Hilltop temple and a granite sundowner
Village shrines sit on several of Jawai's granite hills, many dedicated to local forms of the goddess or to Shiva. Priests and villagers climb the steps daily, and leopards sometimes rest on ledges nearby or pass close to the shrines at night. Local people see no contradiction in this, and the cats are often treated as protected guests of the deity.
With a guide, you climb to one of the temples in the late afternoon, remove shoes at the entrance and watch the evening prayers if they are under way. From the top you see the patchwork of fields, the reservoir and other outcrops where leopards live. Your naturalist may spot movement on neighbouring rocks.
Afterwards the camp sets up a sundowner on a flat rock with drinks and snacks as the light fades. You hear the evening sounds of the village and the alarm calls of langurs. It is the most peaceful hour of a Jawai stay. Steps are steep in places, so tell us about mobility in advance.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Are leopards seen at the temples in Jawai
Sometimes. Leopards live on the same granite hills as several village shrines and are occasionally seen nearby, especially at dusk. Sightings are not guaranteed, and your guide will keep the group at a safe distance and follow the temple's customs.
How many steps are there to the Jawai hill temples
It depends on the temple: some are reached by a short climb of a few minutes, others take 15–20 minutes of steep steps. We choose based on your fitness and interest. Shoes come off at the shrine, so carry socks for hot stone.
Is the sundowner included at SUJÁN Jawai
Sundowners are usually part of the camp's programme, but what is included can vary by season and booking. The camp sets up drinks and snacks on a flat rock above the plains as the light fades, often after a climb to a hilltop temple, and you may hear langurs calling alarm below. We confirm inclusions when we book; check current status before you travel.
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