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
Video by: Kunj Dodiya
Photo Gallery
14D Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
14D Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
14D Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
14D Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
10P Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
9L Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
8K Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
4U Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
7A Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
3R Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
7A Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
5I Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
2A Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
1A Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
15S Junaraj Village Narmada Eco Tourism Campsite 
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 Place | To Place | Distance in kms/Time in hr |
| Rajpipla | Junaraj Ecotourism | 145 km / 3 hr 30 min |
| Surat | Junaraj Ecotourism | 20 km / 1 hr |
| Ahmedabad | Junaraj Campsite | 220 km / 4 hr 30 min |
| Mumbai | Junaraj Campsite | 400 km / 8 hr |
| Vadodara | Junaraj Campsite | 120 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
| Facility | Count |
| Rooms | 6 |
| Kitchen Room | 1 |
| Tent | 10 |
Cost of Accomodation
It’s always an good idea to call the Narmada Forest Department to get accurate pricing details.
| Item | Cost |
| Room | Rs. 1000 / night |
| Tent | Rs. 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
- Dev Mogra Eco Tourism Campsite
- Junaraj Eco Tourism Campsite
- Kunbar Eco Tourism Campsite
- Sagai Eco Tourism Campsite
- Vishal Khadi Eco Tourism Campsite
- Zarvani Eco Tourism Campsite
Urjit
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?
JIGNASA PATEL
Like historical places and bird watching. Want to visit.
Anubhav Sharma
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 🍺
Darpan
Thanks for the kind words Anubhav. Glad to hear that it helped you.
Bhumit Sheth
Can we take our own tent and place it there? Any kind of booking needed for that?
nishant
hey, i found wrong info
Surat Junaraj Ecotourism 20 km / 1 hr
its not 20km from surat its almost 140 kms
Priyam
self camping allowed?
i mean if i bring my own tent.
Gautam Ravaliya
Hi Darpan,
Apologies, for the delayed reply and thanks for your quick and details response.
Gautam Ravaliya
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?
Darpan Dodiya
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!
Raj Shah
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.
Darpan Dodiya
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
parag Desai
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.
Darpan Dodiya
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!
Darpan Dodiya
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. 🙂
Vimal sarvani
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…
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Bhargav Raval
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. 🙂
Darpan Dodiya
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
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Darpan Dodiya
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.”
nilesh
how to book??
Darpan Dodiya
As mentioned in other comment, for any additional information or booking Junaraj Eco Tourism Campsite,
Contact:
Rajpipla Forest Office
02640 220013
Amit Nag
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
Darpan Dodiya
Scroll down and you’ll find contact number in comment by Hemant Shah.
Hemant Sant
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
Mayur Shah
Contact number of Rajpipla Forest Office is: 02640 220013
Indra Vikram Singh
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.
Darpan Dodiya
Thanks you very much for sharing the insights!
Kashmalan K. Doctor
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
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Deepak
Any contact numbers?
Darpan Dodiya
Contact:
Rajpipla Forest Office
02640 220013
Pravin Shah
Nice photographs. Cottages were being constructed when we visited Junaraj before 2 years
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you!