In Pics: 7 Tiger Reserves With Highest Chances Of Leopard Sightings In India

Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in Nallamala Forest tops the list of India's 55 tiger reserves for its leopard population, estimated to be 360, according to this report. Leopard density from NSTR is not significantly different from previous estimate of 2018, however more than 250 Adult leopards were photo-captured from NSTR alone, the largest single population.

There are as many as 256 leopards in Panna Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. Panna Tiger Reserve and Kuno National Park reflect some of the highest leopard densities recorded in India.

Alwar's Sariska Tiger Reserve boasts the highest density of leopard, with 167 individuals. The 2022 report, which estimates that every third leopard is found inside national parks, sanctuaries or tiger reserves, says Sariska is home to 21.43 leopards in every 100sq km, making it the highest density among all camera-trapped sites across the country.

Leopard count in Satpura is 215. While all the Tiger Reserves of Central India will promise great chances of spotting Tigers, Satpura is blessed with the treasure of Leopards. The thrill of safaris is to believe that on every rustle of the dry leaf, a leopard might be crouching with its hind legs folded inwards ready to take a swish. 

The Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, India holds a significant number of leopards. As of the end of March 2024, the Melghat Tiger Reserve had the maximum leopard population in the state of Maharashtra at 233. The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati District. The main river of the sanctuary is the Aadan River.

The highest number of leopards is found in Uttarakhand's Rajaji Tiger Reserve. It is estimated that there are as many as 171 leopards. The leopard population in Rajaji has increased with a sudden speed, possibly because of the absence of a more potent predator. You can take a leopard spotting tour in Rajaji National Park. The spotter tour ensures a 99% success rate of spotting leopards.

Madhya Pradesh's Kanha Tiger Reserve has 157 Indian leopards. Central Indian Highlands of Kanha Tiger Reserve falls in the districts of Balaghat and Mandla. This reserve covers an area of 940 square kilometers. The reserve is also home to populations of Bengal tigers, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, and variety of deer such as barasingha, gaur, spotted deer, and sambar.