Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Spanning over 160 square kilometers, this sanctuary is the green lung of South Gujarat. It is characterized by thick teak and bamboo forests that remain lush throughout the year. The Purna River flows through the heart of the sanctuary, providing water to a diverse range of wildlife. This area is p art of the Western Ghats and receives the highest rainfall in the state. It is home to leopards, barking deer, macaques, and over 700 species of plants. The sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise with over 139 species recorded. The local tribal communities, including the Bhils and Warlis, live in harmony with the forest. Their culture is deeply intertwined with the flora and fauna of the region. The sanctuary provides a rugged and authentic wilderness experience compared to more commercial parks. The Mahal campsite is the main base for exploring the deep woods. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a tropical moist deciduous forest. It is a place where nature's symphony replaces the noise of the city. The landscape is dotted with rolling hills, small valleys, and gurgling rivulets. Exploring this sanctuary is an adventure into the wild side of Gujarat.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
6 HoursPlace Type:
Nature & WildlifeEntry Fees:
Affordable Access: Entry fee is approximately Rs.20 per person. Vehicles are charged around Rs.200 for a jeep/car. Guide fees are extra, usually starting from Rs.300. These fees contribute directly to the maintenance and protection of the sanctuary's delicate ecosystem. ...Affordable Access: Entry fee is approximately Rs.20 per person. Vehicles are charged around Rs.200 for a jeep/car. Guide fees are extra, usually starting from Rs.300. These fees contribute directly to the maintenance and protection of the sanctuary's delicate ecosystem.Timing:
Regular Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning at 8:00 AM is best for spotting birds and mammals before they retreat into the deep shade. ...Regular Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning at 8:00 AM is best for spotting birds and mammals before they retreat into the deep shade.Special Events:
Dang Bird Festival: Usually held in winter, this festival attracts ornithologists and nature lovers from across the country. It features guided walks, workshops, and exhibitions about the local avian population. It's a great time to learn about the ecological importance o...Dang Bird Festival: Usually held in winter, this festival attracts ornithologists and nature lovers from across the country. It features guided walks, workshops, and exhibitions about the local avian population. It's a great time to learn about the ecological importance of the Purna forest.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
Mahal Bridge: The bridge over the Purna River offers a stunning view of the dense forest meeting the water.
Bamboo Grooves: The towering stalks of bamboo create a natural cathedral-like setting f...Photo Spots:
Mahal Bridge: The bridge over the Purna River offers a stunning view of the dense forest meeting the water.
Bamboo Grooves: The towering stalks of bamboo create a natural cathedral-like setting for artistic shots.
Sunset Point: Certain hilltops within the sanctuary provide a golden view of the undulating green landscape.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Jungle Safari: Hire a private 4x4 vehicle to explore the muddy tracks and look for wildlife.
Bird Watching: Carry binoculars to spot the Crimson Sunbird or the Grey Jungle Fowl in the canopy.
Trekking: Follow the designated nature trails to experience the forest on foot with a local guide.
Riverside Picnic: Spend time on the banks of the Purna River at the Mahal campsite.
Tribal Interaction: Visit a local Warli village to see their unique house paintings and lifestyle.
Photography: Capture the play of light through the thick bamboo thickets and the vibrant birds.
Night Camping: Stay at the Mahal Eco Campsite to hear the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Biodiversity Hotspot: It is famous for having the thickest forest cover in Gujarat and its high concentration of bird species. The sanctuary is a critical habitat for leopards and other shy mammals of the Western Ghats. It is also famous for the "Mahal" village, which is ...Biodiversity Hotspot: It is famous for having the thickest forest cover in Gujarat and its high concentration of bird species. The sanctuary is a critical habitat for leopards and other shy mammals of the Western Ghats. It is also famous for the "Mahal" village, which is considered one of the most beautiful forest spots in the state. -
Architecture:
Natural Landscape and Rest Houses: The sanctuary doesn't have "architecture" in the traditional sense, but the British-era forest rest house at Mahal is a classic wooden structure. It is designed to withstand heavy rains and offers panoramic views of the Purna River. The ...Natural Landscape and Rest Houses: The sanctuary doesn't have "architecture" in the traditional sense, but the British-era forest rest house at Mahal is a classic wooden structure. It is designed to withstand heavy rains and offers panoramic views of the Purna River. The eco-campsites use sustainable local materials like bamboo and thatch for their cottages. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Surat Airport is 130km away.
By Train: Vyara Station is the nearest at 20km.
By Road: State transport buses and private taxis are available from Navsari or Vyara.
By Lo... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Mahal Campsite (0km), 2. Gira Falls (15km), 3. Vansda National Park (20km), 4. Saputara (60km), 5. Don Hill Station (50km), 6. Shabari Dham (45km), 7. Unai Mata (30km), 8. Waghai Botanical Garden (25km), 9. Padamdungari (35km), 10. Navsari (65km).
Tourism Tips
-
Preparation: Carry mosquito repellent and wear full-sleeved clothes to protect against insects.
Stay Informed: Check the sanctuary status before visiting during heavy monsoon as it may be closed.
No Plastic:
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(862+) of Gujarat Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Bhujia FortBhujodi Handicraft VillageChhatardi Great Rann of KutchHiralaxmi Memorial Craft ParkKalo Dungar Lakhpat FortMandvi BeachMata No Madh TempleNarayan Sarovar Wildlife SanctuaryNirona VillageVande Mataram MemorialVijay Vilas PalaceKuber Bhandari TempleMaharaja Fateh Singh MuseumMaharaja Sayajirao University Makarpura PalaceMandvi GateMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Dandi Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gaurishankar Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hathni Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hazira Port
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jambughoda Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Navlakha Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Parsi Fire Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Tithal Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities