Jawai Bandh
Rajasthan
Altitude
150m – 530m
Vegetation
Scrub land and Dry deciduous forests
Total Area
500 km²
Rainfall
244 mm
Jawai Bandh
Basic Facts
Operational
Year Round
Best time to go
October - March
Airport
Udaipur
Railway
Junagadh
Climate
22 - 45 °C
Jawai Bandh
About Jawai
Jawai refers to the region in and around the Jawai Bandh, a dam originally constructed to supply water for irrigation. Today, it is recognized as one of the premier birding destinations in Rajasthan, India. Around 85 species of terrestrial and aquatic birds have been recorded at Jawai Dam. Notable among them are the Cotton Pygmy Goose, Knob-billed (Comb) Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck, and Lesser Whistling Duck.
During the winter months of December and January, the dam hosts between 10,000 to 15,000 waterfowl. Over the course of a year, more than 20,000 waterbirds visit Jawai Dam. Signature species include the Common Crane, Rosy Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Common Teal, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Oriental Darter, and Shaheen Falcon. The Sarus Crane is a regular presence and can be seen almost year-round.
In summer, large congregations of Sarus Cranes are often observed in the dam’s backwaters.
Crocodiles basking on rocks along the reservoir’s edge are a common sight. While Jawai Dam is celebrated for its rich avifauna, the surrounding area is equally renowned for its thriving leopard population, earning it the status of Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve. The reserve is surrounded by small hillocks, agricultural fields, and village settlements, forming a unique landscape where leopards and humans coexist harmoniously.
Jawai is one of the best places in India to spot leopards in the wild. Interestingly, despite leopards relying on livestock for nearly 80% of their diet, no incidents of retaliatory killings by the local communities have been reported. This peaceful coexistence is a testament to the deep-rooted cultural tolerance and conservation awareness of the locals.
This tranquil destination offers a deeply immersive experience in nature’s embrace. The mesmerizing landscapes, along with crocodile sightings and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, create an unforgettable escape. For those who visit, Jawai leaves behind not just memories, but a “fondness forevermark” etched in the soul.
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Brij Poola, Jawai
Billions of years of rock formations have contributed to preserving the flora and fauna of Jawai. This small village named after the river Jawai, is becoming an exploration hot-spot among adventure seekers, families and friends across various age-groups. Brij Pola, Jawai, is a homage to this land of ecological harmony which combines its rustic, fearless and majestic persona to make your stay memorable. Guests can explore wildlife, go on treks, visit temples and much more at this picturesque destination. Experience beauty and serenity away from the rushed city life, as you look deep in nature and realize that heaven is not always above our heads, but within reach.
Adding to its beauty are the silvery granite rocks and hills which surround the whole area. Jawai is also known for its sanctuaries housing leopards, birds, and crocodiles. It is also a winter paradise for migratory birds with more than 100 species frequenting every year. Jawai is also home to panthers, hyenas, chinkaras, nilgai, bears, and wolves. However, it is chiefly known for its human-friendly leopards.
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