14 Aug 2019
I did this tour because I wanted to see leopards, but it ended up being far more than that.
We were welcomed to the farm by some traditional drummers, flower garlands and local saffron whisky. After being shown around we were then taken to the family house and served delicious home cooked food, all while being told stories of life in the village.
After lunch it was time for our leopard safari, which at this point felt like a bonus addition as much as the main reason for the trip. After driving for about an hour, the forest opened up to reveal a large lake surrounded by grasslands and watched over by huge rocks. I was excited enough by the sight of flamingos to decide that this trip had been worth it, but when just as it was about to get dark we saw a leopard perched atop of a cliff, the experience was complete.
We returned to the farm for more food, more saffron whisky and fell asleep under the stars.
This trip provides a great insight into rural Indian life that would be hard to come by otherwise, and the real stars of the show were Kuldeep and family who provided amazing hospitality, and our excellent guides Raghu and Baddu who kept us laughing at all times.
Can't recommend highly enough!