Discover Bera Safari Lodge
Feel the Heartbeat of Leopard Country in India
The stately Liloda Hills, the dry scrubland and rock formations that have been around for thousands of years will all tell you tales of wildlife, journeys, adversity, untamed beauty and resilience. As you set foot in Bera Safari Lodge, a luxury boutique homestay on the outskirts of Kothar Village in Pali, the wild will envelop you in its tough yet magical embrace.
But what sets this surreal experience apart is the passion, pride and love that the Guardian of the Leopards and Bera Safari Lodge owner, naturalist Shatrunjay Pratap Singh, has for the land that he calls home and its magnificent leopards.
Unique Activities
Experience the Bond Between Leopards and Shepherds
If you are looking to experience Rajasthan’s unique and diverse wildlife up close and personal, then this is just for you. Jawai has stamped its place in history as the land where leopards and Rabari shepherds co-exist symbiotically, with almost no conflict. It also has one of the highest densities of leopard populations in India.
At Bera Safari Lodge, with the guidance of expert naturalists, rangers, trackers and guides, your leopard and safari drives will be more than you have ever imagined.
Feel the wind through your hair as you drive through the grasslands in open vehicles and see the magnificent beasts in their natural habitat.
Visit the Jawai Dam and Connect with Nature
The famed Jawai Bandh, or Jawai Dam, which is a few kilometres from the lodge, is the biggest man-made dam in western Rajasthan. Your guides will take you to the reservoir viewpoint, where you will get spectacular views of sunbathing crocodiles and hundreds of resident and migratory birds.
This is definitely a visual treat for the nature lover in you, so go prepared to spend some quality time there. The lodge will also organise picnics for you, on request. If you would like to add jungle walks, birding, trekking and hiking to your itinerary there, make sure to tell your hosts in advance.
Lodging
Enjoy the Wilderness from the Comfort of Your Bed
This exquisite lodge is deep in the heart of Leopard Country. Guests have occasionally spotted leopards, even from cottage windows. Created on 10 acres of land near Liloda Hill, you will see luxury and hospitality effortlessly combine with rustic charm here.
The home of Shatrunjay Pratap and his wife, Katyayani Kumari, offers seven spacious, locally-accented suite cottages with modern amenities. The homestay also has a lovely outdoor pool.
The open decks, large windows, alfresco showers, private sit-outs with clear views of the hills and two bathrooms per suite have been thoughtfully designed to enhance your wilderness experience at the lodge.
Dining
Tables Laden with the Best of Rajasthani Cuisine
With its rich culture, magnificent heritage and vibrant desert landscapes, Rajasthan has a lot to offer travellers in terms of experiences. But its culinary treasures are something that visitors always speak volumes about. Your meals at the lodge are home-style and well-curated, with a mix of local and international flavours. Hostess Katyayani takes great pride in explaining the origins of the local dishes, and you will see that the vegetables here are sourced from the lodge gardens.
Rajasthani favourites like laal maas, kakode ki sabji dal bati are some of the highlights of each meal, so make sure you keep enough space on your plate for them.
Meet the People
There’s hardly anyone in Leopard Country who doesn’t know this hero without a cape. Shatrunjay Pratap Singh is a virtual walking encyclopedia of things related to leopards. His tireless mission with the Rabari and Dayasi tribes against mining leases that were destroying leopard habitats led to the termination of mining in the region.
Singh, a sommelier, wildlife conservationist, author and photographer, says the lodge came about to support the community and conserve the ecosystem in the region.
If you get a chance, try to hear about the mystical, symbiotic bond between the Jawai Leopards and the Rabari shepherds from the man himself. Singh has also co-authored a book, Leopards & Shepherds of Jawai.
Sustainability Story
The Bera Safari Lodge team works tirelessly to ensure that every traveller knows their role in contributing to the preservation of wildlife at Jawai Bera. They use local trackers, guides and spotters for their safaris; locals are involved in their conservation efforts and are hired as staff, too.
At the lodge, you will see indigenously made water bottle coolers, traditional dhurries, home-grown vegetables, pottery and fabrics, all part of the sustainable tourism initiatives to help the community.
Village excursions organised by the lodge will not only help you get insights into the Rabari’s lives; you will also have the opportunity to support their crafts and traditions by buying their products.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Bera Safari Lodge
Affiliate Partner
Postcard Travel Club is an inclusive community of conscious travellers, travel designers, storytellers, and others who are shaping the future of travel.
Subscribed
Subscribe for free to receive weekly posts highlighting boutique properties that advance responsible tourism.