Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Indore: Everything you need to Know

Nestled just 12 kilometers from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Established in 1989, this sanctuary spans approximately 5 square kilometers, making it the smallest wildlife sanctuary in the state. Despite its modest size, Ralamandal boasts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, historical significance, and a range of activities for nature enthusiasts.

📍 Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary Location and Accessibility

Address: Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Khandwa Bypass Road, Kastoorba Gram, Indore – 452020, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Distance from Indore:

• By Road: Approximately 15.2 km via Indore-Khandwa Road, taking around 30 minutes by car.

• By Train: Indore Junction is about 13.7 km away.

• By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is approximately 21.4 km from the sanctuary

The sanctuary is easily accessible by taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses from various parts of Indore.

 Timings and Entry Fees

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

• Entry Fee: ₹60 per person.

• Deer Park Access: Additional ₹60.

• Children’s Entry: Children accompanied by teachers (in groups of 10-20) are granted free entry.

Historical Significance

Ralamandal was once a favored hunting ground for the Holkar dynasty. In 1905, a two-storey red-brick hunting lodge, known as the Shikargah, was constructed atop a hill for royal retreats. While entry into the Shikargah is currently prohibited to preserve its integrity, it remains a significant landmark within the sanctuary.

 Flora and Fauna

Flora:

The sanctuary’s diverse vegetation includes:

• Teak (Tectona grandis)

• Bamboo (Bambusoideae)

• Sal (Shorea robusta)

• Mahua (Madhuca longifolia)

• Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora)

• Dhawada (Anogeissus latifolia)

Fauna:

Ralamandal is home to a variety of animals, including:

• Black Buck

• Chital (Spotted Deer)

• Sambar

• Blue Bull (Nilgai)

• Striped Hyena

• Wild Boar

• Jackal

• Bhedki (Barking Deer)

Additionally, the sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds flock to the area.

Butterfly Diversity

In a recent survey conducted by the Forest Department and the Wildlife and Nature Conservancy, several rare butterfly species were identified in Ralamandal, including:

• Common Red Flash (Rapala iarbus)

• Rice Swift

• Painted Lady

• Plains Royal Blue

• Tri-coloured Pied Flat

This discovery underscores the sanctuary’s ecological significance and the need for continued conservation efforts.

 Activities and Attractions

1. Trekking:

The sanctuary offers a moderately challenging trek to the hilltop, covering approximately 2.5 km. The trail provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

2. Camel and Bike Rides:

Visitors can enjoy camel rides and hire bikes or cycles to explore the sanctuary’s trails, offering a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty.

3. Museum and Fossil Park:

A small museum within the sanctuary showcases rare dinosaur egg-shells and other fossils recovered from the surrounding region. Additionally, a fossil park displays remains of ancient aquatic life and big plants.

4. Butterfly Park and Auditorium:

The sanctuary has recently added a butterfly park and an upgraded auditorium that screens wildlife documentaries on weekends, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.

📅 Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Ralamandal is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher. During these months, the sanctuary’s flora is in full bloom, and migratory birds enhance the avian diversity.

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation:

While there are no accommodations within the sanctuary, Indore offers a range of options:

• Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel, Fairfield by Marriott

• Budget-Friendly: Hotel Apna Palace, Hotel Crown Palace

Dining:

Indore is renowned for its street food culture. Popular spots include:

• Sarafa Bazaar: Famous for local delicacies like poha, jalebi, bhutte ka kees, and sabudana khichdi.

• Chhappan Dukan: Offers a variety of snacks and sweets.

• Nafees Restaurant: Known for Mughlai and North Indian cuisine.

• Mediterra (Sayaji Hotel): A rooftop restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine with stunning city views.

⚠️ Visitor Guidelines

• Stay Alert: Recent sightings of leopards have prompted authorities to advise visitors to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into restricted areas.

• Group Visits: Visitors are encouraged to explore the sanctuary in groups, especially during treks.

• Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals and refrain from feeding them.

• No Littering: Help preserve the sanctuary’s pristine environment by disposing of waste responsibly.

📞 Contact Information

• Phone: 0731-2490-239

• Email: [email protected]

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and biodiversity. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Ralamandal promises an enriching experience.