Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, on the
Gujarat-
Madhya Pradesh border, is an important habitat of sloth bear in India. Spread out over 56 sq km, this sanctuary is on the Ratanmahal Hills of
Panchmahals District. The River Panam traverses across the small hamlets on the foothills of this sanctuary.
Leopard, hyena, jackal, four horned antelope, mongoose, porcupine, civet cat, jungle cat and fox are the major fauna found in the sanctuary. Cobra, common Indian monitor, python and rat snake are common reptiles. Some of the birds seen here are Alexandrine parakeet, common babbler, jungle babbler, crested serpent eagle, green pigeon, hoopoe, lesser golden backed woodpecker, racket-tailed drongo, grey jungle fowl,
black headed oriole, yellow cheeked tit, white-eye, iora, tailor bird, purple sunbird, Loten's sunbird and jungle owlet.
The best time to visit is October to March.
Vadodara Airport is the nearest airport and
Piplod Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Nearest bus station is at Devgadh Baria, 45 km away.
