Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in the year 1976, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a forest area of around 688 sq km – mainly comprising a beautiful teak forest. Other tree species found here include bijasal, saj, tendu and khair. The sanctuary, located near Obedullaganj in Raisen district, has recently been granted approval by the National Conservation Authority (NCTA) to be upgraded to a tiger reserve.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Ratapani is one of the few sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh that is not on every visitor’s to-do list. Therefore, its easy to enjoy a safari here in peace, with only the jungle sounds for company. Although the tiger holds the position of top predator in the park, leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, Indian foxes and wild dogs also inhabit its forested tracts. Members of the deer family such as chausingha, chinkara, and barasingha are spotted often, and you can also expect to see herds of nilgai, the largest Indian antelope. This area provides a suitable habitat for birds as well. Around 150 species of birds can be spotted here. Birders can expect to spot the Indian robin, white spotted fantail fly-catcher, crimson breasted barbet and the State Bird of MP – paradise flycatcher, amongst other species. Many rare migratory birds from Tibet, Nepal, Russia and Siberia also visit this sanctuary and are a great attraction.

Dahod Dam, Ratapani Dam and Barna Dam are large water bodies inside the park and home to aquatic avifauna such as ducks, geese, cranes, storks and snipes. Among reptiles, pythons and crocodiles are also seen here.

Birds spotted at Ratapani

There are some stunning forts and monuments to be explored within Ratapani. The magnificent Ginnaur Fort, located at a 1,775-ft high peak of the Vindhyas, is a beautiful spot. This fort is 3,996-ft long and 874-ft wide. Despite its height, it has 25 wells and four ponds inside it. Trekking here is an amazing experience as bears, cheetals and nilgais can be spotted easily along the paths. If lucky, you could catch sight of a leopard or tiger too.

The Yudhbandi Shivir (military camp), an impressive architectural specimen, was constructed in 1939. It is said that 30,000 foreign prisoners of World War II were kept here.

Park Entry Indians Rs. 600; Foreigners Rs. 1,200; per round, upto 8 pax, Timings Sunrise-sunset

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

MPSTDC’s Delawadi Rest House (Bhopal Tel: 0755-2778383; Tariff: Rs. 1,990) is a good place for staying. Other options include Ratapani Range Retreat (Cell: 07566663373; Tariff: Rs. 3,500) in Mandwa Rampura and the Jungle Lodge (Cell: 09893001234; Tariff: Rs. 2,000-3,500) that offers rooms and tents.

There are no restaurants as such but MP Tourism runs an eatery that serves snacks as well as meals.

When to go October-March Location In the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh Air Nearest airport: Bhopal Rail Nearest rail: Bhopal, Obaidullaganj