About Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary
Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area of about 542 sq km in the Aravalli Hills of Banaskantha district, Gujarat, stretching between Balaram and Ambaji near Palanpur. Notified in 1989, it encompasses dry deciduous forests, river valleys and hilly terrain. It is notable for wildlife including leopard, sloth bear, hyena and diverse birds, and for its scenic landscape close to Balaram Palace and the pilgrimage town of Ambaji.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a dry deciduous forest landscape in the Aravalli Hills with undulating terrain, riverbeds and dense scrub. The sanctuary offers forested trails and viewpoints for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with chances to see sloth bear, leopard, hyena, nilgai and numerous bird species. Areas around Balaram Palace and the Balaram Mahadev Temple provide accessible entry points, while interior forest requires permission and is best explored with a guide or forest vehicle.
Key highlights
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Large sanctuary covering approximately 542 sq km of Aravalli Hills between Balaram and Ambaji
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Dry deciduous forest with diverse flora including teak, khair and ber
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Wildlife including leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, jackal and nilgai
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Rich birdlife with over 200 bird species recorded
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