It was that time of the year when we were planning our annual family trip for 2019. After roaming around the globe, from Thailand to Switzerland to Andaman and Mizoram, we couldn’t reach a consensus and how could we, there were 15 different heads being used! After a month long discussion, we gave up on the trip when the bossiest member of the group played his card and convinced us all for this short convenient option. The next weekend, we hit the road for Ratanmahal to explore Baloo from the Jungle Book.
Located about 130 kms from Vadodara, this sanctuary is a home for the maximum number of sloth bears in the state of Gujarat. This triangular isle is at the western edge of the Vidhyanchal chain of mountains shared by the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh encompassed by forests comprising of eleven tribal villages.
The Sloth Bear:
These labiated bears have been declared vulnerable (likely to become endangered) mainly because of habitat loss and degradation.
They are only found in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the entire world. In India, they take shelter in foothills of Himalayas and in the north western part of the country ie. Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Things to do:
Waterfall
A 2 hour one way trek to this waterfall is the main attraction of this place. The hike up is a rocky terrain in the sparse forest along the flowing river Panam makes the trek (level: easy) adventurous to the wildlife enthusiasts. The waterfall is a complete stunner as you see the water break into white droplets forming mist which settles on your face. The melody of the flowing water is very harmonizing.
Also, there is a small trek around the waterfall which leads you to the habitat of the flying squirrel. There are specific timings when it takes a flight and the experience is surreal.
Pavagadh
Pavagadh Hills(1/4th – Pav hill) is about 94kms from Ratan Mahal which is a must visit. The journey to reach this place is more beautiful rather. The green hills, clear blue sky, village huts and road covered with tress from all sides possible makes the road trip exemplary. Pavagadh is known for the famous Mahakali temple at its summit, the goddess worshiped by the Gujaratis during Navaratri.
Champaner
This brief capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, a UNESCO certified World Heritage Site, has 23 attractions with finest architectural relics. FUN FACT: 2001 Oscar nomination, Lagaan is set in Champaner.
How to Reach
By Road: I would personally recommend a road trip so it becomes convenient to travel internally in the forest. Also, the scenic beauty is picturesque. Also, there are state transport buses (GSRTC) which can drop you to the nearest bus station at Sagtala(15kms) after which you can take a rick.
By Air: Vadodara (nearest) and Ahmedabad are the closest airports from where you can take the roadway.
By Train: Dahod (70kms) is the nearest railway junction post which you will have to take the roadway.
Stay
The tourists scouting around the sanctuary can opt in for the limitedly available Forest rent houses and tents at Kanjeta and Pipargota. We opted for these feel the authenticity of the forest as the arrangements were made by a local team of community based eco-tourism folks. However, make sure you book in advance as an advance reservation needs to be made and it is usually always booked.
PS: Smoking and Alcohol consumption (dry state) is prohibited. You will have to follow the rules set by the forest department to maintain the ambience of the eco-friendly campsite.
Best time to visit : Oct to Feb. The sanctuary remains closed during the monsoons.
Budget: 2k max for 2 days along with accommodation, food and local tickets (travel expenses excluded)
Personal Takeaway
When we went to watch the flying squirrel, we were taken to a very small clearing in the woods up a hill by the local guide. We had to wait extremely quietly for almost 45mins to watch the animal take its flight. While we waited, we saw the sky get darker each minute as the sun set and it got even darker into the forest. The silence felt peaceful and frightening at the same time. I could hear the birds chirp, bees buzz and the animal howl far west and that moment made me realize how ‘alive’ I was as a human. I could hear my heart beat in sync with the surroundings and read my thoughts through the lenses of my soul, feeling diminutive each minute in front of the wonders of wildlife.
PS: We didn’t get to see the bear :(