Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ratanmahal sloth bear sanctuary


If you are bored with usual city life and you are nature lover then ratanmahal is a place for you. Ratanmahal is situated in dahod district and distance is about 150km from vadodara. It is having 55 sq km area which blessed with reach wildlife wealth.

In this sanctuary you can find 40 types of shrubs, 238 types of hurbs, 48 types of grasses


87 types of climbers, 2 types of partial parasites and 9 types of orchids.



120+ species of birds






23 species of reptiles







176 types of invertebrates
28 types of mammals and 147 types of avifauna.
Apart from that here you can see wide range of reptiles like snakes, monitor lizard, Dussumier’s little skinks, frogs, tortoise and lots of other species. If you are also interested in bird watching then bird life over here is really great. Over here I have seen plenty of birds that includes paradise bee-eater, Black Drongo, Green bee-eater, golden back cookoo ect. Early morning is the best time to see these birds. Don’t forget to bring your binocular with you. Optional items that you can take with you: Trekking shoes , chili paper spray, Torch. Wear dark and green color cloths to fully enjoy animals and birds.
Ratanmahal has a unique type of land structure that enhances its natural beauty.




Main attraction over here is the sloth bear, leopard, hyena and flying squirrel. Population of sloth bear here is around 100+. Best time to watch these animals is night or late evening at water resource. Forest department can arrange a guide and jeep on your request.




Eco tourism provides you traditional food where you can find village taste of different dishes. Food quality is good. In night forest department can arrange camp fire on request.



There is no any private hotel nearby but there are three eco tourism spots running by Gujarat wildlife. 1) Narmada: situated on Panam riverbank and nearby water fall 2) Udhan-mahuda: situated near lake and 3) ratanmahal guest house. All three are surrounded with jungle area, so here you can enjoy natural beauty with peace and fresh environment.












Waterfall: This spot is located on around 3 km from Narmada site. Best time to visit this place is monsoon.





Lake: Udhan-mahuda eco guest house located on this lake where they provide you boating facility.






There are two tribal temple on the hill. One can hire separate jeep to reach this place.







Sunset point: This spot is located on the top and around 6km away from the guest house. Only very experience driver can drive to this way because of bad condition of the road. If you are good mountain trekker and likes adventures then you can trek this hill. On the top you can find animal caves, tribal temple and rest house. If you are lucky enough then you can see panther over here.



How to reach- One can hire car from vadodara and ways is halol->devgadh baria -> dhanpur -> kanjeta.


How to book for eco tourism: you can book any guesthouse from wildlife office of devgadh baria


Booking office number is (02678)220425.