Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary -Dahod

About:

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.

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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).

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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.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

RM Petrol Pump:Patan,Gujarat,India

Jyothi Petrol Pump:Mahesana,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

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

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