If Udaipur is already on your Rajasthan route, Jawai is one of the easiest wildlife extensions you can add. In a single scenic drive you move from lake palaces to open granite country, where leopards rest on the rocks and Rabari herders still graze their flocks. This guide explains how the journey works and what a private two-day extension from Udaipur can look like.
Why combine Udaipur and Jawai
Udaipur is about heritage — palaces, lakes, courtyards and old-city lanes. Jawai adds the one thing a city itinerary cannot: time in wild country. Days here follow the light, with safaris at dawn and dusk and quiet hours in between.
- A complete change of pace after busy city sightseeing
- Leopards seen against open granite rather than dense forest
- Time with the local Rabari community, who have shared these hills with leopards for generations
- Short enough to fit into a Rajasthan trip without losing a full day to travel
How Jawai fits into a Rajasthan itinerary
Jawai sits in Rajasthan’s Pali district, roughly between Udaipur and Jodhpur. That makes it a natural stop when travelling between the two cities, rather than a detour. Typical routes include:
- Udaipur → Jawai → back to Udaipur (a round-trip extension)
- Udaipur → Jawai → Jodhpur (continuing north)
- Jodhpur → Jawai → Udaipur (the same route in reverse)
For a full route with Jaipur and suggested nights, see our Rajasthan itinerary with Jawai.
Udaipur to Jawai: travel information
- By road: Jawai is approximately 130 km from Udaipur, about 2.5 hours by road.
- By air: the nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR) — approximately 130 km from Jawai.
- By rail: Jawai Bandh Railway Station (JWB) — about 10 km from the safari area.
Private transfers: we arrange private chauffeured transfers from your Udaipur hotel or the airport, and onward after your stay. More routes are on our How to Reach Jawai page.
Suggested 2-day Jawai extension
Two days and one night is the shortest extension we suggest. It gives you an evening safari on arrival and a morning safari before you leave.
Sample itinerary
This is a sample itinerary. Timings, safari count and stay are tailored to your dates and onward plans.
Day 1 — Udaipur to Jawai
- Morning departure from Udaipur by private car (about 2.5 hours)
- Check in and lunch at your camp or hotel
- Afternoon rest
- Evening leopard safari into the granite hills
- Dinner at your stay
Day 2 — Morning safari and onward journey
- Early-morning leopard safari
- Breakfast back at your stay
- Check out and continue to Udaipur, Jodhpur or your next destination
For an hour-by-hour version, see the 2-day Jawai itinerary.
Morning and evening safaris
Safaris in Jawai run in the early morning and late afternoon, when leopards are most active. Morning drives usually offer the softest light; evening drives often end with leopards silhouetted against the sunset.
Every safari with us is private, with a local guide and tracker who know the hills well. Leopard sightings are frequent in Jawai but can never be guaranteed. Read more on our Jawai leopard safari page.
Where to stay
We match your stay to your style and budget — from immersive luxury camps set among the hills to boutique heritage properties and premium hotels. Explore the options on our accommodations page.
Who this trip suits
- Couples looking for a quiet wilderness break after Udaipur
- Families with children aged 2 and above
- Photographers who want leopards on open rock in golden light
- International travellers with limited time who want one authentic wildlife experience in Rajasthan
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jawai from Udaipur?
Jawai is approximately 130 km from Udaipur, about 2.5 hours by road. Travel time can vary with traffic and the exact pickup point in the city.
Can I do a Jawai safari as a day trip from Udaipur?
We recommend staying at least one night. Leopard activity is best in the early morning and late afternoon, so an overnight stay lets you join both an evening and a morning safari without a pre-dawn start from Udaipur.
Do you arrange transfers from Udaipur?
Yes. We arrange private chauffeured transfers from your Udaipur hotel or Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) to Jawai, and onward to your next destination.
How many safaris should I plan from Udaipur?
Two to three safaris over two days is a good balance for most guests. A two-day extension usually allows one evening and one morning safari; a third safari needs a second night.
Will I definitely see a leopard?
Jawai is known for regular leopard sightings on its open granite hills, but these are wild animals and no sighting can be guaranteed. Our local guides and trackers give you the best possible chance.
Can I continue to Jodhpur after Jawai instead of returning to Udaipur?
Yes. Many guests travel Udaipur → Jawai → Jodhpur. Jawai to Jodhpur is about 3 hours by road, so you can continue after your morning safari.