Same Day Narlai Leopard Safari Tour from Jodhpur

The Secret of Elephant Hill. Where the Leopard is not just an animal, but a royal guest in a 17th-century estate.

Jodhpur to Narlai Distance

135 km (One Way)

Drive Time

Approx. 2.5 Hours via NH-62 & Pali

Road Condition

Smooth Highway + Scenic Rural Roads

Total Trip Duration

9 – 10 Hours (Full Day Luxury Wildlife Trip)

Trip Overview

Narlai is the boutique answer to the commercial safari. Hidden halfway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, this 17th-century village sits in the shadow of a colossal granite monolith known as Elephant Hill. Unlike other parks where jeeps jostle for space, Narlai offers silence.

On this tour, you trade the bustling lanes of the Blue City for the quiet dignity of a noble estate. The experience is curated. You don’t just chase animals; you dine in a restored hunting lodge (Rawla Narlai), drive through private concessions in a customized 4×4, and watch the “Ghost of the Aravallis” (the Leopard) emerge from his cave as the temple bells ring in the village below. It is wild, yes, but it is also incredibly civilized.

Trip Highlights

What makes this day trip unforgettable.

  • Elephant Hill: Drive around the base of the massive single rock that dominates the landscape. It looks like a sleeping elephant and is the favorite sunbathing spot for local leopards.

  • Exclusive Safari: Narlai is a hidden gem. You won’t find crowds here. It’s often just you, the jeep, and the leopard.

  • Rawla Narlai: Visit the heritage hotel which was once the hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family. The architecture is a stunning mix of rugged stone and delicate bougainvillea.

  • Stepwell Visit: See the ancient stepwell (Baori) where, on special evenings, hundreds of oil lamps are lit. Even in daylight, its geometry is mesmerizing.

  • Shiva Cave: Hike up to the small temple hidden in a crevice of the rock, where a white marble Nandi guards the entrance.

Timeline & Itinerary

11:00 AM: The Departure

Your private chauffeur collects you in Jodhpur. We slip out of the city limits. The grand Mehrangarh Fort fades in the rearview mirror. The landscape opens up into the flat, scrubby plains of Pali. It’s a hypnotic drive, watching the horizon stretch endlessly until the granite hills begin to break the skyline.

01:30 PM: The Royal Pause

We pull into the courtyard of Rawla Narlai. The dust of the road is replaced by the scent of wet earth and flowers. You are welcomed like a returning noble.

  • Lunch: Sit in the shaded courtyard. Enjoy a meal that tastes of history—recipes passed down through the royal kitchen. It grounds you before the adventure. (Lunch is Direct Payment).

03:30 PM: The Silent Ascent

The Safari Begins. You board the open-top jeep. This isn’t a race. The driver knows these hills like the back of his hand. The jeep leaves the village and enters the cactus forests. You begin to climb the granite. The rock is warm from the day’s sun. The engine hums, but the forest is quiet. You spot a Blue Bull (Nilgai) freezing in the bushes, watching you pass.

05:00 PM: The Encounter

The driver kills the engine near a cave mouth on Elephant Hill. You wait.

The Magic: As the heat of the day breaks, a shadow moves on the rock face. A Leopard steps out. He stretches, his rosette coat glowing in the golden light. He looks down at the village—at the temples, the people, the goats. He is the guardian of this hill. In Narlai, the leopards are calm; they own the rock, and they know it.

06:00 PM: Tea with a View

We drive to the edge of a reservoir. The sun begins its descent behind the Elephant Hill. The sky turns a bruised purple. The staff sets up a small table. You sip hot tea in the middle of nowhere, listening to the peacocks call out the end of the day.

06:45 PM: The Return Journey

We descend back to the car. The drive back to Jodhpur is peaceful, a time to scroll through the photos that prove you met the King of the Hill.

09:15 PM: Doorstep Drop-off

We drop you back at your hotel in Jodhpur, carrying the secret of Narlai with you.

Is This Trip Perfect For You?

  • Luxury Travelers: If you prefer comfort and style over rugged, dusty adventures, Narlai is the “First Class” of safaris.

  • Couples: The privacy and the romantic setting of the Rawla make it perfect for a date with nature.

  • Introverts: Hate the idea of 20 jeeps surrounding one animal? Narlai offers solitude.

  • Architecture Buffs: The village and the lodge are beautiful examples of Rajput aesthetics.

Choose Your Ride (Pricing & Vehicles)

Select the vehicle that fits your group size and comfort level. All vehicles are Air-Conditioned, clean, and driven by experienced chauffeurs.

The Comfort Sedan

Models: Toyota Etios / Maruti Dzire / Honda City

Perfect For: Couples or Solo Travelers (1-3 Pax)

Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)

The Family SUV / MPV

Models: Toyota Innova Crysta / Kia Carens

Perfect For: Families or Small Groups needing extra legroom (4-6 Pax)

Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)

The Group Traveller

Models: Tempo Traveller (Force)

Seating: 9 / 12 / 16 Seater

Perfect For: Large Families or Friends Groups (7-16 Pax)

Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)

The Luxury Urbania

Model: Force Urbania (Premium)

Seating: 9 / 12 / 16 Seater

Perfect For: VIP Groups wanting business-class comfort

Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)

What’s Included / Excluded?

Your Trip Includes

  • Doorstep Service: Pick-up and Drop-off from any Hotel/Airport in Jodhpur.

  • Private Transport: Exclusive use of the AC Vehicle (Not shared with strangers).

  • All Road Costs: Fuel, State Taxes, Tolls, and Parking fees are paid by us.

  • Jungle Transport: Private 4×4 Open Jeep Safari at Narlai (Exclusive for you).

  • Essentials: Fresh Water Bottles & Tissues in the car.

Your Flexibility (Excluded)

  • Meals: Lunch at Rawla Narlai (Approx ₹1500-₹2000 per person).

  • Gratuity: Tips for the Driver/Safari Guide (Optional but appreciated).

Important Notes:

  • Fair Surge: Trip costs may increase during peak dates (Diwali, Christmas, New Year).

  • Currency: All rates are in Indian Rupees (INR).

  • Advance Booking: Unlike big parks, Narlai has very few jeeps. You MUST book this trip at least 2-3 days in advance to secure a safari slot.

  • The Terrain: While less rugged than Jawai, the jeep still goes off-road. Guests with severe back pain should proceed with caution.

  • Ranakpur Add-on: Narlai is only 30 minutes from the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple. We highly recommend adding a stop there before lunch to make this a “Culture + Wildlife” day.

Send Query for Same Day Narlai Safari Tour from Jodhpur

Frequently Asked Questions

Jawai or Narlai – Which is better?

Jawai is dramatic, vast, and has a big dam (water). It has more leopards but also more tourists. Narlai is intimate, heritage-focused, and quiet. Choose Jawai for adventure; choose Narlai for exclusivity and atmosphere.

Is it safe for children?

Yes. The leopards here are very shy and used to the village presence. The safari is conducted in safe, open jeeps with experienced staff.

What is the best time of year?

October to March is ideal. The weather is cool, and the animals are active. Summers (April-June) are great for sightings but very hot.

Is the lunch included?

No, but we stop at Rawla Narlai, which is one of the best heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The food is excellent, but it is pricey. There are cheaper options nearby if you prefer.

Can we see the Stepwell Dinner?

No. The famous "Stepwell Dinner" at Rawla Narlai starts at 8:00 PM. To experience that, you would need to stay overnight or drive back to Jodhpur very late at night (reaching by 1:00 AM).

Are there tigers?

No. This is Leopard country. You might also see Sloth Bears, Hyenas, and Desert Foxes.

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Why Book a Day Trip with Us?

Many travelers hire a simple taxi for day trips and regret it later. A long drive requires more than just a car; it requires comfort, safety, and local knowledge. At Heritage Rajasthan Tours, we treat your day trip as a curated experience. We ensure you have a clean, high-quality vehicle, a driver who knows the roads perfectly, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. We take the stress out of the journey so you can focus on the destination.

100% Private & Flexible

You are not stuck on a bus schedule. This is your private car. If you want to leave an hour later, stop for photos on the highway, or spend extra time at a temple, you can. It is your trip, your rules.

Curated Pit-Stops

We know the highway better than Google Maps. We know exactly which roadside dhabas serve the best masala chai and which toilets are clean. We ensure your breaks are just as good as the destination.

Verified & Safe Drivers

For long drives like Agra or Salasar, safety is the most important thing. Our drivers are police-verified, experienced on highways, and trained to drive smoothly. They are polite, professional, and put your safety first.

Transparent Pricing

Our day trip quotes include fuel, toll taxes, parking fees, and driver allowance. You will never be asked for extra money for the car during the trip. The price we quote is the price you pay.

About Rajasthan – The Land of Royal Heritage & Timeless Culture

Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings,” is India’s largest state and a living museum of royal heritage, vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes. From majestic forts and palaces to colorful bazaars, desert dunes and charming villages, every part of Rajasthan reflects a glorious past and a rich cultural soul.

Travelers can witness lively festivals, enjoy folk music and dance, savor authentic cuisine, and discover hidden gems beyond the usual tourist trail. With its blend of history, culture and warm hospitality, Rajasthan offers unforgettable journeys for history lovers, cultural explorers, and curious travelers alike.

👉 Step into Rajasthan and experience a royal legacy that continues to inspire.