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NATURE · WILDLIFE · SLOTH BEARJessore Sloth Bears
The shaggy bears of the Aravallis — the sloth bears of Jessore, the shy, honey-loving residents that make this rugged sanctuary one of Gujarat's prime bear habitats.
Shy bears of the hills
The star residents of the Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary are its sloth bears — the shaggy, long-clawed, honey-and-termite-loving bears that give the sanctuary much of its fame. Shy and largely nocturnal, they roam the rocky Aravalli hills and dry forests, digging for insects and foraging for fruit and honey, and are most likely to be glimpsed at dawn or dusk near water or feeding sites.
The bears share the sanctuary with leopard, striped hyena, nilgai and a strong Aravalli birdlist, so a quiet dawn walk pays even when the stars stay hidden. Pair Jessore with Balaram-Ambaji’s sanctuary and temple country next door for a full north-Gujarat wild day.
Seeing a sloth bear takes realistic expectations: they are shy, largely nocturnal and superbly camouflaged against the Aravalli scree, so most sightings come at first and last light near the waterholes, and many good visits end with tracks, diggings and torn termite mounds rather than the animal itself. Go with a forest-department guide, keep voices down, and never close distance on a bear — mothers with cubs are the sanctuary’s one genuine danger.
The sanctuary sits in Banaskantha’s far north near the Rajasthan line, with entry arranged at the gates; November to February is the comfortable season, and the Kedarnath Mahadev temple inside the sanctuary gives the walk a destination.
Jessore is one of the important strongholds for the species in Gujarat, and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts protect not just the bears but the whole hill ecosystem of leopard, antelope and birds. Sightings take patience and luck, but the chance to see these unusual bears in the wild is a real draw.
(Wild animals; keep your distance; go with a guide.)
A sloth bear, Jessore.
Shaggy, long-clawed, and glimpsed at dusk
The Aravalli hills.
Shaggy and long-clawed, the sloth bears are the sanctuary's most famous residents.
Shy and largely nocturnal, they are best glimpsed at dawn or dusk near water.
Jessore is one of the key habitats for the sloth bear in Gujarat.
Conservation here protects the whole hill ecosystem, not just the bears.
Reasons to make the time
Sloth bears
The shaggy, long-clawed bears are Jessore's famous residents.
Honey-lovers
They forage fruit, honey and termites through the rocky scrub.
Dawn/dusk
Dawn and dusk near water give the best sighting odds.
Aravalli hills
The Aravalli's rocky slopes are exactly the habitat they need.
A stronghold
Jessore is among Gujarat's key sloth-bear strongholds.
Conservation
Protecting the bears protects the whole hill ecosystem.
What to look for inside
THE BEARSSloth bear
The famed resident.
THE HABITATAravalli hills
Their rocky home.
HONEYHoney-lovers
Foraging foragers of fruit and honey.
DAWN/DUSKBest sightings
Most active at dawn and dusk.
STRONGHOLDA key habitat
One of Gujarat's prime bear habitats.
ECOSYSTEMThe whole hills
Leopard, antelope and birds, too.
How to spend an hour or two
Look for bears at dawn
Or at dusk — the bears are most active in the cool low-light hours.
Go with a guide
For the best chance of a safe and rewarding sighting.
Watch quietly
Keep your distance and let the wild animals be undisturbed.
Learn their habits
Honey and termites are the staples of the sloth bear's diet.
Support conservation
Protect the hills and the whole ecosystem the bears depend on.
Be patient
Sightings take luck — give the sanctuary time and stay alert.
A Jessore sloth bear.
Bears of the Aravallis
The sloth bears of Jessore — shaggy, long-clawed, honey-and-termite-loving and largely nocturnal — roam the sanctuary’s rocky Aravalli hills, glimpsed at dawn or dusk.
More places to visit across the district are gathered in our Banaskantha travel guide.
Jessore is a key Gujarat stronghold for the species, its conservation protecting the whole hill ecosystem. Sightings take patience and luck.
A key sloth-bear stronghold
Shy, nocturnal bears
Best seen at dawn/dusk
Whole-ecosystem conservation
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season for an unhurried visit to the hills.
Green hills and waterfalls bring the Aravallis to life after the rains.
Hot and dry — start early and avoid the harsh midday heat.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; combine the goddess temples of Ambaji with the hills and the border at Nadabet.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Best in the cool season
- An easy Banaskantha stop
- Pair with nearby sights
- Permits/guides apply
- Keep your distance
- Best at dawn/dusk
- Carry water & shoes
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~180 km).
By Rail
Palanpur Junction / Abu Road.
By Road
Ambaji / Palanpur.
At Jessore Sloth Bears
WILD & SHY
The bears of Jessore
What to shoot
Bears (from afar).
Setting
Aravalli hills.
Best time
Dawn / dusk.
Tip
Use a long lens.
Know before you go
More to see close by
1Kumbhariya Marble
Five jewel-like Jain temples of breathtaking carving
Koteshwar
A Shiva shrine at the river’s source — Koteshwar near Ambaji, an ancient Mahadev temple by…
PALACEBalaram Palace
A regal heritage retreat near Palanpur
NATUREBalaram-Ambaji
Forested hills rich in wildlife
TOWNPalanpur
Attar-scented district capital
FORESTIqbalgarh
Quiet woodlands & hill trails
Where to eat near Jessore Sloth Bears
THALINorth Gujarati Thali
Hearty regional meals.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
STREETAmbaji prasad & street
Sweets & snacks.
Local fare
Simple North-Gujarat food; Ambaji sweets.
Jessore Sloth Bears FAQ
What is Jessore Sloth Bears?
The star residents of the Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary are its sloth bears — the shaggy, long-clawed, honey-and-termite-loving bears that give the sanctuary much of its fame. Shy and largely nocturnal, they roam the rocky Aravalli hills and dry forests, digging for insects and foraging for fruit and honey, and are most likely to be glimpsed at dawn or dusk near water or feeding sites.
Where is it?
Jessore sanctuary, Banaskantha.
Is there an entry fee?
Permit.
When should I visit?
October to March, in the cooler season.
What's nearby?
Ambaji, Kumbhariya, Balaram and Nadabet.
How long does it take?
Half a day.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026