana until we visited the forest, and in the course of our safari, we got acquainted with the fascinating facts of the place.

Spread over an area of 23 square kilometers, this reserve, located on the slopes and foothills of the Aravalli ranges, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. However, its most famous denizens are its leopards. The reserve is home to 30-35 leopards, out of which 6-7 have their territory in the tourism area of the park. The otherwise shy cat is the apex predator here and does not have much competition for survival, which makes them confident and sightings easier.