Celebrating the 67th National Wildlife Conservation Week at RALAMANDAL - The Green Lung Of Indore

India celebrates Wildlife Conservation Week every year in the first week of October, from October 1 to 7, with the goal of protecting and preserving the country's flora and fauna. Wildlife plays a critical part in sustaining nature's ecological equilibrium. The balance of the earth will be disturbed if the wildlife is killed. As a result, it is essential to safeguard it in order to live a better life. In the year 2021, we are celebrating the 67th National Wildlife Week. This year's theme for National Wildlife Week 2021 is "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and the Planet". 

Throughout the week, events and campaigns are held to educate people about animal life and to encourage them to rescue a significant number of animals by avoiding slaughtering them for food or other reasons. The forest department of Madhya Pradesh is organising the Wildlife Conservation Week at the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Indore, from October 1 to 7.

The Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, located 12 kilometres from Indore and near the Ralamandal village, is a 234.550-hectare wildlife reserve.  It was established in 1989 and declared as a reserve forest in 1954. The sanctuary is divided into three zones: wildlife zone (152.550 hectares), tourist zone (55.000 hectares), and deer safari zone (27.000 hactares). During the reign of the Holkar Maharajas, the forest area near Ralamandal village was used for hunting lions, leopards, wild boars, and other animals.

The Holkar Family

Ralamamdal is an ideal weekend getaway for nature lovers who want to capture the grandeur of its natural surroundings, which include trees, mountains, lush flora, and a diverse range of wildlife. The perfect time to visit this destination is after the monsoon season, so that you can enjoy the cool, pure air and the lush greenery. We can also visit it during the winter months of November to February. This is closed every Wednesday due to the weekly holiday. 

This is the smallest wildlife sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh, which is situated on Ralamandal hill, which offers a panoramic view of Indore. With cloud cover all around, the rainy season just adds beauty to this place. It also provides you with some trekking experience. Remember to bring your walking shoes, sunscreen, and water bottles. Avoid bringing too much luggage on the hike because it will make it difficult to walk.

Panoramic view of Indore from Ralamandal Hilltop

The Shikargah Museum at Ralamandal Hilltop

The sanctuary's highest point is 782 metres above sea level, offering it a good vantage point for city views. It features an ancient palace built by the Holkar's that was originally used as a hunting lodge, known as a SHIKARGAH, and is now a museum containing historical artefacts.

Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar

The museum's entrance fee is Rs 10 per person. In 1905, Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar built this two-storey structure out of carved black stones. The museum has replicas of items used during the Holkars' rule, such as daily necessities (electric lamps, kerosene lamps, thermos flasks, wine bottles, and so on), clothing, and jewellery.

Daily essentials, an old carpet, and clothing from the era of Holkar

If you want to see wild animals, this may not be the place for you. However, if the aim of your visit is a trek and a beautiful vista with fresh air and rich flora, this is a must-see. A short 2.5-kilometer hike takes you up to the Ralamandal Hill. The majority of people are affected by the COVID pandemic, and their lungs and respiratory systems suffer as a result, resulting in low oxygen levels. Ralamandal sanctuary takes you on a tour among the forests and natural creatures, and even on a bad day, it makes you feel fresh. You can experience the fresh air, magnificent scenery, and abundant greenery, which makes you feel better and healthier. Ralamandal is the only sanctuary in the country that remains open even throughout the rainy season. Food is not permitted in the area, thus it is quite clean. We are only allowed to bring our own bottles.

#Indore #greenlungofIndore #Ralamandal #wildlifesanctuary #reserveforest #wildlifeweek #conservation #shikargah

Picture credit: Self-Captured