Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Wildlife Haven: Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a pristine wildlife reserve located on the border of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Established in 1982, the sanctuary is famous for harboring the highest population of sloth bears in the entire state of Gujarat. Spanning an area of approximately 55.6 5 square kilometers, the sanctuary features a rugged topography that gives it the feel of a hill station. The forest is a mix of dry teak and deciduous trees, with a high concentration of Mahuda and Jamun trees, which provide the primary food source for the bears. Apart from sloth bears, the sanctuary is home to leopards, hyenas, jackals, antelopes, and over 140 species of birds. The sanctuary also plays a crucial ecological role as it forms the catchment area for the Panam River, a major water source for Central Gujarat. Visitors can explore the forest through designated trekking trails that lead to the Ratanmahal Hill pinnacle, offering spectacular views of the surrounding tribal villages and dense canopy. The sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to observe bears in their natural habitat, especially during the fruiting season of Mahuda trees. The environment is serene and untouched, making it a perfect destination for those looking for an authentic wilderness experience. The forest department manages several eco-campsites nearby, providing basic but comfortable accommodation for nature lovers. It is a place where one can truly connect with nature and appreciate the biodiversity of the eastern Gujarat highlands.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 DaysPlace Type:
Wildlife & AdventureEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Approximately 50 INR for Indian nationals and 200 INR for foreign nationals; vehicle entry fees are extra.
Guide Fee: Hiring a mandatory forest guide costs around 300 to 500 INR depending on the duration of the trek or safari. ...Entry Fee: Approximately 50 INR for Indian nationals and 200 INR for foreign nationals; vehicle entry fees are extra.
Guide Fee: Hiring a mandatory forest guide costs around 300 to 500 INR depending on the duration of the trek or safari.Timing:
Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open from 06:00 AM to 05:30 PM daily; it may close during peak monsoon for safety.
Ideal Visit Time: Reach the check-post by 06:30 AM for the best chance of spotting animals when they are most active. ...Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open from 06:00 AM to 05:30 PM daily; it may close during peak monsoon for safety.
Ideal Visit Time: Reach the check-post by 06:30 AM for the best chance of spotting animals when they are most active.Special Events:
Mahuda Harvest: In the spring, local tribals celebrate the blooming of Mahuda flowers with traditional songs and gatherings, as it is a key event for both bears and humans.
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with specia...Mahuda Harvest: In the spring, local tribals celebrate the blooming of Mahuda flowers with traditional songs and gatherings, as it is a key event for both bears and humans.
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with special awareness programs, film screenings, and guided walks led by forest experts.Best Photo Spots:
The Pinnacle: The view from the top of Ratanmahal hill at sunrise is the most sought-after shot for landscape photographers.
Bear Sightings: Patience is key; a shot of a sloth bear feeding on Mahuda flowers is a prized capture for any wil...The Pinnacle: The view from the top of Ratanmahal hill at sunrise is the most sought-after shot for landscape photographers.
Bear Sightings: Patience is key; a shot of a sloth bear feeding on Mahuda flowers is a prized capture for any wildlife photographer.
Forest Canopy: Use the "looking up" perspective to capture the towering teak and sadad trees against the blue sky for a sense of scale.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Wildlife Safari: Hire a forest-approved vehicle and go on a guided safari to spot sloth bears, leopards, and other forest animals in their natural habitat.
Trekking: Challenge yourself with a trek to the Ratanmahal Hill top for a panoramic view of the forest and the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh.
Bird Watching: Bring your long lenses and binoculars to spot rare birds like the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Grey Jungle Fowl.
Camping: Stay overnight at the Kanjeta or Sagtala eco-campsites to experience the sounds of the jungle under a star-filled sky.
Nature Photography: Capture the diverse flora, including the blooming Mahuda flowers and the dense bamboo brakes that define this unique ecosystem.
Read More
Information
-
Why Famous:
Sloth Bear Capital: Famous for having the densest population of Sloth Bears in Gujarat, making sightings highly likely during the right season.
Ecological Gem: Known for its rich biodiversity and its role as the source of the Panam River, ...Sloth Bear Capital: Famous for having the densest population of Sloth Bears in Gujarat, making sightings highly likely during the right season.
Ecological Gem: Known for its rich biodiversity and its role as the source of the Panam River, which is vital for the region's agriculture. -
Architecture:
Natural Landscape: The "architecture" is defined by the rugged Vindhya hill range, featuring steep slopes and rocky plateaus.
Dimensions: The sanctuary covers 5,565 hectares of protected forest land, with the Ratanmahal hill reaching an el...Natural Landscape: The "architecture" is defined by the rugged Vindhya hill range, featuring steep slopes and rocky plateaus.
Dimensions: The sanctuary covers 5,565 hectares of protected forest land, with the Ratanmahal hill reaching an elevation of over 600 meters.
Eco-Campsites: The forest department has constructed rustic wooden and stone cottages that blend seamlessly with the natural forest environment. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Vadodara Airport (130 KMS) is the nearest; from there, one can take a taxi to Kanjeta village via Devgadh Baria.
By Train: Dahod Railway Station (70 KMS) is the closest major station; you can find local buses or taxis to reach th... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Devgadh Baria (42 KM), 2. Kanjeta Village (2 KM), 3. Sagtala (15 KM), 4. Naladhara Falls (12 KM), 5. Champaner (75 KM), 6. Pavagadh (78 KM), 7. Dahod (60 KM), 8. Chhota Udepur (45 KM), 9. Panam Dam (55 KM), 10. Limkheda (35 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Always stay with your forest guide; sloth bears can be unpredictable and territorial if they feel threatened.
Packing Essentials: Wear dull-colored clothing (greens/browns) to blend in, carry a good pair of binoculars, an...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(862+) of Gujarat Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Bhujia FortBhujodi Handicraft VillageChhatardi Great Rann of KutchHiralaxmi Memorial Craft ParkKalo Dungar Lakhpat FortMandvi BeachMata No Madh TempleNarayan Sarovar Wildlife SanctuaryNirona VillageVande Mataram MemorialVijay Vilas PalaceKuber Bhandari TempleMaharaja Fateh Singh MuseumMaharaja Sayajirao University Makarpura PalaceMandvi GateMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Aurangzeb no Killo
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bavka Shiva Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhamrechi Mata Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharat Tower
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhesasing Nirmal Roz
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chandra Shekhar Azad Chowk
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhab Talav
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kabutari Irrigation Project
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kali Dam & Reservoir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kedarnath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities