Balaram-Ambaji wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Banaskantha District of Gujarat. It was conferred the wildlife sanctuary status by the Gujarat Government on 7th August, 1989. The sanctuary is named after two famous temples - Ambaji and Balaram which are located at the opposite ends of the sanctuary. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in deterring the spreading of the Thar Desert towards its south and also in preserving the shrinking eco-system of Aravallis.

Flora
Vegetation cover: arid deciduous forests.
Trees: Salai, timru, khair, khakhara, dhavada, modad, musali, kadaya, etc.

Fauna
Leopard, Indian porcupine, langur, star tortoise, bluebull, sloth bear, wild boar, Indian civet cat, monitor lizards, etc.

Avian Fauna
Barbet, bulbul, woodpecker, Indian roller, grey hornbill, shrikes, raptors, peafowl, etc.

Getting There The closest bus terminal and railway station are located 20 km away at Palanpur. The other nearby bus terminals are Abu Road, Rajasthan (about 20 km) and Ambaji (located within the sanctuary). The nearest airport to Balaram-Ambaji wildlife sanctuary is Ahmedabad airport (approximately 150 km away).

Tourist Information Quality guest houses and hotels are available at Palanpur, Ambaji and Abu Road. The visitors can also avail quality accommodation at the Balaram palace which also happens to be a popular tourist spot. The other places of interest in and around the sanctuary are Balaram Temple, Ambaji Temple, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary and Mount Abu (Rajasthan).

Additional information
Location: Balaram-Ambaji wildlife sanctuary, Banaskantha, Gujarat, India
Area: about 542.08 sq km
Ideal time to visit: October to May
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