Name: Jawai Dam
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Jawai Bandh, Rajasthan Overview

Jawai Bandh, a dam constructed across the Jawai river, near Sumerpur town in Pali district is one of the largest reservoirs in Rajasthan. Built by King Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in 1956-57 with an aim to pump water for irrigation, this reservoir has since then been supplying water to Jodhpur and villages in Pali and Jalore districts. The dam is spread over an area of 500 square kilometres and has a height of 61 feet.

The place is a treasure trove for nature and wildlife lovers for its captivating topography, and leopard safaris and bird watching activities. The landscape of the dam is filled with granite hills, scattered boulders, caves, with a stream passing through the middle, dividing the landscape. The granite hills are believed to have been formed millions of years ago. It is one place where a visitor can spot birds, leopards and also crocodiles. The place is famous for attracting many winged visitors, especially the iconic sarus cranes. Visitors also have the option of camping here.

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What To Expect

Among the birds that flock here, one can expect to see pelicans, ducks, cormorants, storks, sandpipers, egrets, ibis, herons, flamingos, coots, plovers and the endangered species of lapwings too. Migratory birds like brown and black headed gulls, bar-headed goose, demoiselle crane, tufted porchard, garganey, et al come in huge numbers here.

A flock of birds taking a flight at Jawai Bandh — Source

Among the rugged rocks that dot the river, one may also find crocodiles, either lazing around on the sandbeds or in the midst of the hunting activity. At the father end of the rocky hillocks and amidst the greys of the granite hills, one may spot a lone leopard or a leap of them roving around. Because, the Jawari Bandh is also a leopard conservation reserve and the mountains are supposedly inhabited by the leopards.

There are many private safaris promising you a glimpse of the big cats. Not just leopards, the dam also shelters panthers, hyenas, chinkaras, nilgai, bears and wolves.

Temples Near Jawai Dam

Dev Giri Temple, that houses the local deity Ashapura Mataji, is a monolith temple. It comes as no surprise to regular visitors if they come across a leopard walking nearby. The temple is frequented not just by humans, but also the wild cats. Apparently, there has not been a single attack on humans in the villages so far. The villagers say they maintain a healthy relationship with the leopards. There are no reports of them preying on the cattle too. The villagers too reciprocate the gesture by staying away from the wildlife here.

Kambeshwar Mahadev Temple
It is an ancient temple located at a distance of 11 km from Jawai Bandh. One has to reach the temple through serpentine roads which are carved out of the hill. The temple organises an annual fair in the month of November.

Abhinav Mahavir Dham
A splendidly-built Jain temple at a distance of 8 km from Jawai Bandh. The murals inside the temple depicting the history of the religion and the collectables from the past make it an interesting visit. The place is steeped in silence, making it ideal for people to meditate.

What is Jawai Dam Famous For?

The place is also known for Rabari, a nomadic tribe, which is mostly seen in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab The shepherds can be found with their sheep in the nearby grasslands. Myth has it that Lord Shiva had sent them to Earth to look after the camels owned by Goddess Parvati. The tribe is matriarchal, with the women tending to all business affairs and the men overseeing the herds.

Best Time To Visit

Jawai Bandh has a hot and arid climate in summers. However, the temperature plunges to 10 degrees in winters. October to April is the ideal time to visit the place as it is during the winters that many migratory birds come here. As for leopards, though they can be spotted round the year, chances of spotting them are high during winters.