Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

About Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

The forest that is currently under the possession of Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Dahod was originally claimed by the former ruler named Devgarh Baria.The Ratanmahal and Kuberu-morai locales belonging to the the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Dahod happens to be the solitary flat terrain that is mounted on a hill and also the piece of lonesome impenetrable patch of woodlands that persists in this realm. This serves to be the most crucial and substantial domain for the star attention magnet of the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Dahod, the Sloth Bear.

This sanctuary harbours maximum population of sloth bears in the entire state, which is the star attraction in the wilds of Ratanmahals. The sanctuary falls in the Dahod district of Central Gujarat and is located very close to the tribal towns, Baria of Dahod district and Chhota Udepur of Vadodara district. This area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in March 1982. The sanctuary falls on the border of Gujarat with Madhya Pradesh. The actual habitat of the Sloth bear, therefore, extends into Madhya Pradesh. The pristine beauty of forests in this small tract with rugged topography gives the feel of a hill station to wildlife enthusiasts.For learning the habits and behaviour of the sloth bear, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity as they are densely populated here. The sanctuary also has a large population of leopards.

The forests include dry teak forests at the foothills and mixed deciduous forests with dry bamboo brakes on the periphery. There are pure patches of timru and sadad as well. The high concentration of mahuda trees provides a favourite food to sloth bears.

“Sir, do not walk alone or in ones or twos in this jungle; It is a risky and unpredictable beast. It is fearless; so quick to charge and so fast running. It can climb up the trees. It is very mighty and its sharp nails can cause very serious injuries”. If you go to Ratanmahal Sanctuary and talk to some tribal they would most probably describe the sloth bear in the manner mentioned above. Sloth bear indeed is more dangerous than the leopard at times. But, it is a thrilling experience to have a glimpse of the bear in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.

It is never a ‘killing-experience’ if you have a vehicle and if you are accompanied by guards! This is the place, where you may come across a leopard, a palm civet, an Indian civet, four-horned antelope, langurs, Loten’s sunbird, large green barbet, yellow checked tit, crested serpent eagle, grey junglefowl and a pit viper…! A visit to Ratanmahal is indeed rewarding.

Interesting things to Visit

Flora:
Teak, dudhlo, sadad, timru, amla, bamboo, dhavdo, kakadiyo, mahuda, tanach, charoli, ber, jamun, khakhro etc. a total of 543 species of plants are recorded (119 species of trees, 40 species of shrubs, 238 species of herbs, 48 species of grasses, 87 species of climbers, 2 species of partial parasite and 9 species of orchids).

Nearest Visiting places from Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Palanpur:
This place was previously the capital of this princely state and today as the district headquarters has its credits that still speak about historical values from centuries together. This old city is blessed with nature around like encamping hillocks and Aravali Mountains that accelerate tourist visit every year from all over the world. The name Palanpur was given after the name of Palansi Chauhans who dwelled here during the 14th century, later the city came under control of Muslim legends till India’s independence. Palanpur began to prosper during the reign of Nawab Shaeb Sher Khan Lohnai and Nawab sahib Talej Muhammed Khan Lohani in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Palanpur is a major trade center and became thickly populated due to its mercantile growth. This is fertile enough because of the Saraswathi and Banas rivers that flows through the city, the places of visit are Kirti stambh, the Rajmahal, Balaram Mehadev temple and the old palace of Nawab. Zoravar palace is known for its beauty,the golden leaf decorative designs ,wall paintings and the sandalwood staircase exhibits the pomp and glory living of mankind those days and now it’s a government official building that works for the people. The other attractions are two Dargahs and an old stepwell, MithiVav with seven galleries on the wall makes the visitors take an awesome wonder to think that “the historians are real legends”.

Ambaji:
This spot is a scared location with temples around that brings devotees from Gujarat and Rajasthan to this famous Maa Ambaji temple, here the main deity is Goddess Amba. Being a pilgrim center there are several other Jain temples namely Gabbar temple and Kumbharia temple, which adds more serenity to this spot. Basically Ambaji is a spot that consist of tribal population, yet talented and artistic workmanship evokes from here, such as silver smith, potters, arrow makers and basket weavers etc; are the special articles you get from here, the major tribal groups are Bhils and Garacias . Ambaji is, also famously known for its marble sculpture and silver tribal jewelry. The main festival is Bhadrapadi Poornima festival is celebrated here annually, near to Ambaji you have a small town named Kumbhariyaji which is famously known for its beautiful sculpted Jain temples and some other important temples are Neminathji temple , Mahavir swami temple, Parshwanathji temple, Sambhavnathji temple and Shantinathji temple. Poshina port is near to Ambaji at about 45 km of distance.

Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary:
Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Banaskantha District of Gujarat, along Gujarat-Rajasthan border.Ambaji Bhadra Purnima is celebrated in Gujarat with pomp and grandeur. The main event takes place at the shrine of goddess Ambaji near the foothills of Aravalli mountain ranges. Ambaji Bhadra shrine is one of the oldest and attractive shrines in Gujarat. The festival takes place on the full moon night in the month of August or September. The festival and the fair attract tourists from different corners of the country as the devotees have a strong belief on the goddess.

Bhildi:
Here you have a famous Jain pilgrim site and the main attraction is the Bhildiyaji temple.

Danta:
This spot was once the capital of Parmar Rajputs and the majority of population are the Bhil tribes who still sojourn here, this place consist of two main and beautiful palaces for tourist visit. The Ambaji temple and Shri Kumbhariyaji temple are the nearby pilgrimage centers.

Dantiwada:
This spot has two important locations of visit, the Dam and the Agri University which is the major landmark to this place.Dantiwada Dam is located on the outskirts of Dantiwada in Banaskantha District of Gujarat. It is built across the Banas River. It was built in 1965 with the primary aim of flood control and providing water for irrigation projects. The dam measures 61 m in height and 4,832 m in length. The reservoir covers an area of about 40 sq km.

Kondar:
Husain Tekri situated here is a famous place for Azadari programs held on the 22nd of Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar.

Tharad:
This spot is another ancient landscape which still exists, previously Tharad was known by several names such as Thirpur, Thiradi, Thirapadra and Tharapadra. The famous attraction spot here is Shri Tharad Teerth and this town is considered to be a scared on amidst the Jains beliefs and it is said that this spot was established by King Thirupal Dharu. The beautiful idol at Shri Tharad Teerth is Shri Adishwar Bhagwan which is positioned in Padmasna position in Yoga is famously worshipped here. Apart from this unique spot there are some more ten temples to be visited. Shri Vav Teerth and Shri Bhorol Teerth are the famous Jain temples easily accessible by road, accommodations are available for pilgrims.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

**Hotel Maganjis:**Mount road,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India,ph:02974 238337

**Ambika Enterprises Mount Abu Hotel:**Agarsen Old Main Market,Mount Abu,Rajasthan,India,ph:09929152877

Location info

• **Address:**Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary ,Dahod,Banaskatha,Gujarat,India

• **District:**Banaskatha

• Nearest City: Dahod

• Best time to visit: October to March

Climate & weather

Summer, it’s hot and humid with an average temperature of 40 Degrees with hot sandy winds. In Winter, it’s 10 to 20 degrees

History of Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuary in the year 1978 A.D. in the month of May and the region of Jessore is located on the boundary between Rajasthan and Gujarat, situated in India. Jessore Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Gujarat, India, is home to a hilly and rugged terrain, which has within its confines a large number of endangered species. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India, in a way also plays an important role in the sustenance of the green zone beyond the Desert region of Rajasthan, India. Jessore, situated in Gujarat, India, is a safe heaven for the Sloth Bear, which is an animal greatly popular with the tourists and the adventure seeking travelers who come to visit Jessore Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Gujarat, India.

How to reach Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

• Nearest Railway Station: Maranda railway station 2 km

• **Nearest Airport:**Palampur airport at 35 km

**Road Transport:**State owned public transport regular bus services are available from Palampur to major cities like Mandi, Pathankot, and Dharmshala. Public bus fare is less than Rs 2 per km.

Nearest petrol pump

**RM Petrol Pump:**Patan,Gujarat,India

**Jyothi Petrol Pump:**Mahesana,Gujarat,India

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

• Nearest Hospital:
  Gandhi - Lincoln Hospital:Disa,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India
  Trimuriti Hospital:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India,ph:02742 253714

• Society/Community Phone Number:

• **Link:**www.gujaratguideonline.com

Best time to visit Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

October to March for comfortable weather and wildlife sightings.

Timings & opening hours

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Closed during monsoon season (July-September).

Entry fee & tickets

INR 20-50 for Indians. Safari vehicle charges extra.

Duration needed

Half day to full day.

Safety tips

Follow park rules. Do not exit the vehicle in restricted areas. Carry insect repellent. Stay quiet during safaris.

Things to carry

Binoculars, camera, water bottle, hat, insect repellent, light snacks.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport and railway station in the nearest city.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide good coverage across Gujarat’s major cities and tourist areas. 4G is generally reliable in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote areas of Kutch and interior Saurashtra. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Traditional Gujarati thali restaurants and local eateries offer a range of vegetarian dishes.

Things to do at Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Take a nature walk or jeep safari, spot wildlife and birds, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary? October to March.

What wildlife can be seen? Native species including deer, leopards, birds, and reptiles.

Is prior booking needed? Recommended.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Visitor information

Planning your visit to Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

• Language: Gujarati is the local language; Hindi and English are widely understood at tourist sites.
• Getting around: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and state transport buses are readily available. Hiring a private vehicle is recommended for comfort.
• What to wear: Light cotton clothing in summer; light woolens in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress is advised at religious sites.
• Photography: Check for photography restrictions before entering. Some temples and museums may charge a separate camera fee.
• Best time to visit: October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
• Local cuisine: Don’t miss Gujarati thali — a wholesome meal with dal, rice, vegetables, roti, and sweets like dhokla, khandvi, and mohanthal.

Nearby facilities

• ATMs: Available in nearby towns and at major tourist sites.
• Medical facilities: Primary health centers and hospitals can be found in district headquarters.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at major tourist spots; carry hand sanitizer and tissues.

Make your visit to Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary comfortable and hassle-free with these practical visitor tips for Gujarat.

Map & location view

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India. The destination is accessible by road and is well-connected to major cities and towns in the region, making it a convenient addition to any Gujarat travel itinerary.

How to reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is connected to major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara with regular domestic flights.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is connected to the Indian railway network with regular trains from major cities across India.
• By Road: State transport buses, private taxis, and self-drive options are available from nearby cities. Gujarat has a well-maintained network of state highways and national highways.

Use GPS navigation or local maps to find the exact location of this destination in Gujarat. The Gujarat Tourism website provides additional travel resources for visitors.