You probably booked Jawai for the leopards, and that is a good reason. Watching one stretch out on a warm rock at sunrise is the kind of thing people talk about for years. Here are the best things to do in Bera Jawai when you are not on a safari.
But a safari drive takes about three hours, and your trip is much longer than that. So what are the best things to do in Bera Jawai when you are not in a jeep? Bera has more going on than most visitors expect. This guide covers hill walks, the dam, a village visit, two hill temples and a few places to visit near Jawai for a spare day. We have kept the list short, with only what is worth your time.
Short answer: Between safaris in Bera Jawai you can walk the granite hills, watch crocodiles and migratory birds at Jawai Dam, visit a Rabari village, see the Dev Giri and Kambeshwar Mahadev temples, or take a day trip to Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh or Narlai. Two nights covers most of it.
Where Is Bera Jawai?
Bera is a small village in Pali district, Rajasthan, set among the granite hills of the Aravalli range. It sits close to Jawai Bandh and can be reached by road from Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. Our guide on how to reach Jawai from Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad has the routes and timings.
Things to Do in Bera Jawai When You Are Not on a Safari
Jawai is not only about leopards. Between drives you have a lot of free time, so here is how we would use it.
Walk the Granite Hills With a Naturalist
The hills around Bera look rough but are not steep. You mostly step over big, flat rocks, so there is no real climbing. Children manage it well, and so do grandparents, just at a slower pace.
Take one of our naturalists along, since they notice things you would walk right past:
- Pugmarks of leopards, hyenas and foxes
- Aravalli plants, some of which locals still use as medicine
- Lizards, insects and small birds
- Quiet corners with good light for photos
Wear proper shoes, because slippers are a bad idea on granite. Carry water, and go early or late, since by noon the rocks are too hot to touch.
Jawai Dam: Crocodiles and Migratory Birds
Jawai Dam is one of the largest dams in western Rajasthan. Work started in 1946 and finished in 1957, on the Jawai River, which flows into the Luni. You do not need to know any of that to enjoy it. Just walk to the edge and look.
Marsh mugger crocodiles lie on the rocks, and you watch them from the embankment, so it is safe. Children can stare at them for ages.
From October to March, thousands of migratory birds arrive from Central Asia and Siberia. Look out for:
- Bar-headed geese
- Sarus and demoiselle cranes
- Knob-billed ducks
- Greater flamingos
Come early or late in the day. Binoculars help, and a phone with a good zoom works too.
Rabari Village Visit Near Jawai
The Rabari are cattle herders who have lived beside these leopards for generations. Locals say people and leopards have shared these hills peacefully for as long as anyone can remember. A guided village visit from Agvani shows you everyday life:
- Food cooked on traditional clay hearths
- Fine hand embroidery
- Warm, easy hospitality
- Handmade textiles you can buy at the Bera market
Please ask before you photograph anyone. Most people say yes, and they appreciate being asked.
What to Do Between Safari Drives in Jawai
Leopard drives run at dawn, from 5:30 to 8:30 AM, and again in the evening, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, which leaves the middle of the day open. Most guests fill it with some mix of these:
- The late morning jungle drive, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, which covers the hills and other wildlife. Our guide to the Jawai jungle safari for solo travelers explains how it differs from a leopard drive, and most of it applies even if you are not alone
- A long lunch, then the pool
- A proper nap, because those 5 AM starts catch up with you
Stargazing Around Bera
With very little light pollution, the skies around Bera are clear on winter nights. After the bonfire, step a little away from the fire for a few minutes and look up. It costs nothing, and many guests say it was their favourite part of the trip.
Two Hill Temples You Should Not Skip
The granite hills around Bera hold two temples that are worth your time. Both come with great views and a wild neighbour or two. Go with a guide for both.
Dev Giri Temple, Where Leopards Share the Stairs
Dev Giri sits on a rocky hill near Jawai Bandh and is dedicated to Ashapura Mata, who locals believe looks after the whole village. The fun part is the neighbours: leopards are known to walk the temple stairs and rest in the caves below. A few ground rules:
- Go with a guide
- Speak softly and stay on the path
- Never climb down toward the caves
- Treat a sighting as a bonus, not a promise
Early morning or evening feels the calmest, and the light on the rocks is lovely.
Kambeshwar Mahadev Temple
This temple is in the Sheoganj area of Sumerpur Tehsil, about 11 km from Jawai Bandh. The road is half the fun: it is narrow, it twists, and it is carved right into the rock face. The view from the top is wide and quiet. Drive slowly, and if anyone gets carsick, give them the front seat. Plan around an hour for the visit and carry water.
Temple Manners in Short
- Cover your shoulders and knees
- Take your shoes off at the entrance
- Keep your phone on silent
- Ask before photographing priests or other devotees
Places to Visit Near Jawai If You Have a Spare Day
Jawai works nicely as a base for short outings. Some stops are close and quick, and others take a whole day. Here is what each one asks of you.
| Place | Rough Distance from Bera | Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shree Abhinav Mahavir Dham, Sumerpur | 15–20 km | About 30 minutes | A calm, quick stop |
| Narlai Village | 30–40 km | About 1 hour | Slow walks, old havelis |
| Ranakpur Jain Temple | 50–60 km | About 1.5 hours | Intricate marble carvings |
| Kumbhalgarh Fort | 85–95 km | 2–2.5 hours | A full day out |
These distances are approximate and change with the route, so confirm them on Google Maps or with our team before you set out.
Shree Abhinav Mahavir Dham, Sumerpur
This is the easiest one to add. It is a peaceful Jain temple in Sumerpur, not far from Bera. Stop here on your way out, or come after a busy day to wind down. One hour is enough.
Narlai Village
Narlai is a tiny village with an old stepwell, a few painted havelis, some temples and local handicraft shops. It suits anyone who likes walking slowly and poking around small lanes. A couple of hours is enough.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The white marble Jain temple at Ranakpur has 1,444 carved pillars, and that is what pulls most people in. But do not only look at the pillars. Look up at the domes and ceilings, because the best carving is up there. Keep half a day for it, drive included, and wear modest clothes.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
UNESCO has listed Kumbhalgarh as a World Heritage Site. The fort wall runs about 36 km, and only the Great Wall of China has a longer one. It is a very big fort, and one full day goes quickly. Leave early in the morning, and carry water and shoes you can walk in for hours. Squeezing it in between safari slots is a bad idea, because you will end up tired and rushed.
Driving in from Udaipur, Jodhpur or Ahmedabad? A couple of these places could be right on your route. The roads and timings are in our guide on how to reach Jawai from Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
A Relaxed 3-Day Plan Without a Safari
Not sure how to fit it all in? Here is an easy plan with the hills, the dam, a village and a temple, plus time to rest. Change anything you like.
| Day | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive by 1 PM, have lunch and rest. Once the afternoon heat drops, head out for a guided walk on the hills. Stay for the sunset, then sit by the bonfire until dinner. |
| Day 2 | Start at Jawai Dam in the morning, where crocodiles and birds may be spotted. Spend the afternoon in a Rabari village. In the evening, visit Dev Giri Temple with your guide. |
| Day 3 | Have a slow breakfast and check out by 10 AM. On the way out, stop at Kambeshwar Mahadev Temple or Mahavir Dham, depending on your route and available time. |
Want a leopard drive in the plan too? Replace any one evening with it. The Jawai leopard safari packages guide shows how drives and stays can be put together. Staying one more night? Use it for Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh or Narlai.
Planning to Stay 2 to 3 Nights?
Check live availability for our tents and cottages and book your dates online. Prefer to talk first? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you fit these activities into your stay.
When to Go
Go between October and March if you can. The days are pleasant, and the dam is full of birds that have flown in for the winter. Mornings can get really chilly, so a warm jacket is a must. In summer it is too hot to be out for long, so plan short trips early in the day.
Want to see it month by month? The best time to see leopards in Jawai guide has all of it.
Visiting in winter? See what to expect on a Jawai leopard safari in December, or plan around the holidays with our Christmas and New Year getaway in Jawai.
Getting Around
Bera is a small place. The hills, the dam and the village visits are all near the resort, and most come with a guide, so there is no need to figure out directions.
You will need a car to reach Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh or Narlai. The resort team can arrange that, so just ask when you book. Roads go very quiet after dark, so try to be back before evening.
What to Pack for Bera Jawai
Closed walking shoes, a warm jacket for winter mornings, sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle and binoculars if you have them.
Is Jawai Good for Families and First-Time Visitors?
Yes. The hill walks are easy, the dam is viewed from a safe embankment, and temple visits are short. Most activities here suit children and older guests when done with a guide.
Why Agvani Resort Works as Your Base
After a full day outdoors, you need a comfortable place to rest. Agvani Resort is right in Bera, so the hills, the food and your bed are all nearby.
Evenings by the Bonfire
Winter nights in Jawai get very cold. The bonfire at the resort solves that, and guests usually end up sharing stories from the day. Cultural events happen here too, so ask the team what is planned for your dates.
Rajasthani Food, Straight From the Farm
The in-house restaurant serves farm-to-table Rajasthani food, and by dinner time you will be hungry. Ask the kitchen about traditional dishes such as dal baati churma, ker sangri or bajra roti, depending on the season, and tell the team about any allergies or spice preferences when you arrive. You can sit indoors with the landscape and tents in view, or outside in the open air.
Pick Your Stay
- Luxury Tent: a camp-style stay close to nature
- Cottage: more space, with a Rajasthani touch
- Cottage With Plunge Pool: the most private option, good for families and longer stays
Rates are MAP (breakfast and dinner included). You also get a pool, Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, power backup, free parking and 24/7 room service. Check the full list on our hotel tariff page, or see more on our activities in Jawai page. See all room types on our accommodation in Jawai page.
Winter Weekends Fill Up First
If you already know your dates, ask early. Plan your Jawai getaway and secure your preferred stay at Agvani Resort.
Plan Your Jawai Stay
Most people come to Jawai for the leopard, and that is fair. But ask anyone who has been, and half their stories are about other things. The cold air on a morning walk. A crocodile lying on a rock as if it has nowhere to be. The hills turning orange when the sun goes down.
Add a temple or a day trip, and you have a full holiday. Rooms go fast in winter, so do not wait for the last week. Book your dates online or message Agvani on WhatsApp with your dates, the number of guests and what you want to do, and the team will help you plan the rest.
FAQs
What can I do in Bera apart from a safari?
Walk the granite hills with a naturalist, watch crocodiles and migratory birds at Jawai Dam, visit a Rabari village, or see the Dev Giri and Kambeshwar Mahadev temples. Evenings are for the bonfire and a quiet look at the stars. Most of these take a few hours, so you can fit several into one day.
How many nights are enough for Bera?
Two nights are enough for most people to see the hills, the dam, a village and a temple, with time left to rest. Choose three nights if you want to add Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh or a leopard safari, since early starts get tiring quickly.
Is Ranakpur or Kumbhalgarh doable in one day from Bera?
Ranakpur is easy and takes about half a day with the drive. Kumbhalgarh is farther and the fort is huge, so plan most of the day and leave early. Doing both in one day is possible but tiring. Ask the resort to arrange a car before you go.
Is Dev Giri Temple safe with leopards around?
Leopards live on that hill and rest in the caves just below the temple, so go with a guide and stay on the path. Speak softly and never walk toward the caves. You may not see a leopard at all, and that is normal for wild animals.
Can children and older people do the hill walk?
Most can. The ground is rocky but the hills are not steep, so it feels more like a slow walk than a climb. The guide sets the pace. If someone has weak knees or tires quickly, tell us when you book and we will keep the walk short.
When should I go for birdwatching at Jawai Dam?
October to March, when birds arrive from Central Asia and Siberia. Early morning is best because it is quiet and the birds are active. Late afternoon also works, with softer light for photos.
Is there an entry fee for Jawai Dam?
Entry details can change, so please ask our team for current information before you go.
Can I visit Jawai without a car?
Yes for local activities, since the hills, the dam and the village visits are close to the resort and come with a guide. Day trips to Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh or Narlai need a car, which the resort can arrange.
Is it worth visiting Jawai in summer?
Yes, especially for leopards, but afternoons are very hot. Keep outings short and early in the day, and rest at the resort in the afternoon.
