Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary -Banaskantha

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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. This picturesque area was constituted as a Wildlife Sanctuary by Government of Gujarat on 7th August' 1989 for the purpose of protection, propagation and development of wildlife and its environment.The area is characteristically rich in floral diversity- particularly medicinal plants. It has numerous floral and faunal species of global conservation significance.

The rare flora comprises Kadaya (giving medicinal gum), Gugal, and Musali etc. The predominant trees are- Khair, Salai, Modad, Dhavada, Khakhara, Timru. During late winters (February-March) Khakhara- the flame of the forests- known by many different names such as- Palash, Tesu, Kesudo, Dhak etc. is generally in bloom with its striking red colour resembling flames in the forests.The rare animals include sloth bear, striped hyena, leopard, bluebull, porcupine, fox, small Indian civet, Indian pangolin and a number of reptiles including venomous and non-venomous snakes, monitor lizards, star tortoise etc. The rare birds of this area are adjutant Stork, spoonbill, osprey, white backed Vulture and black vultures.

The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conserving the depleting eco-system of Aravalis and in controlling the southward expansion of Thar desert. The forest areas, interspersed with numerous hills and hillocks form the watershed for Dantiwada and Dharoi dams of north Gujarat. It also constitutes part of the catchment areas of Sabarmati and Banas, which are two important rivers of north Gujarat. The ecological boundaries of the sanctuary get amalgamated with forests of Rajasthan State in the north and spreads into agricultural fields all around providing ecological security and ameliorated environment to the semi arid region of North Gujarat which is threatened by expanding desert.

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Flora:
The unique ecosystem harbours 483 species of plants including 107 of trees, 58 of shrubs, 219 of herbs, 49 of climbers, 40 of grass and 10 species of lower plants. Modad, khair, dhavado, saledi, kadaya, timru, khakhara, bor, desi baval, bili, dudhi, golar, kanji, indrajav, karanj, arjun sadad, jamun, behda etc.

Ambaji Temple:
Ambaji temple is situated at Ambaji town, in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The temple, the holy the seat of Ambe Mata - the Mother Goddess, is a popular pilgrim place for Hindus. People of Gujarat take the name of the Goddess in high regard. Ambaji temple is also considered as one of the Shakti Peethas in India. The Goddess is a manifestation of Shiva's consort, Parvati. Ambe Mata is the Adya Shakti- the primordial female power, the Mother Goddess.The Navratri celebrations are organized on a large scale in the Ambaji temple. During the festival, a huge fair is organized here every year. People celebrate the occasion with great pomp and show. They sing and dance in praise of the glory of the Goddess. The temple is located on the Arasur hill in the Aravalli Range. The most fascinating feature of the shrine is that it does not contain any idol. It only has a yantra, made of marble which is engraved at a spot.

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. There are 999 steps to go up to this temple.

Balaram Mahadev Temple:
14 km from Palanpur, HH Nawab Saheb Sir Taley Muhammad Khan built the Balaram palace as a hunting lodge, holiday palace and riverside retreat, inspired it is said, by his Australian queen. This is where he entertained important guests like the Maharajah of Kashmir and British dignitaries.The palace is in a neo-Classical Baroque style, with arcades and classical columns. It has now been taken over by a private entrepreneur, and opened as a resort. The huge gardens, their contours clearly defined, have been landscaped to blend exotic plants, bridges and ramps for easy access into the original Nawabi design. The entrance pathway is lit by lampposts resembling parabadis, the traditional bird feeding posts of Gujarat. The place has been painted in a gracious creamy tone, and glass has been added to protect the interiors from dust. Interiors have been newly appointed, as the original furniture was stolen, with modern handcrafted pieces, and western style bathrooms, televisions, telephones and refrigerators have been added to the rooms for the modern traveller.

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Banaskantha:
This district of Gujarat is known to be the thickly populated city with over 2 million people reside, the area is 12,703 sq.km approx. The Palanpur town is the district headquarters and is famous for perfumeries, Banas dairy, Vadhiyari buffaloes and kankrej cows. Being thickly populated this town is said to be noted for manpower contribution for India’s diamond industry and various trade too…moreover, Banaskantha is blessed by nautral values such as Marble quarries and copper deposits, the major cropping here will be Bajra and also a fertile land for agriculture evokes a university at Dantiwada is mark to the district. Ambaji and Kumbaria are the famous temples here that pull in devotees as an important pilgrimage centers. The next best picnic spot could be Balaram a nearby place to this district, apart from these importance the places like Ambaji, Disa, Dantiwada, Palanpur and Radhanpur are the main towns around here enhance tourism.

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.

Jessore Sioth Bear Sanctuary:
This wildlife sanctuary is spread over at an area of 180 sq.km and famously known for sloth bear. Other wild animals like leopards, sambar deer, blue bull, wild boar, porcupine and variety of birds are also found here, it’s a haven to the beasts to beautify planet earth.

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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