Junaraj Eco Tourism Campsite, Narmada, Gujarat

Travel
14D Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite
By
on
November 4, 2018

A travel information guide of Junaraj Eco Tourism Campsite. Junaraj is a village in Narmada district of Gujarat. 

A few months back, I was contacted by Narmada Forest Department to improve digital presence of Rajpipla eco tourism campsites. I, along with help of my younger brother Kunj Dodiya, set out to document every campsite in Narmada district by photos, videos and web pages. 

Following is the account of Junaraj Eco Tourism Campsite:


Please note that we photographed the campsite in the month of February 2018, which isn’t the best time to capture beauty of Narmada region. Expect the campsite to be a lot more vibrant and green in the monsoon and post monsoon months upto December. 


Introduction Video on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1_FkI3rYl0

Video by: Kunj Dodiya


Photo Gallery

Photos by: Kunj Dodiya


Location

Junaraj Campsite is situated 16 km from the Narmada district headquarter, Rajpipla. 

Comment on Route

I posted a comment on road to reach Junaraj in comments section. Copying it here for reference:

You’ll need to reach to Rajpipla from Surat. Take either the highway or Mandvi route.

At Rajpipla, you need to make a turn at this point: Dropped pin
near Unnamed Road, Gujarat 393155
https://goo.gl/maps/vN8zjQhYGn72

After you make the turn, best bet is to ask locals with route to Junaraj.

It’s merely 15 km but takes an hour.

Yes, you’ve read right, the road isn’t there at all. It’s not a tar road.

So in the monsoon months, it is highly recommended not to take risk.

Post monsoon however, I don’t see any problem.

We drove there in Algo 800 multiple times and haven’t faced any issue.


Distance Matrix

From PlaceTo PlaceDistance in kms/Time in hr
RajpiplaJunaraj Ecotourism145 km / 3 hr 30 min
SuratJunaraj Ecotourism20 km / 1 hr
AhmedabadJunaraj Campsite220 km / 4 hr 30 min
MumbaiJunaraj Campsite400 km / 8 hr
VadodaraJunaraj Campsite120 km / 3 hr

Booking Details

I have implemented online booking functionality, however due to circumstances it couldn’t be enabled for production. 

The booking can be done offline by calling the forest department at: +91 2640 220013

Campsite Contacts

Vishal Khadi Campsite: +91 2640 220330

Zarwani, Junaraj and Sagai Campsite: +91 2640 – 220013, 220343.

Contact Vijaybhai Directly for Zarwani, Junaraj, Sagai or Kunbar Campsite. His Mobile number: +91 7016861567

Above contact details are published in best faith and might not work in future. 


Accommodation and Facilities

FacilityCount
Rooms6
Kitchen Room1
Tent10

Cost of Accomodation

It’s always an good idea to call the Narmada Forest Department to get accurate pricing details.

ItemCost
RoomRs. 1000 / night
TentRs. 500 / night

Activities

The forest department/campsite managing team has published list of all *possible* activities.

It is important to note that the list of activities is just an indicator of possibility and doesn’t guarantee its availability. 

  • Trekking
  • Local dance
  • Bird watching
  • Star gazing
  • Botanical garden
  • Night walk
  • Cultural program
  • Games
  • Agriculture field visit
  • Adventure activity
  • Local Aadivasi food
  • Wildlife movie
  • Painting kits of children
  • Digital detox
  • Meeting
  • Waterfall
  • Games for children
  • Interpretation center

Closing Note

My visit to Junaraj was an impressive experience. I would rate Junaraj the highest among all other campsites of Narmada. Secluded location, the temple in middle of reservoir, ruins of old capital and the peaceful surroundings attribute to the high rating. 

I hope this post has been helpful to plan your visit. 

If you have any additional information or feedback, please drop a comment down the post. Happy journey!


Other Narmada Campsites

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35 Comments
  1. Reply

    Urjit

    September 16, 2022

    I am planning to go with a group of 25 to 30 people. Do they have that many rooms?

    How can I do a booking for one night stay?

  2. Reply

    JIGNASA PATEL

    May 22, 2021

    Like historical places and bird watching. Want to visit.

  3. Reply

    Anubhav Sharma

    March 16, 2021

    Hi darpan, 1.)

    appreciating your passion for travel , it’s clearly visible in your writing.

    Writing to express my gratitude , I was looking for contact details of various campsites, which I had got now . Pics clicked were amazing.

    Thanks brother 🍺

    • Reply

      Darpan

      March 20, 2021

      Thanks for the kind words Anubhav. Glad to hear that it helped you.

  4. Reply

    Bhumit Sheth

    January 7, 2021

    Can we take our own tent and place it there? Any kind of booking needed for that?

  5. Reply

    nishant

    December 16, 2020

    hey, i found wrong info
    Surat Junaraj Ecotourism 20 km / 1 hr
    its not 20km from surat its almost 140 kms

  6. Reply

    Priyam

    December 10, 2020

    self camping allowed?
    i mean if i bring my own tent.

  7. Reply

    Gautam Ravaliya

    July 26, 2019

    Hi Darpan,

    Apologies, for the delayed reply and thanks for your quick and details response.

  8. Reply

    Gautam Ravaliya

    July 10, 2019

    Hi Darpan,

    I hope you are doing good in the USA and of course missing apadu Gujarat. I have read your every blog on Gujarat’s beautiful places. I am from Baroda and planning to visit the Junaraj with family. I have one query regarding the rout. In your rout comment, you have mentioned the below.

    “At Rajpipla, you need to make a turn at this point: Dropped pin
    near Unnamed Road, Gujarat 393155
    https://goo.gl/maps/vN8zjQhYGn72
    After you make the turn, the best bet is to ask locals with route to Junaraj.
    It’s merely 15 km but takes an hour.”

    But when I check the route on google map from your dropped pin to Junaraj. It’s showing me 60.6 km. So is there any other route from Rajpila for 15 km distence?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 10, 2019

      Hi Gautam! Thanks for the kind words. Yes, definitely, I look forward to visit Gujarat in next few months.

      Regarding route, yes indeed, there’s another route of 15km which is not shown on Google Maps.

      Switch Google Maps to satellite mode and zoom in at the dropped pin. You can see there’s a road. The road travels near the border of the reservoir all the way up to Junaraj.

      The road is dusty, there’s no tar on most parts. That’s why it would take an hour for the 15 km distance. If you plan to go in monsoon, make sure your vehicle is big and capable enough.

      Hope that helps!

  9. Reply

    Raj Shah

    March 11, 2019

    I am planning to visit Janaraj Eco Camp Site in April, 2019. So, I would like ask Parag Desai, who recently visited the site and commented on I this blog on 15th January, 2019 to share his views on the present situation of the site. I would be great if he can share his views on below topics:-
    1) Greenery
    2) Whether there is sufficient amount of water in the dam or there are more arid areas due to reduced quantity of water.
    3) Whether the place is picturesque now as it was as shown in the photographs on this page.
    4) How are the tents?
    5) Do we get enough crowd there or it looks more like a lone, empty space?
    6) How was the weather in January? (Extreme Hot, Hot, Cold, Extreme Cold)

    Hoping to see your response.
    Thank you in advance.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      March 19, 2019

      Hi Raj,

      I noticed your comment quite late.

      I have emailed to Parag Desai with your post. Hope you’ll get reply soon and hope it’s not too late.

      Although, as a personal note, I’d strongly suggest not to visit Junaraj in April.

      1) It will be quite hot
      2) There wouldn’t be any greenery
      3) Water level wouldn’t be any good

  10. Reply

    parag Desai

    January 15, 2019

    Bad points of Junaraj Eco camp site.

    1. Dirty rooms which stink so much.
    2. Rude kitchen staff.
    3. Very bad road to reach at this place.

    Based on overall experience, don’t visit this place. they have put very old photos.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 15, 2019

      Hi Parag,

      Thanks a lot for sharing the current state of the campsite. As you might have noticed, indeed, the photos here on the blog are old and only representative to describe the place. Also, I am not officially affiliated with the campsite.

      With that said, your comment will help future visitors to be careful. I appreciate it!

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      March 19, 2019

      Hello Parag bhai,

      Raj Shah had asked a question about Junaraj for you. I am quoting his comment,


      I am planning to visit Janaraj Eco Camp Site in April, 2019. So, I would like ask Parag Desai, who recently visited the site and commented on I this blog on 15th January, 2019 to share his views on the present situation of the site. I would be great if he can share his views on below topics:-
      1) Greenery
      2) Whether there is sufficient amount of water in the dam or there are more arid areas due to reduced quantity of water.
      3) Whether the place is picturesque now as it was as shown in the photographs on this page.
      4) How are the tents?
      5) Do we get enough crowd there or it looks more like a lone, empty space?
      6) How was the weather in January? (Extreme Hot, Hot, Cold, Extreme Cold)

      Hoping to see your response.
      Thank you in advance.”

      If you could please take some time off to respond to this, it would be of great help! Thanks. 🙂

  11. Reply

    Vimal sarvani

    November 17, 2018

    Hi.Darpan bhai,
    I want to go for camping at junaraj ecocamp site with my groups of about 6-7 couples for 2-3days…
    I contacted vijaybhai for this, very cooperative reply by him…
    I ask u to how to reach their from surat? On some of webpages i read that there is no any good road for personal vehicles….Plz explain the route to reach there by car….

    And second question I want to ask is….. Is primary basic facilities are there in cottages?? What about drinking water,bathing, and food services?? How is the electricity connection during night??
    Look for ur satisfied reply…
    Thank u…

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 17, 2018

      Hi Vimal bhai,

      While I’m not an official authority and I might be wrong – I will make an attempt.

      You’ll need to reach to Rajpipla from Surat. Take either the highway or Mandvi route.

      At Rajpipla, you need to make a turn at this point: Dropped pin
      near Unnamed Road, Gujarat 393155
      https://goo.gl/maps/vN8zjQhYGn72

      After you make the turn, best bet is to ask locals with route to Junaraj.

      It’s merely 15 km but takes an hour.

      Yes, you’ve read right, the road isn’t there at all. It’s not a tar road.

      So in the monsoon months, it is highly recommended not to take risk.

      Post monsoon however, I don’t see any problem.

      We drove there in Algo 800 multiple times and haven’t faced any issue.

      Regarding facilities,

      Since being a remote village, electricity city is always a problem.

      Drinking water – I guess it was there.

      Bathing – it was there if I remember correctly but not good at all.

      Food – they don’t have canteen as such but they can arrange food upon request.

  12. Reply

    Bhargav Raval

    September 7, 2018

    Hi Darpan,

    I read your blog last year & got inspired to visit Dediyapada. We booked 2 cottages at Vishal Khadi.

    And I was not disappointed at all!!! The place was awesome, very picturesque. We stayed for one night there enjoyed boating & next morning we headed to Ninai, had bath & came back to Ahmedabad.

    Today I just talked to Dediyapada Forest Dept & got Vijay bhai’s number. Later I saw your comment with latest contact. Thank you very much for keeping everyone updated.

    And last but not least, great to see your name at the bottom of http://www.narmadaecotourism.org.

    Keep up the good work!!!
    Cheers. 🙂

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 9, 2018

      Hi Bhargav,

      Thanks for dropping a note! Great to know that you had a great experience.

      I had a chance to work with Narmada Forest Department a while back so I helped them by creating the website. I wanted to add online booking for all campsites but due to circumstances, that couldn’t take off.

      Good day,
      Darpan

  13. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    August 30, 2018

    Updated contact info provided by Mr Jignesh Rajani:

    Vishal Khadi Campsite 02640 – 220330

    Zarwani, Junaraj and Sagai Campsite 02640 – 220013,220343.

    Contact Vijaybhai Directly for Zarwani, Junaraj, Sagai or Kunbar Campsite. His Mobile number – 7016861567

    Thank you very much Jignesh Bhai.

  14. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    May 7, 2017

    Some tips for Junaraj trip from Palash Mankad,

    “Regarding Junaraj, would like to share that one can enjoy a boat ride in the Karjan dam. There are few fishermen who can be contacted for arranging the boat ride. Also, winter (Nov-Dec) is a very nice time for the visitors as it can offer such misty morning sights such as captured in my photos.”

  15. Reply

    nilesh

    July 7, 2016

    how to book??

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 7, 2016

      As mentioned in other comment, for any additional information or booking Junaraj Eco Tourism Campsite,

      Contact:
      Rajpipla Forest Office
      02640 220013

  16. Reply

    Amit Nag

    June 21, 2016

    How i can go ahead by doing booking Pls share the contact no of each of the places with name. I have been searching but no contract no i could find

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      June 21, 2016

      Scroll down and you’ll find contact number in comment by Hemant Shah.

  17. Reply

    Hemant Sant

    January 25, 2016

    We had to climb many hills for hours to reach Juna raj..my old blog on rivr.sulekha.com..then boat till the end of a waterway ..then bath beyeeen two cliffs ahead

  18. Reply

    Mayur Shah

    January 21, 2016

    Contact number of Rajpipla Forest Office is: 02640 220013

  19. Reply

    Indra Vikram Singh

    January 20, 2016

    This is the old capital of Rajpipla State, where my ancestors ruled for nearly 300 years before shifting to the new site Nandod, present-day Rajpipla, in the plains on the banks of River Karjan. Alas, the old fort is not there any more at Junaraj, in the western Satpuras. There is an older Junaraj higher up on Devastra hill. Thank you for thjis lovely feature, Darpan.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 21, 2016

      Thanks you very much for sharing the insights!

  20. Reply

    Kashmalan K. Doctor

    January 20, 2016

    Good pics – the location seems to be beautiful overlooking the lake. Can any private group go there and stay ? If yes, please give the contact no. and booking office / person (is it owned and managed by Guj.Govt. Forest Dept.?). How far is it from Rajpipla?
    Thanks

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 21, 2016

      Personally, I haven’t visited the place yet. I came across photos of Junaraj Village and Eco cottage one day, they were scenic so I published them here.

      From what I know, yes, private group can go there and stay.

      I also don’t have contact details, you can try contacting Narmada Forest Department.

      From Rajpipla, if you can by the Google Maps’ way, it’ll be 65 km/2 hr journey. There’s also a road from Karjan Dam to Junaraj Eco Cottage, which is not on Google Maps. As per this reference, it’s not suitable for cars.

      • Reply

        Deepak

        December 30, 2017

        Any contact numbers?

        • Reply

          Darpan Dodiya

          December 30, 2017

          Contact:
          Rajpipla Forest Office
          02640 220013

  21. Reply

    Pravin Shah

    January 15, 2016

    Nice photographs. Cottages were being constructed when we visited Junaraj before 2 years

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 15, 2016

      Thank you!

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Seattle WA, USA

Hello 👋 I'm a Software Engineer based out of Seattle, WA. This is my internet backyard to share things that I do and stuff that I find interesting. I started this blog back in 2014 to share my travels stories. Glad to see you here, have a look around the website, you'll enjoy. Feel free to drop a comment or say hello. Have a beautiful day! :)