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NATURE · SANCTUARY · SLOTH BEARJessore Sanctuary
Realm of the sloth bear — the Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary, a rugged range of Aravalli hills on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, famed as a refuge for sloth bears and birds.
Hills of the sloth bear
The Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary protects a rugged stretch of the Aravalli hills in northern Banaskantha, along the border with Rajasthan, around the high peak of Jessore. Best known as one of Gujarat’s important refuges for the sloth bear, the sanctuary’s dry forests, hills and valleys also shelter leopard, hyena, wild boar, antelope, porcupine and a rich variety of birds.
With trails, viewpoints and dramatic hill scenery — including waterfalls in the monsoon — it is a rewarding destination for wildlife and nature lovers, and an eco-tourism camp offers a base. Combined with nearby Balaram and Ambaji, it rounds out Banaskantha’s wilder, greener side. (A protected sanctuary; permits/guides; best in winter.)
Jessore hills, Banaskantha.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
The sanctuary hills.
A high Aravalli summit.
A key refuge.
Hills and valleys.
Trails & a camp.
Reasons to make the time
Sloth bears
A famed refuge.
Aravalli hills
Rugged terrain.
Leopard & more
Varied wildlife.
Rich birdlife
Many species.
Monsoon falls
Seasonal cascades.
Eco-camp
A nature base.
What to look for inside
Jessore
Aravalli wilds.
Sloth bear
The famed resident.
How to spend an hour or two
Look for sloth bears
The famed residents.
Walk the trails
Through dry forest.
Spot the birds
Many species.
See the hills
Dramatic scenery.
Visit the eco-camp
A nature base.
Go in winter
The best season.
Jessore’s Aravalli hills.
A hill wildlife sanctuary
The Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary protects rugged Aravalli hills on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border — a famed refuge for sloth bears, with leopard, antelope and rich birdlife in dry forests, monsoon waterfalls and an eco-tourism camp. Banaskantha’s wilder, greener side. (Permits/guides; best in winter.)
A famed sloth-bear refuge
Rugged Aravalli hills
Leopard, antelope & birds
Eco-tourism camp & trails
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Green hills and waterfalls.
Hot and dry — start early.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; pair the temples of Ambaji with the hills and the Rann-edge at Nadabet.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Best in the cool season
- An easy Banaskantha stop
- Pair with nearby sights
- Permits/guides apply
- Best Nov–Feb
- Don't disturb wildlife
- Carry water & sturdy shoes
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~180 km).
By Rail
Palanpur Junction / Abu Road.
By Road
Ambaji / Palanpur.
At Jessore Sanctuary
WILD & HILLS
Realm of the sloth bear
What to shoot
Wildlife (with care).
Setting
Aravalli hills.
Detail
Birds.
Best light
Early morning.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Ambaji Shakti Peeth
One of India's 51 holiest Goddess shrines
Koteshwar Mahadev
A Shiva shrine at the Saraswati's source
Palanpur
Attar-scented district capital
Kumbhariya Temples
Exquisite marble Jain derasars
Gabbar Hill
The original seat of Goddess Amba
Danta Hills
Quiet Aravalli ridges of an old princely state
Where to eat around the ashram
North Gujarati Thali
Hearty regional meals.
Dhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
Ambaji prasad & street
Sweets & snacks.
Local fare
Simple North-Gujarat food; Ambaji sweets.
Jessore Sanctuary FAQ
What is Jessore Sanctuary?
The Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary protects a rugged stretch of the Aravalli hills in northern Banaskantha, along the border with Rajasthan, around the high peak of Jessore. Best known as one of Gujarat's important refuges for the sloth bear, the sanctuary's dry forests, hills and valleys also shelter leopard, hyena, wild boar, antelope, porcupine and a rich variety of birds.
Where is it?
near Amirgadh, 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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Hutheesing Temple
Exquisite 1848 white-marble Jain temple
Osham Hill
The scenic heart of the old city
Unai Hot Springs
Natural warm-water pools near Vansda
Sharneshwar Mahadev
A 15th-century Shiva temple in Polo Forest
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