Tuesday, 06 October 2009 05:10

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary -Banaskantha

About Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

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 Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

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 of Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

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.

 

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:

How to reach Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary?

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 from Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

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:
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 nearby Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

Shiv Shakthi Petrol Pump:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India

 

RM Petrol Pump:Patan,Gujarat,India

Jyothi Petrol Pump:Mahesana,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

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 for Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary:

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