Tuesday, 06 October 2009 05:10

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary -Banaskantha

About:

The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located in the Aravalli hills, is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the Indian sloth bear. It spans over 180 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and birdwatchers.  

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.



Location info:

Location: Near Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India.
Coordinates: 24.500° N, 72.250° E
Nearest City: Palanpur
Best time to visit: October to May

Climate/Weather:

Summer (March to June): Hot, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. Monsoon (July to September): Experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, with temperatures between 25°C to 35°C. Winter (October to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The best time to visit is during winter.

History:

Established in 1978, the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary was set up to protect the endangered sloth bear species and other wildlife. The sanctuary’s landscape includes the semi-arid forests of the Aravalli range, which provide an ideal habitat for sloth bears, leopards, and other wildlife.

Interesting things to do:

Wildlife Safari:
Go on a safari to spot sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, foxes, jungle cats, and various species of deer.

Birdwatching:
The sanctuary is home to over 100 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Nature Walks:
Explore the sanctuary's trails and enjoy the rich biodiversity, with sightings of various flora and fauna.

Interesting things to Visit:

Jessore Hill:
The highest point in the sanctuary, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Ratanmahal Waterfall: Located within the sanctuary, this seasonal waterfall is a beautiful spot, especially during and after the monsoon.

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).

Mobile range info:

Mobile network coverage can be patchy, but most major service providers offer limited connectivity in certain areas of the sanctuary.

How to reach?

By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (about 185 km away).
By Train: The nearest railway station is Palanpur Junction, about 45 km from the sanctuary.
By RoadThe sanctuary is well-connected by road. Buses and private taxis are available from Palanpur, Ahmedabad, and other nearby towns.

Nearest Visiting places:

Ambaji Temple (40 km):
A famous Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Ambaji.

Mount Abu (70 km):A popular hill station with attractions like Nakki Lake and Dilwara Temples. 

Balaram Palace Resort (25 km):
A historic palace now converted into a luxury resort, ideal for relaxation.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

The nearest petrol pump is located in Palanpur, approximately 45 km from the sanctuary.  

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Cappal:State Highway,Palanpur,Gujarat,India,ph:02742 250777

Palanpur:Offers a range of hotels and lodges for various budgets. 

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:

Binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing and photography. Comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and a hat/cap. Water bottles and snacks, as options within the sanctuary are limited. Insect repellent and sunscreen for protection.

Tips & Suggestions:

Obtain necessary permits for entry and wildlife safaris from the Forest Department. Visit during early morning or late evening hours for better chances of spotting wildlife. Respect the wildlife and do not litter or make loud noises during your visit.

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

Video

Dynamic View

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