Inside Jaipur’s Newest Leopard Safari: Beed Papad’s Debut
Introduction
Everyone’s heard of Jhalana by now — Jaipur’s pride when it comes to spotting leopards right inside the city. But guess what? Jaipur is upping the game. On June 5, 2025, a brand new leopard safari opened to the public: Beed Papad Leopard Safari, also known as Maila Bagh.
This isn’t just another reserve. It’s a statement that Jaipur is becoming India’s leopard capital, now hosting three major safari zones: Jhalana, Amagarh, and now Beed Papad. It’s big for tourists, big for wildlife lovers, and massive for conservation efforts.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know — location, safari experience, best time to visit, how it compares to Jhalana, and whether it’s worth your trip (spoiler: it totally is).
📍 Where Exactly is Beed Papad?
Beed Papad is located in the Vidhyadhar Nagar region of Jaipur, just around 10–12 km from the city center. That makes it easily accessible, even by cab or auto, unlike traditional forest reserves that need half a day of travel.
It spans over 1200 hectares and is a proper mix of Aravalli hills, dry deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and valleys. That means perfect terrain for leopards, who love to blend into nature and observe you while you’re looking for them.
🐾 Why Another Leopard Safari?
You might ask, “Why another safari when Jhalana is already working great?”
Valid question. The thing is, Jhalana is now super popular. It gets crowded. And the leopard population in and around Jaipur has spread out — not just in Jhalana but into areas like Amagarh and Beed Papad.
Creating a new reserve like Beed Papad helps in:
- Distributing tourist traffic (less pressure on Jhalana)
- Giving wildlife more protected space
- Creating jobs for locals
- Promoting Jaipur as a serious wildlife tourism hub
Also, the forest department had been tracking at least 10 leopards in this region before the official launch. So it was a no-brainer.
🚙 Safari Experience at Beed Papad
Safari Timings
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening Safari: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Timings may vary slightly based on season
Safari Zones
The area is currently divided into Zone 1 and Zone 2. You’re randomly assigned a zone while booking (unless things change later), and each zone offers a slightly different terrain.
Safari Vehicle
You’ll be riding in an open gypsy (6-seater) with a forest guide and possibly a spotter.
Sighting Chances?
The reserve is new, so leopards are still adapting to increased human presence. But sightings are being reported already — especially during summer months, when animals are drawn to water points.
🧭 Beed Papad vs Jhalana vs Amagarh: A Quick Look
Feature | Beed Papad | Jhalana | Amagarh |
Opened | June 2025 | 2016 | 2020 |
Leopard Population (est.) | 10+ | 30+ | 15+ |
Distance from City Center | 10–12 km | 5–7 km | 12–14 km |
Size | ~1200 hectares | ~23 sq. km | ~15 sq. km |
Safari Crowds | Low (new) | High | Moderate |
Photography Conditions | Excellent | Great | Good |
If you’re someone who’s already been to Jhalana or want a quieter experience, Beed Papad is a no-brainer.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Leopards are shy creatures. But with a little timing, you can improve your odds.
📅 Ideal Months
- October to March: Pleasant weather and fairly good sightings.
- April to June: Less greenery, so animals are easier to spot near water sources (but it’s hot!).
- July–September: Monsoon makes trails muddy and reduces sightings.
🛏️ Where to Stay Near Beed Papad
Since it’s within Jaipur city limits, there are tons of options across all budgets:
- Luxury: Rambagh Palace, ITC Rajputana
- Mid-range: Lemon Tree, Hotel Vimal Heritage
- Budget: Zostel Jaipur, Hosteller Jaipur
Stay near Vidhyadhar Nagar or even Amer Road for the fastest access.
📸 Safari Photography Tips
- Golden Hour: Shoot early morning or just before sunset for soft lighting.
- Keep it quiet: Leopards get scared of noises, and the moment’s gone.
- Zoom lens helps: 200mm or above is great — leopards rarely come too close.
- Fast shutter speeds: Especially when the gypsy is moving.
Tip: Ask your driver to stop near natural rocks — leopards love to perch.
✅ Things to Keep in Mind
- Book safari at least 2 days in advance.
- Don’t wear perfume — animals have sensitive noses.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle.
- Avoid flash photography — it’s banned.
- Be patient. Sometimes you wait 2 hours… then magic happens.
🌿 Conservation Efforts
Beed Papad is not just for fun. It’s a move towards urban conservation. Leopards living so close to a major metro city face challenges: traffic, construction, pollution, even dog attacks.
This new reserve gives them safe territory, encourages breeding, and reduces man-animal conflict.
Local guides, drivers, and even shop owners benefit from the tourist economy — which means everyone has a reason to protect the leopards.
FAQ – Beed Papad Leopard Safari
Q1: How can I book a safari?
Currently, bookings are expected to be available soon on the Rajasthan Forest Department portal or through verified tour operators.
Q2: Is Beed Papad better than Jhalana?
Both offer different experiences. Jhalana is more mature with frequent sightings; Beed Papad is newer, less crowded, and ideal for offbeat travelers.
Q3: Can I take children on the safari?
Yes, but it’s best for kids aged 5 and above. Younger kids may get restless due to the long, quiet nature of safaris.
Q4: What are the chances of seeing a leopard?
Currently estimated at 30–40%, improving over time as the cats get used to vehicles.
Q5: Is it safe?
Absolutely. You’ll always be with trained guides and inside authorized vehicles.
Q6: Are toilets available inside the safari?
No, use facilities before entering the forest gate. Most safari rides are 2.5–3 hours long.
✍️ Final Thoughts
The opening of Beed Papad Leopard Safari is a game-changer. It expands Jaipur’s reputation as a top wildlife city, offers tourists a fresh adventure, and proves that even in urban chaos, nature finds its way back.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing that perfect leopard silhouette, a family on your first safari, or just someone looking for a quiet thrill near the city — Beed Papad is calling.
Disclaimer All images used in this blog are either sourced from public domain or credited to their respective owners. If you are the copyright holder of any image and wish to request its removal or proper attribution, please contact us at [email protected]
