Road Trip

1. Champaner

It is situated 47 km from Vadodara. The town of Champaner was subjugated by Sultan Mehmud Begada in 1484 and made it his new capital. Champaner lies at the foot of Pavagarh fort. The ruins of its mosques and palaces reflected in the lake are some of the most picturesque sights in India. Citadel of Mehmud Begada’s is a perfect rectangle about three-quarters of a mile long and 280 yards broad, the citadel is enclosed by a wall of massive blocks of freestone, known as Mahmud Begada’s wall. It is strengthened by bastions at regular intervals and beautified by small carved balconies in the best Islamic style. Jama Masjid, on account of its massive grandeur and perfect finish, the Jama Masjid is one of the grandest Islamic monuments in Western India. Nagina Masjid is also called the Jewel Mosque as it is built of pure white stone.

2. Zarwani Waterfall

How to Reach: Zarwani Eco campsite is in Narmada District. By road its around 99 km. The route is Vadodara-Dabhoi-Tilakwad-Garudeshwar-towards Rajpipla Kevadiya road, its near from there.

Staying Night: Zarwani Eco Campsite is affiliated with Gujarat Tourism but its main and run by Mahila Mandal of Zarwani Gaon. There is no electricity in that place. They have installed Lamp post with runs on Solar Energy.

There are 2 VIP Rooms (Double bed with attached Bathroom) for Rs. 500 per night. For Foreign Visitors $ 50
Two dormitories that can accumulate 10 people at a time in one. Cost of Rs. 50/- per person.
Foreign Visitors $ 10 (per person) Tent Rs. 200/- for Foreign Visitors $ 20
They provide a mattress, bedsheet, and pillows. Food facilities are available at reasonable rates.
For stay, prior booking is necessary with advance deposit.

Phone/Fax : 02640-220013
Booking Procedure: Send a Fax or courier with a request for required rooms with dates, and permission to visit the place. No. of the person visiting, name of all the person, along with one contact person and address of contact person. They will provide details of BOB account, you can deposit money in the account to confirm the booking.
Address: Nayab Van Sanrakshk shri ni kacheri, Narmada van vibhag, Rajpipla, Vadiya jakatnaka pase, rajpipla 3931

3. Sardar Sarovar Dam

Near Rajpipla, 1163 km away up the river from the sea, is Sardar Sarovar dam. At the reception Center, there is a map and an interpretation center. You can book a guided tour which will take you through six points around the dam site: a garden; the Foundation stone laid by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1961; a site with a side view of the flow of the water from the dam; a lake where boating takes place; the first lock gate of the main canal; a trekking site with a nature education camp for students. Near the site is also the Surpaneshwar Shiva temple that the Government had built to replace the original ancient temple that was submerged by the dam. At the foot of the dam is the Kevadia colony, where the employees of the dam live and where there are also places for visitors to stay. For more information contact the office at Tel: 02640232599 or 02640232533.

How to Reach: By Road From Vadodara Dist. Around 100 Kms towards Kevadiya

4. Pavagadh

At the summit of Pavagadh hill, 762 m above sea level, is the temple to Mother Kali, which is the oldest in the area, dating from the 10th-11th centuries. Hindu pilgrims were coming to visit this temple from long before the development of Champaner as a major city, and they continued for hundreds of years after its decline, right up to the present day. To reach the temple at the summit is about a 5 km walk along a jungle footpath to the top of the hill; otherwise, there is a cable car that will haul you to the summit from about the midway point, which is the last place accessible by road. The temple has large fortifications and an open chowk in front, with two altars for sacrifices, and an array of lights for special occasions. The idol of Kalika Mata in the inner sanctum is only the head, the mukhwato, painted in red. Also present are full idols of Mahakali and the yantras of Bahuchara. The temple is open from very early to quite late, to accommodate pilgrims arriving at all hours. The Machi Haveli is a rest house available for pilgrims.

5. Vadhvana Wetland & Eco Campsite

This irrigation reservoir and wetland located 10 km from Dabhoi & 20 km from the Jambughoda village, is the water source for 25 nearby villages, and a popular bird-watching site for species including stork, tern, ibis, and spoonbill. To get here you will have to rent a vehicle from Dabhoi, taking the Nanderi Gate road.

Apart from being a wetland, it also has an eco-tourism campsite. The best time to visit the wetland is from October to March cause that is the main migratory season for birds that migrate here from all over the world.

Facilities at the Campsite:

Orientation Centre
Cottage accommodations with bath & toilet facilities
Tented Accommodations only with separate bathing & toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Observation Towers for bird watching
Also has boats available for boating on the wetland to enhance the experience of bird watching
Separate area for Campfire

6. Kabirvad

Kabirwad is a famous place situated on an island in the middle of the river Narmada. It can be reached by boats that operate to and from the Shuklatirth Shiva temple. It is an incredible grove of a Banyan tree that has grown over the years and now occupies an area of almost 3 km. The place is named after the famous Saint Kabir who lived here for many years. It also has an imposing Kabir Temple where visitors & worshippers come to pray. Thus people visit Kabirwad not just for historical reasons but also to enjoy the solitude and sanctity offered by this huge Banyan Tree.

How to Reach: By Road From Vadodara Dist. Around 80 Kms.

7. Vishal Khadi Eco Campsite

Vishal Khadi Campsite is a campsite situated on the way to Rajpipla-Netrang road. It is around 20 km away from Rajpipla. The site is surrounded by several forest areas, namely, the Karajan forest area, the Dediyapada forest area and the Dang forest area, and fertile agricultural plains and river valleys. The sightseeing includes the bathing ghats on the River Narmada at Chandod and Garudeshwar, the fort at Dabhoi, waterfalls, the Jain temples of Jagadia. One can also go for boating to the nearby Karjar River as the backwaters of the river extend till the campsite.

The site consists of separate cottages with attached toilets and bathrooms and it also has tent accommodations. It can be reached easily as regular State Transport buses are available from Rajpipla in the morning. It can also be reached by Jeeps or sharing auto rickshaws.

How to Reach: By Road From Vadodara Dist. Around 115 Kms towards Rajpipla

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
4 Cottages with attached bath & toilet facilities
5 Tented Accommodations with separate bathing & toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Food available with the help of EDC (Eco-Tourism Development Committee)
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
A Watch Tower

8. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

About 55.65 sq. km area of the Sanctuary is a triangular landmass, which covers reserve forests of 11 villages. Forest originally belonged to the ex-ruler of Devgadh Baria State. Eleven villages with a population of about 7000 are located in and around the Sanctuary and 41 villages are located in its interaction zone. An area of 150 ha is in possession of the irrigation department. Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh constitutes boundary in south and east of the Sanctuary, whereas forests in the west and revenue areas in north surround the Sanctuary.

9. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Birds having affinities with Himalayan and Western Ghats, a variety of raptors, the hills of Satpuda range, the thrill of coming across a python or flying squirrel, pangolin or big/ lesser cats and the scenic beauty of moist deciduous forest… all this can be enjoyed by an eco-tourist at Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary encompasses an area of 607.71 sq. km in Narmada district, which comprises a major watershed, feeding the Sardar Sarovar and the Karjan reservoirs. Hilly tract of the Sanctuary bordering Narmada supports some of the best forests in Gujarat. The physical aspect is dominated by the Rajpipla hills. DhamanMal, the highest peak located in the eastern portion, is about 882 m in altitude. The general slope of the area is towards the west.

The forests are some of the best and the densest in the State and are known for the richness of biodiversity. The sightings of various bird species, which have more affinities with Himalayan and Western Ghat, have unfolded a hitherto unknown, but interesting aspect of the area. Moist deciduous forests have very high scenic and aesthetic values. The flora of the ecosystem represents remnants of semi-evergreen to moist deciduous forest. Much of the vegetation is modified due to influence of the biotic pressure and forestry operations.

Moist teak forest, moist mixed deciduous forest, dry deciduous scrub, dry bamboo brakes, and dry tropical riverine forest, constitute varied habitats in the Sanctuary. These forest types merge into each other imperceptibly. Teak is the principal species. Patches of pure bamboo dominate the western and north-western parts. A study documented 575 species of flowering plants in the Sanctuary.

10. Samot Malsamot Eco Campsite

This substantially elevated place near Maharashtra border is amidst, teak forests with the sunset, sunrise, valley viewpoints, bracing cool climate and the Ninai waterfalls are breathtaking. It is a 2-hour drive around a winding road from Rajpipla located in the Dediyapada Wildlife Sanctuary. These waterfalls and hills of Malsamot offer a splendid picnic location and nature trip near Rajpipla.

Other sightseeing areas nearby include the bathing ghats on the River Narmada at Chandod and Garudeshwar, the fort at Dabhoi, waterfalls, the Jain temples of Jagadia.

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
VIP Guest House with 4 rooms & a hall
Cottage house with 4 rooms with attached bath & toilet facilities
Bamboo Hut with 2 rooms
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Food available with the help of ETC (Eco-Tourism Committee)
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
The campsite has a beautiful Nature Trail

Tips:
Being a responsible nature lover is our way of showing reverence to Mother Earth, a few tips for you to remember –

Make sure to visit the orientation center first before you start exploring the campsite as that would give a good picture of what you are about to experience during your stay.
Most of these Eco Campsites use electricity which is generated by using solar energy, hence please use it responsibly.
No smoking whatsoever (cigarette butts cause many forest fires.)
No flash or intrusive photography (for example, don’t pluck leaves to clear a better view; reposition the camera instead.)
Do not carry any music system or sound-making device along with you and remember to keep them switched off if you are driving around.
Picking plants or insects is prohibited in any area; do not remove anything from the parks or sanctuaries.
Do Not indulge in any quick or sudden movements to scare off wildlife.
Do not try going too close to the animals.
No pets should accompany you.
No littering. Trash is only to be disposed of in proper receptacles.No hunting devices or other weapons should be carried, as well as used.

11. Sagai Malsamot Eco Campsite

This campsite is situated at the foot of the hills Malsamot, is amidst, teak forests with the sunset, sunrise, valley viewpoints, bracing cool climate and the Ninai waterfalls are breathtaking. It is a 2-hour drive around a winding road from Rajpipla located inside the Dediyapada Wildlife Sanctuary. These waterfalls and hills of Malsamot offer a splendid picnic location and nature trip near Rajpipla. Other sightseeing areas nearby include the bathing ghats on the River Narmada at Chandod and Garudeshwar, the fort at Dabhoi, waterfalls, the Jain temples of Jagadia.

12. Kanjeta Eco Campsite

Kanjeta is a fully developed campsite situated inside the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary in the Dahod district of Central Gujarat. Like all the other eco campsite, this campsite is also surrounded by a rich variety of diverse flora and fauna. The main attraction is the sloth bear but the area also harbors other species like panthers, jungle cats, civets, jackals, hyenas, honey badgers, foxes, porcupines, etc. It also boasts of a variety of avifauna like tree pies, white-bellied drongos, racket-tailed drongos, paradise flycatcher, black-headed oriole, etc and a variety of reptiles.

The sanctuary’s geological formation and structure add a lot to its beauty. River Panam originates from within the sanctuary. All of these great natural wonders give the sanctuary the potential of widening people’s sensitivity towards wildlife in general.

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
3 Cottages with attached bath & toilet facilities
10 Tented Accommodations with separate bath & toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
a fully developed eco campsite
Veg and Non-Veg food available with the help of ETC (Eco-Tourism Committee)
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
The campsite has a beautiful Nature Trail

13. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

An easy destination to combine with a visit to Champaner is the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, a mere 20 km away (70 km from Vadodara). Full of forests of teak and mahuda trees, bamboo, and other lush vegetation, Jambughoda is home to large populations of many kinds of wildlife. The leopard at the top of the food chain is the primary predator, and its numbers have been increasing recently. Other large wildlife include the wild boar, nilgai (blue bull, the largest antelope in Asia), jackal, hyena, barking deer, sloth bear, and chausingha(four-horned antelope).

Before independence, the region belonged to the princely state of Jambughoda. The valleys nestled in the well-forested hills have always been home to many tribal settlements. There are many places to hike through the forests in the sanctuary and it is a marvelous camping site. For those without the experience to camp, a forest rest house is available beside the Kada reservoir, one of two reservoirs in the sanctuary.

The nearest bus and rail access is Shivrajpur, just 1 km from the sanctuary.

By Road: Champaner is 45 km from Vadodara, accessible by bus or private vehicles. Cars can be hired in Vadodara to drive to Champaner-Pavagadh, which is the best option if you want to combine the journey with other sites like Jambughoda.

14. Dhanpari Eco Campsite

Dhanpari is a well-stocked forest ecotourism site situated inside the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, inside the Panchmahal District of Central Gujarat. The campsite is surrounded by this magnificent forest which is home to a variety of flora fauna. The plant species include teak, bamboo & other plant species. He leopard is the top predator here and other animal species include the sloth bears, blue bulls, jackals, wild boars, four-horned antelopes, and a variety of reptiles. The area has two water reservoirs, one at Kada and the other at Targol. The campsite is near the Kada Dam and its a beautiful site to visit with a picturesque location and it also has a forest rest house. Other sightseeing options are the Jund Hanuman Temple which is 10 km away from the campsite and also the Targol reservoir.

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
3 Deluxe Cottages & 10 Normal Cottages with attached bath & toilet facilities
Tented Accommodations with separate bathing & toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Veg and Non-Veg available with the help of ETC (Eco-Tourism Committee)
The campsite has a beautiful Walking Nature Trail
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
Fully developed campsite managed by ETC

15. Kevdi Eco Campsite

Kevdi is a well-stocked forest ecotourism site situated on the route connecting Jambughoda Sanctuary and Ratanmahal Sanctuary. It has a wonderful location as it is situated at the bank of a river. It comes under the Chhota Udepur forest division. It is located 14 km away from the Kanjeta Eco Campsite. The site is rich in biodiversity. Sloth bear, panther, hyena, giant flying squirrel are often sighted at the site. The nearby tribal communities depend heavily on forests and forestry activities. It is developed as an eco-tourism site due to the feeling that it provides rich forests and biodiversity. The main attraction of the campsite is the flying squirrel which can be spotted in the evening and the sloth bears.

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
Tented Accommodations only with separate bathing & toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Beautifully, Well-Designed Amphitheatre
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
The campsite has a beautiful Nature Trail
The entire site is surrounded by bamboo walls

16. Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple Poicha

A Beautiful Lord Swaminarayan Temple Located at Poicha near Rajpipla. You can plan a whole day trip and enjoy it at the temple. it’s about 65 km from Vadodara located on the banks of the Narmada River at Poicha.

On the other side of the Narmada River Famous Shivji Temple Kuber Bhandari. Boats available to cross the river.