Jaipur has distinguished itself as the world's first city to offer three dedicated leopard safaris, following the inauguration of the Beed Papad Leopard Safari (Vidyadhar Nagar) on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025. The three leopard safaris — Jhalana, Amagarh, and Beed Papad — collectively represent a unique model of urban wildlife conservation within one of India's most historic cities. The Jhalana Leopard Reserve, spread across approximately 23 square kilometres within city limits, was India's first urban leopard reserve, recognised by the Rajasthan Forest Department in 2017 and opened for tourism in December 2016. It hosts 30–35 leopards, with 8–10 regularly visible in the safari zone. In 2025, Jhalana alone recorded over 30,000 visitors, while Amagarh recorded more than 8,000. December–January is peak season as cooler temperatures increase leopard activity and sightings. Jaipur's leopard safari ecosystem — complemented by a biological park housing lions, elephants, and tigers — has transformed the city into what tourism analysts term 'India's wildlife capital.' The development is significant for Rajasthan's economy: wildlife tourism generates ancillary income for local guides, transport operators, hotels, and artisans, and has helped Jaipur diversify beyond its traditional heritage tourism identity. The success of Jaipur's urban wildlife model is being studied as a template for other Indian cities with urban forest patches, such as Delhi's Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Rajasthan's wildlife tourism positioning aligns with CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's Ease of Doing Business-linked tourism push.
Jaipur Becomes World's First City with Three Leopard Safaris as Wildlife Tourism Surges in Rajasthan's Urban Forest Corridors
Jaipur has distinguished itself as the world's first city to offer three dedicated leopard safaris, following the inauguration of the Beed Papad Leopard Safari (Vidyadhar Nagar) on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025. The three leopard safaris — Jhalana, Amagarh, and Beed Papad — collectively represent a unique model of urban wildlife conservation within one of India's most historic cities. The Jhalana Leopard Reserve, spread across approximately 23 square kilometres within city limits, was India's first urban leopard reserve, recognised by the Rajasthan Forest Department in 2017 and opened for tourism in December 2016. It hosts 30–35 leopards, with 8–10 regularly visible in the safari zone. In 2025, Jhalana alone recorded over 30,000 visitors, while Amagarh recorded more than 8,000. December–January is peak season as cooler temperatures increase leopard activity and sightings. Jaipur's leopard safari ecosystem — complemented by a biological park housing lions, elephants, and tigers — has transformed the city into what tourism analysts term 'India's wildlife capital.' The development is significant for Rajasthan's economy: wildlife tourism generates ancillary income for local guides, transport operators, hotels, and artisans, and has helped Jaipur diversify beyond its traditional heritage tourism identity. The success of Jaipur's urban wildlife model is being studied as a template for other Indian cities with urban forest patches, such as Delhi's Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Rajasthan's wildlife tourism positioning aligns with CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's Ease of Doing Business-linked tourism push.
Key facts
- Jaipur became the world's first city with three dedicated leopard safaris after Beed Papad opened June 5, 2025.
- The three safaris are Jhalana, Amagarh, and Beed Papad — all within urban and peri-urban boundaries.
- Jhalana Leopard Reserve spans 23 sq km within city limits and hosts 30-35 leopards.
- In 2025, Jhalana recorded over 30,000 visitors while Amagarh recorded more than 8,000.
- Jaipur's urban wildlife model is being studied as a template for other Indian cities.
- Wildlife tourism generates income for local guides, transport operators, hotels, and artisans.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse Jaipur's emergence as the world's first city with three leopard safaris — Jhalana, Amagarh, and Beed Papad — as a model of urban wildlife conservation and tourism diversification.
Answer (50 words):
With Beed Papad Leopard Safari opened in Vidyadhar Nagar on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, Jaipur became the world's first city offering three leopard safaris — Jhalana, Amagarh, Beed Papad. Jhalana's 23 sq km reserve hosts 30-35 leopards; it recorded over 30,000 visitors in 2025, Amagarh over 8,000, diversifying urban tourism.
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With reference to the Beed Papad/Maila Bagh Leopard Safari opened in Jaipur in June 2025, which of the following statements is correct?
Beed Papad/Maila Bagh Leopard Safari was opened for tourists in June 2025 in the Nahargarh area of Jaipur. After Jhalana and Amagarh, it added a third dedicated leopard-safari zone to Jaipur, strengthening the city's urban wildlife-tourism circuit.
Source: Travel and Tour World / Wildlife with Abhijatya / Jhalana Leopard Safari Official
Frequently asked questions
Which city became the world's first to have three dedicated leopard safaris?
Jaipur, Rajasthan became the world's first city with three dedicated leopard safaris after the inauguration of the Beed Papad Leopard Safari in Vidyadhar Nagar on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025. The three safaris are Jhalana, Amagarh, and Beed Papad.
What is the area of Jhalana Leopard Reserve and how many leopards does it host?
The Jhalana Leopard Reserve spans approximately 23 square kilometres within Jaipur city limits and hosts 30–35 leopards. It was India's first urban leopard sanctuary, recognized by the Rajasthan Forest Department in 2017.
When was the Beed Papad Leopard Safari inaugurated and in which area of Jaipur?
The Beed Papad Leopard Safari was inaugurated on June 5, 2025 (World Environment Day) in the Vidyadhar Nagar area of Jaipur. Its opening made Jaipur the world's first city with three leopard safaris.
How many visitors did Jhalana and Amagarh leopard safaris record in 2025?
In 2025, Jhalana Leopard Reserve recorded over 30,000 visitors while Amagarh recorded more than 8,000 visitors. The high footfall reflects the growing importance of wildlife tourism in Jaipur's urban forest corridors.
Why is Jaipur's urban wildlife model significant for other Indian cities?
Jaipur's model of maintaining leopard habitats within city boundaries is being studied as a template for other Indian cities. It demonstrates that urban development and wildlife conservation can coexist, generating income for local guides, transport operators, hotels, and artisans.
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