Mahal Eco Tourism Campsite Dangs, Gujarat
The Dangs // Mahal Campsite
Mahal Eco Tourism campsite is one of the four eco-tourism centers in the Dangs, Gujarat. Located on the banks of Purna river, Mahal campsite offers excellent trekking and walking options. Surrounded by rich Purna Wildlife Sanctuary forests (touted as thickest bamboo forest in Gujarat), and no modern technological facilities (no mobile networks), this is the place if you want to rest from noisy-hasty city life.
Mahal eco tourism center, Ahwa is part of North Dang forest division of Gujarat. North Dang forest division also handles Girli lodges, near Girmal falls. The campsite falls in the boundary of Mahal village, which is on Ahwa – Songadh road, about 40 minutes drive from Ahwa.
Mahal campsite was one of last 3 places in Dang I hadn’t visited. We finally planned a trip there on 14th November, 2015 (which was my 21st birthday!).
Currently I’m putting up only basic information and photos in this article as I’ve exams and tight schedule for some time being. I will update and detail this post as soon as I’ll get some free moments. Contact me or drop a comment down the page for any queries, I’ll reply soon.
Photos by: Kunj Dodiya
Location
Mahal campsite is located on Ahwa-Songadh road, 30 km from Ahwa.
40 minutes breezing drive amongst dense jungles of North Dang and Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. Just drive straight, no need to take any turns.
Accommodation & Food
Mahal Campsite has 4 cottages and 10 tents. You need to book them via forest department.
Prices are around Rs. 500 per night. (Not sure about this figure, but it’s far reasonable than hotel rates for sure.)
No, food is not available inside the campsite. No commercial activity is allowed by forest department inside the campus so you won’t find anything to eat or drink. Not even a tea.
You’ll need to either make food on your own or go out to Mahal Village and eat. (Food quality is mediocre though.)
Booking Information and Contact Details
Mahal Eco Tourism Campsite Contact Number Details
(Contacts are latest and are best to my knowledge. I, however, do not offer any surety.)
Phone: No working number. If you get to know about any, please comment below.
Email: [email protected]
If it doesn’t work out, try this:
Deputy Conservator Of Forests, North Dangs Division
Phone: 02631-220203
Email: [email protected]
Address: Forest Office North Dang Division, Near Petrol Pump, Ahwa, Dang.
If you’ve correct contact details with you, please share here with me. It will greatly help fellow travellers.
Signing Off
As I mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t be able to able to write a complete detailed blog post as I do normally. I will update this as soon as I can.
All photos by young brother, Kunj Dodiya. Many thanks to him!
Till then, enjoy the photos!
Mahal Campsite in Photos
Explore more:
- How to be Remarkable?
- Vansda National Park
- Kilad Eco Tourism Campsite
- Big List Of Campsites in Gujarat
- 9diad : The city of nine!
MOUSHMI SINGH
please send me mahal details
Dina Raval
I want to know about this place,we are from Ahmedabad.Husband/wife & Driver.65/60 age.
We want to know about Food & stay facilities.with driver.
Dt-19/11 night & 20/11 night.
Gunvant bhai mafatlal parmar
બુકિંગ કરવવા નુ છે કોન્ટેક નંબર આપો
Ketan maniya
I wont booking from 12-08-22 to 14-08-22
Goti
9 November available??
For 2 couple
Kamlesh Rana
Booking available 06/11/2021 and 07/11/2021 pl reply
Bharat
Booking available for 24 October
Jalodara parth
Book tent
HARESH KRISHNANI
i want booking Cottages/tent please help me
Vikas tiwari
Your location and booking price?
And Surat to mahal available bus ? Ans me 🙋
Rakesh Kadia
Dear Sir,
Please send confirmation of booking
Ricky Tandel
Room available for 6 adult and 3 child for 7 aug pls let me know with prise
Ballubhai chaudhari
I want to book cottages/tent at 5 November . What is price of cottage and tent ? We are 6 members .
Please reply me
Satish
Booking is available on 1 Aug.
Please let me know.
Anonymous
30 July avilabel for 22 person n price plz
Anil
24 july
Krishna savaliya
Atyre booking tha se
Vishal
4 July bookings avelevale chhe
Darshana joshi
4 July bookings available chhe
One day price 15 people
Darshana joshi
4 July bookings available chhe
Jigar Retiwala
Booking available
Gunvant bhai
13/06/2021
Arpan pawar
Is still 29 th booking open or not
Bhavesh Patel
Pl coll me
Navdeep patel
3person 02/01/2021night stay in tant
Navdeep patel
20persant 02/01/2021please contact me
Ashok sonawane
I want to visit on 2’nd&3’rd january
at Mahal to arrange study tour for next year.but can you reply me.
no one receive phone at that place
Navdeep patel
²⁰ persant 02.01.2021
Dr mrunal Raval
29/11/20 plz booking 2 person
Mayur
I want to have booking at Mahal
Suresh naginbhai Patel
One day price of stay 17 people and two children 6 year old and 8 year old
Jmprajapati
Please contact me for booking on Monday. 16.11.20.
Utkarsh patel
How to i contact there for inquiries and booking. Please Replay as soon as possible.
Shailesh
Hi,
How to book cottage proses
Saloni bhagat
Hy…
I want to book camp for 3 days. Can you helpe for this?
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Saloni,
No, unfortunately I cannot help.
nisha
hi darpan G i am from nashik ..i want ask you ..i want stey thear 2 days trip ….i want book room for camp …can you help me
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Nisha,
No, unfortunately I cannot help.
Mihirkumar nutanbhai naik
Hi mahal phone number
Darpan Dodiya
Hello,
You can find it in article above, try emailing them.
Pritesh Chaudhari
Hi team, I am pritesh Chaudhari..mare mahal camp ma room booking karavo che but koi call rcv nathi kartu . Mane 1 nov ni night ma room joye che as a tourist..plz cantect me ASAP.
Israr parmar
How to book mahal camp site please give me any contact number for booking so contact please my phone number
Darpan Dodiya
Hello,
Please read through comments and articles.
Israr parmar
How to book mahal camp site please give me any contact number for booking so contact please my phone number 9909678266 and give information
Dr Vilas Patel
Hello Darpanbhai.. v r going to plan dang tour during this moonson but v hv no idea about any tour person who can plan our tour for 3 days. Can you guide us plz…
Supriya Bhardwaj
Hi Darpan,
It is a really helpful post. I was wondering if you have any info regarding prior permission to Purna Sanctuary (Mahal Forest)? I mean from where and when to get permission as we are planning to visit this place at the end of March. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Supriya,
Thanks.
You’ll need to get in touch with North Dang Forest Department.
As far as I know, you don’t require any permission to visit the Mahal Campsite.
Forest department landline number is mentioned up in the article..please have a look.
Narendra
Darpan ji
i am impressed the way you are guiding and helping people to plan their holidays in this region. I am glad to see when someone helps and expect nothing……..Thanks a lot and i wish happiness and prosperity in your life forever
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Narendra bhai,
Thank you very much for your kind words. Wish you a happy journey!
Pradip Budheliya
We are 8 person in night out 1/3/2018 to 2/3/2018
please contact me my mobile number
Darpan Dodiya
Sorry, I do not book for anyone.
Ashwin Khadtare
Anyone looking for coming here for 30th Sept – 2nd Oct 2017 from Mumbai can join us…
for more details please visit
NIKUNJ
I AM 10 PERSON AT NIGHT MAHEL DATE OF 20/08/2017 HOTEL HE?
Parag
Hii Darpanji,
I am planning to go to Mahal Campsite for One day with family so Is there any need to book..? and I want to know that Is there any place for bath under falls or river with family..??
Kindly revert on it as soon as possible..
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Paragji,
You need booking etc only for overnight stay at Mahal Campsite. For one day, there’s no need of booking or permission.
Mahal Campsite is located on the bank of Purna River. You’ll find places to bath in river. Water will be brownish and little dirty due to monsoon rains though.
Parag
Thanks for the revert..
One more thing I want to ask that Can we do any trekking activities for the day..? If yes then How much they charge for it and Is there need of advance booking..?
Darpan Dodiya
Sorry, I’m afraid I do not have correct answer for that. Have never been for trekking there so can’t provide you firm answer.
The best way to know that is to call their landline number listed above. If they pick up, they might be able to help you.
dhruvv
hello mr. darpan hwo do i book for my dang trip?? plzz help me out
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Dhruv,
The only way to book campsite is to call forest department officials and then (maybe) send email.
Contact numbers given above in the article are latest and best to my knowledge.
If the land line number is not working then I don’t see any other way. Sadly. 🙁
(Above all is applicable to general civilians like you and me though. Contacts in forest/government departments can give you direct bookings to the campsites.)
VATSAL GHEEWALA
Hello Everyone,
I am Vatsal Gheewala and would like to share my most recent experience which will help others to plan a better trip to Mahal Eco Campsite, a kind of Dos and Don’ts.
Firstly I had visited the place on 28/01/2017 and writing this on 30/01/2017, and I had failed to get a camp there for a night stay.
Secondly, contact details given above seems to be partly correct.
The landline number is 100% correct as it was confirmed by me on the entrance of campsite, whereas can’t say about the first mobile number and two E-mail IDs as the same was never answered. The Second mobile number was answered after so many efforts and was replied to be a WRONG NUMBER. So I would advise not to try that one.
Anyone planning to go there should contact them (through Emails or First Mobile Number or Landline Number given or all) in advance of 2-3 weeks, to be on a safer side. As on 28/01/2017, the camps were booked up to the 15/02/2017.
From the above information we also had Emailed them on 27/01/2017, to be in advance, but out of luck, this much advance period was not sufficient, and we had to miss an awesome night. And also we were clueless regarding what could be our next step for staying in night.
Next if you get failed to obtain a place there, keep in mind nearest place to have a night stay is Shabridham Mandir, which is approximately 18 KMs away from campsite. You can stay at Shabri Resort which is 2-3 KMs away from the temple.
We had planned to travel through Public Transport.
But I would recommend you not to rely on it as we had made mistake.
The Public Transport is not so frequent. After 14:00 Hrs you won’t find any state buses from campsite. Without night stay anyone can roam in the campsite till 18:00 Hrs. After that it is almost impossible to find any kind of public or private transport. Although till 16:30-17:00 you might find private autos from nearest cross-roads from Mahal Eco Campsite to Shabridham.
If anyone has properly planned and booked camp can reach there from Ahwa. I guess the last bus to Mahal was at 12:00 Hrs.
Although a trip to such place is also possible with public transport, trip in own vehicle is more preferred.
The purpose of this post is just to give the idea to face the situation which we had to face.
Go Ahead, Plan well, Enjoy the trip and have an amazing experience.
A Patel
Darpanbhai,,,, please remove both mobile numbers. I also tried and both said Wrong Number.
Darpan Dodiya
Done. Removed them. If you find any working contacts, please drop a comment. I will update the post.
A Patel
I call Gujarat Tourism booking helpline toll free number they gave . When I called the guy said Wrong Number. Landline phone number seems correct but there is no one to respond.
Darpan Dodiya
Ah, that’s bad.
A fun fact about Gujarat Tourism helpline though: Often when you call their helpline number, they just do a Google search and tell you the number found on Google. (Mostly, they give you numbers published on this site 😀 )
Try your luck with one more number: Mr Dineshbhai +91 98245 11561. If this doesn’t work out then calling the landline number seems to be the only option to me.
dhruvv
yes he said same to me
Darpan Dodiya
Were you able to get any lead on this Mr Patel?
If yes, please share how did you get in touch with them..
A Patel
Alas, not. I visited Mahal last Sunday. There was no waterfall at that place because of no rain. There is no much to do there but it’s good feeling to visit new place at least once. All cottages were given to forest police staff as they had some kind of official meeting there. At the entry gate, gatekeeper (in khakhi uniform) in generous mood warned us “before paying Rs.200 keep in mind that there not much to do inside, there is no guarantee of parking availability” 🙂
Darpan Dodiya
Oh, snap.
Yes, so far I have heard that only Gira Falls near Waghai has some running water. Most others waterfalls are still dead.
Good guy gatekeeper. 🙂
He was right, unless you plan to stay at Mahal overnight, there’s nothing much to do standalone, especially in monsoon season.
Thanks for your prompt response.
Dr. Jay Bhatt
Hi Mr. Darpan I am planning to go dang on14,15,16 and 17 January.
Kindly let me know that is that right time to go. Also provide me itinerary for that if possible. I am interested for staying in campsite.
Thanks for your kind help.
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Dr.Bhatt!
The best time to visit Dang is monsoon season and a month after monsoon. You’d miss out cherishing the greenary, nevertheless, Dang won’t be absolutely disappointing in mid-January days. So you can visit it still.
I’m assuming 3 nights and 4 days trip as per the date you’ve mentioned. Based on that and your interest in staying in campsite, I suggest you following itinerary:
14th Jan: Janki Van, Vansda National Park
14th Jan Night: Kilad Campsite
15th Jan: Take help of guide at Kilad and trek to Girafalls, Ahwa (It’s Dang district headquarters, you can buy stuff from here)
15th Jan Night: Mahal Campsite
16th Jan: Girmal Waterfall, Shabari Dham, Pampa Sarovar (These days, this place would be deserted though)
16th Jan Night: Saputara
17th Jan: Full day at Saputara
Let me know if I can help you in any other regards.
Happy Journey!
Vineet
Hi Mr. Darian,
I am planing tuition picnic for 1 night 2 days for about 40 people. Is naval good option.
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Mr. Vineet,
Yes, Mahal is great option for such picnics. I advise you to call the forest department and check for availability of 40 people however. As for the upcoming Christmas festival, there will be tourist rush.
MAYUR RANA
My group is 20 person please deatil to mahal my planing to saturday nd sunday .give mee information .call mee my mobile no-
Darpan Dodiya
Sorry, I don’t book for anyone.
Rajendra Soyantar
Hi Darpan,
You are doing great volunteer work giving all information about Dang travelling. I also need your help in some information.
I am from Ahmedabad. Me and my family planning for 3 day and 2 nights.and I have no idea about stay, transportation in Dang District. I will be visit first time there so my questions is
At which center place we should to stay so we can explore all major sites?
Is there any tourist transport facility from private or government agencies?
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Rajendra,
1. At which center place we should to stay so we can explore all major sites?
>> You can stay one night at Saputara. Then one night at Mahal Campsite.
Check out this article for list of all possible stay options in Dang: Where to stay in Dang?
Staying in Saputara hotels is heavy on pockets, you can try to get booking in one of the campsites.
2. Is there any tourist transport facility from private or government agencies?
>> Unfortunately, no.
I highly recommend to get your private vehicle.
Let me know if you need to know anything else.
Cheers!
Nilesh shah
Hello darpanji
Thanks for shareing this place. I want to visit in mid November. Dag, ahwa, don,mahal, etc,pls help me how to arrange this place. First where will I go? I plan for 5/6 days. Is it sufficient? I come from AHMEDABAD.this is only for your knowledge.
Thanks in advance.
Vaishali
Darpanji,
Thanks for shareing this place. I want to visit in mid November. Dag, ahwa, don,mahal, etc,pls help me how to arrange this place. First where will I go? I plan for 5/6 days. Is it sufficient? I come from AHMEDABAD.this is only for your knowledge.
Thanks in advance
Darpan Dodiya
Thanks for commenting. I have answered your query in as a reply to other thread.
Darpan Dodiya
Hello,
Planning is something I refrain to suggest to anyone.
Mr. Jinesh Mehta from Jamnagar had followed below itinerary. Please have a look at it:
25 Thursday સાપુતારાથી -અંજની પર્વત, દેવીનામાળ (કેમ્પ સાઇડ) આહવા થઇ ડોન સાંજે સાપુતારા
26 Friday સાપુતારાથી – સબરી ઘામ, પંપા સરોવર, ગીરા ઘોઘ રીટર્ન સુબીર થઇ મહાલ કેમ્પ સાંજે સાપુતારા
27 Saturday સાપુતારાથી- વઘઇ ગીરા ઘોઘ, બોટાનીકલ ગાર્ડન, કીલ્લાદ કેમ્પ સાઇટ સાંજે સાપુતારા
28 Sunday સાપુતારાથી- આહવા થઇ પીંપરી થી કાલીબેલ થઇ માયાદેવી અને ત્યાંથી વ્યારા થઇ રાજપીપળા થઇ અમદાવાદ.
So now you can see that 3-4 days are pretty much enough to explore Dang area. So 5/6 days are definitely sufficient.
Find the article for: Places to visit in Dang
Find the article for: Places to Stay in Dang
Find the article for: Places to visit in Saputara
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Sorry for a little late reply. I always try to reply within 24 hours however since I was on trip for last few days, couldn’t.
vaishali
thanks darpanji
Darpan Dodiya
You’re welcome! 🙂
Sanjay Raut
Verry nice
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you! 🙂
jalpa koyani
we will plan to go there for single day. no night stay, still we need booking?
Darpan Dodiya
No you don’t. Just pay the entry fee for car and number of people and you’re in.
jalpa koyani
thank you
Manish Vyas
Dear Darpan,
Thanks for this information. We visited this place recently and it is amazing. However stay is not allowed during monsoon and hence we have to go to SUBIR (16-20 km away) for night stay where only one resort is available.
Please share this for benefits to others who want to visit.
Darpan Dodiya
Thanks a lot Mr. Manish!
I will update the article to include your information. It will definitely help other travelers.
Please keep sharing such useful bits!
Hitesh
Mahal eco campsite I want to go tomorrow. The roads are good from bardoli ?? What about food and river there ?? Shall we enjoy simple swimming in river there ?? Any waterfall nearby..
Darpan Dodiya
Roads are decent.
Food is not available.
Stay is not available during monsoon.
No idea about swimming in river.
There’s Girmal Waterfall nearby, which is touted as highest waterfall of Gujarat.
Omesh Sonar
Hi Mr. Darpan,
Nice info you’ve given.
We 3 couples are planning to go there. Is rainy season fine to go there? Plz suggest us regarding our trip. Thanks in advance.
Darpan Dodiya
Yes, of course it is fine. In fact, monsoon and post monsoon seasons are the best!
Go ahead, have an awesome trip!
Omesh Sonar
One more query Sir,
What about food & safety.?
Darpan Dodiya
Campsite is safe.
Food – Either prepare on your own or go to nearby village hotel. Campsite doesn’t provide food.
AJAY MAKWANA
THANK YOU DARPAN & MADHVI FOR A HELP ,,,
Darpan Dodiya
Wishing you best journey Ajay! 🙂
sandip
Help to book cottage in mahal dang for 4 persons
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Sandip.
I’ve already expressed my concerns in reply to Ankit’s comment below.
Darpan Dodiya
Please read comment of Madhavi. She has confirmed that the booking details of Mahal Campsite, Dangs, I’ve written about are correct and are the only way to book campsite.
Ankit Nakrani
15 person. Pls help 4 book cottage.
Darpan Dodiya
I can’t stress more on this: I’m NOT a travel agent or a booking agent who does booking for various campsites.
I travel to places and write about them so that it can be helpful to fellow travellers, like you.
For booking and contact details, please re-read the article. Contact numbers are there, contact them, not me.
Madhavi Oza Vyas
Thanks Darpan for contact numbers. Mobiles are working & first one was answered by one Mr. Venilalbhai & for booking cottage or tents e-mail on given id is mandatory. Landline number was not answered even after repeated attempts.
Darpan Dodiya
Alright. Thanks for sharing this!
Ashish Parekh
Apart from Mahal, are there any good campsites to stay in Dang?
Darpan Dodiya
Check out this article: Accommodation & Stay In Dang, Gujarat
Darpan Dodiya
Contact number of Kalibel Range forest department: 02631-293256