Been Looking for a Sign to Visit Jawai? This Boutique Hotel Is The Answer

Jawai in Rajasthan is just a three-hour drive from Udaipur, but the moment you arrive, it feels like time slows down. The roads grow quieter, the landscape turns rugged, and suddenly you are surrounded by granite hills, calm lakes, and wide-open skies. This is a place where leopards and humans live side by side, peacefully and without fear. For years, the local communities here have shared their land with wildlife, creating a rare harmony that feels both humbling and inspiring.

Our journey led us to WelcomHeritage Cheetgarh, a boutique property tucked close to Bera village, home to the Rabari community. Set amid granite hills and wild forests, and overlooking its own private lake, the resort offers guided safaris, birdwatching walks, and quiet moments that allow you to truly absorb the landscape. From the moment you arrive, the warmth of the staff makes you feel at home. From the friendly greetings at the gate to the traditional Rabari attire worn by the staff, their gentle smiles and attentive care linger in your memory long after you check out.

Accomodation

With its rustic, minimal, and simple aesthetic, the 20-room property allows natural beauty to take centre stage. Cheetahgarh Resort offers plush rooms, some with private pools, along with a spa designed for deep unwinding. What truly stands out is the naturally illuminated pathways and the architecture of the property, which prioritises openness—less construction and more greenery.

The rooms range from lake-view villas that open onto peaceful water vistas at sunrise and sunset, to chalets with garden views where you wake up to the scent of earth and birdsong. For something extra special, there’s a chalet with a private pool—your own cool retreat after a day of adventure. The property also features plush tents known as Khema Luxury Suites. Surprisingly spacious and well-appointed, these tents offer large bedrooms, private outdoor decks, and ample space for families or friends to stay together comfortably.

As the name suggests, the lake-view villas overlook the private water body, offering pristine sunset views and, if you’re lucky, crocodile sightings. Stepping onto the balcony instantly brings a sense of stillness, calm, and slow living. While the rooms are modern, mornings begin with soft sunlight dancing on the water and distant bird calls. Evenings arrive gently, carrying cooler air and skies painted in shades of pink and gold.

Dining

Dining at WelcomHeritage Cheetgarh is all about comfort. The property’s USP lies in its traditional Rajasthani cuisine, though the restaurants also serve multi-cuisine fare. The Rotela Café serves fresh local and international dishes, and there’s also a unique experience called Jawai Under The Sky—open-air dining beneath a blanket of stars, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the wild.For lunch, however, you can’t leave without trying the traditional Rajasthani thali by Chef Himat. Dishes like ker sangri and dal moot areabsolute must-tries.

On cold winter evenings, when all you want is a dining experience that feels like a warm hug, the private outdoor dining on the rock—overlooking the lake—or at Camp Jagtala, the property’s private farm close to several leopard caves, feels truly quintessential.

The most recent addition, The Waterside Grill, becomes the heart of the property at night—glowing softly and inviting guests to slow down. From freshly baked pizzas and pastas to perfectly paired tipples, it’s an evening to remember.

The Safari Experience

Adventure in Jawai doesn’t arrive with noise or haste. It comes quietly, early in the morning or just before sunset. Each day, safari jeeps head out to explore the rocky hills and scrub jungles where leopards roam. With a naturalist guiding you, every rustle in the bushes becomes an exciting possibility.

The guides are patient and deeply knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and share stories about the land. We set out on a leopard safari with Irfan, a naturalist who knows these hills like the back of his hand, and Uttam, our skilled driver who gave us a thrilling off-roading experience. The terrain here is unlike any other—pathways aren’t pre-made but created based on calls and sightings. Adding to Jawai’s charm is the lack of over-tourism, allowing animal sightings and pristine forests to flourish.

As we moved through rocky paths and scrub forests, Irfan spoke softly about the land, the birds, and the leopards. On our way back, we stopped to catch a glimpse of local life in Bera village, learning about the Rabari community and sampling a cup of goat’s milk tea—something we highly recommend. The locals, much like the landscape, are warm and welcoming, greeting you with genuine smiles. Their traditional attire, with turbans in vibrant colours, offers a refreshing contrast to saturated city fashion.

As the day fades, sunset and high tea at Jawai Dam feel like a Cheetahgarh ritual. With a cup of hot tea in hand, we watched the sun dip below the horizon as stars slowly took over the sky. The air was still, the world felt softer, and sleep came easily.

If safaris aren’t your calling, you can spend the day birdwatching around the lake or unwind at the Svasti Spa with soothing treatments that relax tired muscles after a day in the wild. The resort also offers archery, cycling, guided village walks, and stargazing sessions under the clear desert sky.

For reservations: Call +91 9711119344