Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary -Banaskantha |
About: |
Wildlife tour of Gujarat will bring you close to the diverse and colorful flora and fauna of the state. Out of several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the most popular. The sanctuary is located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat and is famed for its population of Sloth Bears.The Jessore hills of Aravali ranges cut across the fringes of the sanctuary, from which it derives its name. The area was officially declared a sanctuary in May 1978. It is a transition zone between the desert ecosystem and the dry deciduous forest ecosystem.
Sloth Bears, unlike other species of bears, move in groups. Other than these, the next most important animal found at Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Gujarat is the Leopard. There are a number of other animals too that thrive in these forests including Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine, Indian Civet Cat, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, Fox, Jackal, Blue Bull, Hare and Langur.You will also come across the reptilian kingdom during your tour to Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat that boasts of snakes, tortoises and lizards. The avifauna comprise Cuckoos, Spurfowls, Barbets, Flycatchers, Woodpeckers, Tree Pies, Shrikes, Storks, Spoonbills, Egrets, Cranes and a plenty of Raptors. A must visit for all wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is best visited in post monsoon months and winters. Getting to the sanctuary is not difficult as it is easily accessible by a good network of transport. The nearest bus station is at Palanpur, which is located at a distance of 28 km. So make sure to include it in your next travel to Gujarat, India. Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the Banaskantha district, 45 kms. from Palanpur. Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1978, this 180.66 sq.km. forest tract of Jessore hill and adjoining areas is endowed with several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conservation of depleting Aravali ecosystem. This area act as a buffer and separates the desert ecosystem from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The tree clad terrain helps in arresting the process of desertification and advancement of Thar desert.Located in the folds of Arravali hills. Jessore hill is the second highest peak in Gujarat.The sanctuary is known more for the endangered Sloth Bear. The other important faunal species are leopards, Rhesus macaque, Indian civet cat, porcupine, fox, striped, hyena, wild boar .The multistoried forest provides a suitable habitat for variety of birds ranging from land birds to water birds. As per the IUCN classification many rare and endangered species of birds are also found in this sanctuary. The reptiles include snakes, tortoises and lizards of various types. The rarest Indian Python is observed beyond Muni ji ki kutia. A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, takes the seeking out tourist and adventurist among them, to the Jessore Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Gujarat, India. Jessore Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Gujarat, India, offers a rare opportunity to the visitors to be one with the gifts and the tenor of nature in the confines of the Jessore Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Gujarat, India. |
Location info: |
Address:Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Banaskantha,Gujarat,India |
District: Banaskatha |
Nearest City: Palanpur |
Best time to visit: October to May |
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: |
Jessore Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Gujarat, India, was declared a 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. Jessore 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. |
Interesting things to do: |
Interesting things to Visit: |
Fauna: Important animals- Sloth bear, leopard, striped hyena, jackal, four-horned antelope, mongoose, porcupine, civet cat, jungle cat, hanuman langur etc. Cobra, krait, Saw-scaled viper, Russel's viper and Bamboo pit viper are the main venomous snakes found here. Python, Rat snake, Red sand boa, Trinket are the non-venomous snakes. Star tortoise, Flap-shell turtle, Chameleon and Termite hill gecko are also found here. Important birds : 147 species of birds are recorded here 16 of which are terrestrial (nesting and foraging on ground such as grey jungle fowl, partridge, quail etc.). Alexandrine parakeet, common babbler, crested serpent eagle, green pigeon, hoopoe, lesser golden-backed woodpecker, grey jungle fowl, tailor bird etc. are some common species.
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How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Linked with Ahmedabad,Mehsana,Railway station |
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad at 155 Kms.airport |
Road Transport:State transport buses and Private Luxury coaches connects various centers of Gujarat. It is situated 155 Kms from Ahmedabad. The railway station and the bus station are at a distance of one km. Local Transport: Buses and taxis are available for travel within the city. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
Dabhoi: This ancient fortified town, originally known as Darbhavati, and given significant mention in the Jain scriptures of Girnar, was first walled by Solanki rulers and then developed by the Vaghelas and is impressive both in its sweeping grandeur and its fine detail. Legend has it that the mason who built Hira Gate, today the least weathered of the four gates, was buried alive within it for misappropriating city labor and materials to build a talav for his lover, so ponder love and justice as you look up at the magnificent structure. In more recent history, the town is significant for its narrow-gauge railway station, the largest in Asia, and one of the oldest in the world which was still functioning till a few years ago.
Palanpur: Ambaji: Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary: Bhildi: Danta: Dantiwada: Kondar: Tharad: |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Shiv Shakthi Petrol Pump:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India
RM Petrol Pump:Patan,Gujarat,India Jyothi Petrol Pump:Mahesana,Gujarat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Cappal:State Highway,Palanpur,Gujarat,India,ph:02742 250777
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 |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station: |
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 |
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Ambaji Temple |
At a distance of 65 Kms from Palanpur and 45 Kms from Mt. Abu near Gujarat Rajasthan border the religious town of Ambaji is located. This town is famous for the Maa Ambaji temple, one of the richest and holiest temple in Gujarat attracting lakhs of pilgrims from Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan every year. The original seat of Ambaji Mata is on Gabbar Hilltop, which is 3 Kms away from Ambaji town. Ambaji Mata temple is one of the 51 shakti peeths where it is believed the heart of Goddess Parvati fell.....more |
Dantiwada Dam |
Dantiwada Dam is located on the outer reaches of Dantiwada in Banaskantha District of Gujarat. The dam stands across the Banas River and was built in 1965. The primary aim behind building the Dantiwada Dam was flood control and providing water for irrigation projects in the state. The dam is 61 m high and 4,832 m long. The reservoir encompasses an area of about 40 sq km.The dam currently a prime tourist attraction of the district and pulls hoards of visitors to its scenic surroundings and natural beauty. Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary is located nearby which forms the separation point between the Dantiwada Dam and Dharoi Dam....more |
Ambaji Gabbar Hill |
Gabbar Hill is in Gujarat, near the Rajasthan border about 5 km away from Ambaji Temple. It is about 480 m high and has an area of over 8 sq km. This pilgrim center near the origin of the Saraswati River is steeped in legends. It is believed to be the original abode of the Hindu goddess Ambaji. Ambaji's 'footprints' on this hill is a major pilgrim attraction. Devotees are said to hear Ambaji's voice at the cave of Ambaji. On the hill, there is also a small temple.The Mountain or Hill of Gabbar has also a small temple fortified from the western side and there are 999 steps to go up to the mountain and reach this holy temple at the top of Gabbar Hill. A Holy Lamp is constantly burning on this hill temple facing exactly in front of Visa Shree Yantra of Nij Mandir of Mata Shri Arasuri Ambica. An aerial ropeway also connects the temple at the hilltop.The fort was made in the 15th century near the joining confluence of two holy rivers. One can see the local tribal villages working as silversmiths, potters, arrow makers as well as basket weavers....more |
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.Undulating hills of Aravali, supporting the dry deciduous forests of North Gujarat, provide an unimaginable beautiful ambience to Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary derives its name from two historical temples- Balaram and Ambaji, situated at the opposite corners of the sanctuary.....more |