Jawai-Bera
Hidden in the lap of Aravalis, Bera is a small village located in Pali district of Rajasthan, close to the Jawai Bandh (dam).
Unlike many other popular destinations in India where jeep safaris are conducted, this is not a National Park or even a Wildlife Sanctuary. But, its unique landscape and sightings of an otherwise elusive Leopard never fails to impress anyone. Jawai Bandh and the surrounding hilly terrain with dry scrub-thorn vegetation makes it an ideal habitat for the Leopard.
Apart from the Leopard, other species of mammals found in the hills are Jungle Cat, Common Langur, Common Mongoose, Nilgai along with uncommon sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyena and Pangolin etc.
The vast expanse of Jawai Bandh makes it an ideal habitat for many species of water birds and grassland birds as well. Species of birds like Greater Flamingo, Common Crane, Sarus Crane, Asian Openbill, Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Bar-headed Goose and Ruddy Shelduck etc. are also very common in winter months.
There are many small villages surrounding the Jawai Bandh. The local shepherds/ herdsmen, called ‘Rabaris‘ have been living in harmony with this elusive Big Cat for generations together !
How to reach –
- By air – nearest airports are at Udaipur and Jodhpur. Bera is located about 160 km from Udaipur and about 170 km from Jodhpur.
- By rail – nearest railway station is Jawai Bandh which is about 20 km from Bera.
