Birds and crocodiles at the Jawai reservoir
The Jawai Bandh was built across the Jawai river in the mid-20th century and is the largest reservoir in western Rajasthan. It supplies water to a wide area, including Jodhpur in dry years, and its shores and islands hold one of the best populations of mugger crocodiles in the state.
In winter, migratory ducks and geese arrive, and the margins of the lake fill with waders, storks, ibis and egrets. On a good evening you may see large flocks resting on the water. Crocodiles bask on the banks in the afternoon sun, and as the light softens, Rabari herders walk their cattle and goats to the water's edge.
We drive along the shore with a naturalist, stop at favoured spots with binoculars, and end with tea on the bank as the sun goes down. The lake's level depends on the monsoon. In years of very low water, the birds and crocodiles concentrate in smaller areas, and in the monsoon the shoreline changes. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Are there crocodiles at Jawai Dam
Yes. The reservoir has a good population of mugger, or marsh, crocodiles, often seen basking on the banks and islands in the afternoon. They are best seen from the shore with binoculars. Visitors must keep well away from the water's edge.
What birds can you see at Jawai
In winter, migratory ducks and geese, plus resident waders, storks, ibis, egrets and raptors around the reservoir. The scrub and hills add species such as Indian eagle-owl and grey francolin. November to February is the best season for birds. We drive along the shore with a naturalist in the late afternoon, stop at favoured spots with binoculars and end with tea on the bank as herders bring their animals down to drink.
Can you go boating on Jawai Dam
Boating on the reservoir is generally not part of the camp's activities, and rules around the dam restrict access in places. Viewing is from the shore. We drive along the bank with a naturalist instead, stopping at favoured spots to watch mugger crocodiles bask and winter birds feed in the shallows, then end with tea as the sun sets. Check current status before you travel.
Also in Jawai
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