Safari in Udaipur: Discover the Wild Side of the City

Ask ten travellers what a safari in Udaipur looks like and you will get ten answers. One expects leopards. Another pictures an open jeep on a hill road at sunset. A third just wants a break from the City Palace crowds. All three type the same phrase into Google, and all three are right.

Here is what most guides skip. A real jungle safari in Udaipur means a forest or sanctuary drive where spotting animals is the whole point. A jeep safari in Udaipur the way GoWilly runs it is different: a private ride in a restored vintage Willys Jeep through the Aravalli hills, with no wildlife sightings promised. This guide keeps the two apart so you can pick the one you actually want.

Udaipur is not a national park town. It sits in a bowl of the Aravallis, and wild country begins close to the old city. That is why the word “safari” stretches in several directions here.

• Sanctuary drives at places like Sajjangarh or Kumbhalgarh, where the goal is to see animals.
• A Jawai day trip into leopard country in the neighbouring Pali district.
• A scenic jeep trail through the hills, built around landscape, heritage and stories.

Planning the rest of your stay too? Our guide to things to do in Udaipur shows where each of these fits.

If you want a jungle safari in Udaipur with a genuine chance of seeing wildlife, these are the places worth knowing. Fees, timings and safari availability change with the season and forest department rules, so confirm locally before you leave.

PlaceDistance from UdaipurBest forKeep in mindSajjangarh Wildlife SanctuaryClosest, around Monsoon Palace hillViews, chital, nilgai, sambarAnimals are a bonus, greenest after monsoonBagdara Nature ParkAbout 15 kmBirdwatching, familiesQuiet and shortKumbhalgarh Wildlife SanctuaryRoughly 85 to 100 kmForest atmosphere, fort and Ranakpur comboLeopard sightings are rareJawai, Pali districtRoughly 150 to 180 km, 3 to 4 hoursBest odds of leopardsOvernight stay recommended

Sajjangarh and Monsoon Palace

This is the nearest wildlife area to the city. Maharana Sajjan Singh had the Monsoon Palace built in 1884, and the surrounding forest became a sanctuary in 1987. Most visitors come for the sunset view from the palace. If you see a nilgai or a hyena on the way, treat it as a gift, and for something similar without the ticket queue, try an offbeat experience in Udaipur.

Jawai Leopard Country

Jawai is the name you will hear most for leopards near Udaipur. The landscape is granite hills, a dam and small villages, and the cats live around rocky outcrops and old temples. A same-day trip is tiring, so most travellers stay a night or two. Ignore anyone who guarantees a sighting. Nobody honest can.

A wildlife safari is about animals. A GoWilly trail is about the land, the light and the story behind a place. Here is how they compare.

Wildlife or jungle safariGoWilly Jeep trailMain purposeSpotting animalsScenery, heritage, stories, photographyVehicleOperator or forest department gypsyRestored open-top vintage Willys JeepRouteFixed park routesCustomised to your interestsWildlife sightingsThe goal, never guaranteedNot promised, any sighting is a bonusGroupOften sharedPrivateLocationSanctuaries and reservesAravalli hills, lake roads, viewpointsBest forWildlife loversCouples, families, photographers

What a GoWilly Trail Is

A private vintage Willys Jeep ride in Udaipur with your own Trail Captain. You get:

• Roads and viewpoints that tourist buses skip
• A route shaped around hidden lakes, heritage, photography or a celebration
• Stops chosen on the day, based on light and weather
• Refreshments at a sunset viewpoint

What a GoWilly Trail Is Not

It is not a national park drive, and we never promise leopards or any other animal. You may spot peacocks, birds or a langur on a hillside, and we will point them out. But if animals are your main reason to travel, book a sanctuary or Jawai and treat our trail as a second experience on the same trip.

Mahindra began assembling Willys jeeps in India under licence decades ago, and they became a familiar sight on rural roads. They are loud, bouncy and slow in the best way. Nobody rushes in a Willys, which suits the Aravallis perfectly.

Sunrise Escape

The morning trail starts early, while the lakes are hazy and the hill roads are nearly empty. The light is soft and the air is cool. Photographers love it.

Sunset Trail with a Lakeside Setup

This is our most requested ride. It runs around five hours, follows scenic roads and ends at a viewpoint with refreshments and, on request, a curated lakeside setup. Our sunset Jeep trail in Udaipur suits couples, small families and friends.

Meeting Your Trail Captain

Part driver, part storyteller. Expect local anecdotes, honest advice on where to stop and a relaxed pace, in English or Hindi.

Photography on the Way

An open-top Willys is a good camera platform and a good subject. Browse our gallery of Udaipur trail photos and tell us which views you want first.

Celebrations and Custom Trails

Birthdays and anniversaries work well on a trail like this. Mention the occasion when you contact GoWilly and we will plan the route and setup around it.

If you areChooseWhyChasing wildlifeJawai or KumbhalgarhBetter habitat, still no guaranteesA coupleSunset Willys trailOpen sky, slow pace, quiet viewpointWith young kidsBagdara or a private jeep trailShort, flexible, easy to pauseA photographerSunrise or golden hour trailSoft light over lakes and hillsShort on timeHalf-day GoWilly trailNo long drive needed

Looking for more adventure activities in Udaipur? A jeep trail pairs well with a lake boat ride or a palace visit.

SeasonMonthsWhat to expectWinterOctober to FebruaryPleasant days, migratory birds at Jawai, easiest seasonMonsoonJuly to SeptemberGreen hills and full lakes, occasional showersSummerMarch to JuneHot, so stick to early mornings and evenings

• Wear closed shoes and breathable clothes, plus a layer for winter mornings.
• Carry water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for dust.
• Keep your phone and camera secure on bumpy stretches.
• Book early for October to March, and sunset slots first.
• Share your hotel, group size and any celebration plans when you enquire.

Is there a jungle safari in Udaipur?

Yes, in a limited sense. Sajjangarh and Kumbhalgarh offer forest drives, and Jawai is the leopard destination a few hours away. Within the city, the closest option is a scenic jeep trail like ours, which is a landscape experience, not a wildlife one.

What is the difference between a GoWilly Jeep safari and a wildlife safari?

A wildlife safari follows fixed forest routes to spot animals. A GoWilly trail is a private vintage Willys Jeep ride through the Aravallis built around scenery, heritage and photography. We do not promise animal sightings.

Can I see leopards on a safari in Udaipur?

Possibly at Jawai, and rarely at Sajjangarh or Kumbhalgarh. No operator can guarantee it.

What is the best time for a jeep safari in Udaipur?

Winter is the most comfortable. The monsoon is lovely for green hills and full lakes. In summer, go early or late.

Do I need to book a jeep safari in Udaipur in advance?

In peak season, yes, and sunset slots go first. Off-season short notice is often possible, but confirming early is safer.

Pick a sanctuary if you want animals. Pick us if you want a slow, private ride through the hills with good stories and a proper sunset. Many guests do both on one trip.

Call or WhatsApp +91 90019 61334, email explore@gowilly.in, or visit GoWilly for current options. We are available 24x7 in English and Hindi, and you can see recent trails on Instagram.

Where Trails Become Stories.