Featured Photo Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation
Travel

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite, Gujarat

By
on
November 27, 2015

Padamdungri is campsite located on the banks of Ambika river, 10 km from Unai and 30 km from Vyara town. Developed and maintained by Eco Tourism Development Committee (EDC), Padam Dungari stands amongst forests of Sahyadri mountain range. Padamdungari is one of the 4 eco tourism sites in this area.

Also see: List of Campsites in Gujarat

The campsite is well developed and is well maintained. It has orientation center, in campus canteen, AC/Non AC cottages, tented accommodation, amphitheatre, green walkways and campfire area.

Padamdungari eco campsite forest is undoubtedly an excellent weekend getaway destination from Surat/Vadodara. Excellent choice for camping too.

Entrance

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

Drone Video of Padamdungari Eco Tourism

My younger brother, Kunj Dodiya has shot a superb video covering Padamdungari Campsite from all angles.

Have a look at it!

My Relation With Padamdungari

Padamdungari is 30 minutes drive from my hometown, Vansda. I visited this center several times when I was young, during school years.

One evening thought of visiting Unai area again and I set out with younger brother Kunj.

I like this place for its serenity and chilled out ambience. Calm place. (Not applicable during tourist season however! :P)

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

Location and Geography

Padamdungari, Gujarat is 10 km from holy place, Unai. 30 km from Vyara town, Surat.

Map of eco campsite

It is situated amongst the Sahyadri ranges, by the river Ambica. The scenic site has deep, dense, multi-storied forests, genetic diversity, rocky, undulating, & enriched landscapes.

As you can see in the Map, the campsite is surrounded by trees all over.

How to Reach Padamdungri

If you’re coming from Surat, take Vyara-Unai road, and take left turn at Pathakwadi, visible sign boards are there for direction at every turning point.

If you’re coming from Vansda, Unai, take right turn at Pathakwadi.

Distance Matrix

From To Distance in km / Approx. time in hr
Surat Padamdungari Campsite 90 km / 2 hrs
Vadodara Padamdungri Campsite 215 km / 4 hrs
Mumbai Padamdungari Campsite 270 km / 4.30 hrs
Valsad Padamdungri Campsite 75 km / 1.30 hrs
Saputara Padamdungari Campsite 80 km / 2 hrs
Vansda Padamdungri Campsite 25 km / 40 min

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

Own private vehicle is preferred way of transportation, it’s actually the only way to reach.

Forget about public transportation. You can reach upto Unai easily using public transportation. Reaching from Unai to Padamdungari may give you ache.

Roads all the way to campsite are in good condition. Nothing to worry about in any season.

Nearest railway station is Unai on Bilimora Waghai Narrow Gauge line. However, I wouldn’t recommend travelling via train.

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

A Moment to Understand Eco Tourism

Till now, in this post you must have come across this word “Eco Tourism” or “Eco Campsite” many times. Let’s see what it stands for:

Ecotourism is: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

Keywords to note:
Travel
Nature
Conservation
Local people

Image: padamdungari.org

You can find detailed description of eco tourism at: http://padamdungari.org/ecotourism.html

Being a Responsible Traveler

  • 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.)
  • Avoid ostentatious display of wealth.
  • No flash or intrusive photography (for example, don’t pluck leaves to clear a better view; reposition the camera instead.)

Leave them untouched

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation

  • 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.
  • Respect local traditions and etiquette.

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

  • 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.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.
  • Minimize campfire impacts.
  • Be flexible in your expectations. No expectation is the best expectation.

Reference

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

What’s In Padam Dungari : Facilities

Padamdungari is an attempt to fulfil the requirements of a eco tourism site. It has following amenities:

  • Orientation Centre
  • 2 AC & 8 Non AC Cottages
  • 2 Dormitory
  • Tented Accommodations with separate bathing & toilet facilities
  • Separate Kitchen & Dining places
  • Cafeteria

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation

  • Beautifully, Well-Designed Amphitheatre
  • Separate area for Campfire
  • Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation

  • A small rescue centre for injured wildlife animals
  • Zip line
  • ATV Ride

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

No jokes.

Except from Orientation Centre, all of other amenities are present in campsite. You actually get to see all of the aforementioned places. Orientation center is present too, but it’s closed most of the times. It’s generally made open for educational eco tourism tours.

Accommodation at Padamdungari

If you book well before, you’ll easily get accommodation at Padamdungari for overnight stay. Booking is must. Charges are affordable.

1. AC Room

Charges: Rs. 1500 per couple / Rs. 300 for extra
Count: 2 Rooms

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

2. Non AC Room

Charges: Rs. 800 per couple / Rs. 250 for extra
Count: 8 Room

3. Dormitory

Charges: Rs. 250 per person / Max. 10 person
Count: 2 Dormitories

4. Tent

Charges: Rs. 100 per person
Count: 10+
Note: Tents may/may not be offered. Please contact campsite prior to planning.

Featured Photo Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation

Scroll down for contact number and booking details of campsite.

Booking & Contact Number Details of Padamdungari Campsite

You can book accommodation by phone. Below are contact details:

Mobile:
Mr. Parimal Chaudhari – +91 97278 78583 (Always try this for booking)
Mr. Mahendra Chaudhari – +91 98799 20369 (Manager)

Padamdungari Contact Number: 02630-290796
Range Forest Unai Office: 02630-236244

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

Food at Campsite

A small but decent canteen is present in campsite premises. They don’t have a lot on Menu, whatever they offer, it’s enough to calm down your appetite of food.

Lunch – Typical Gujarati – Rs. 50 / dish
Dinner – Hygienic dish – Rs. 70 / dish
Tea/Coffee/Milk – Rs. 10/15/20

Crunching hot and spicy Bhajiyas sitting on river view table could be one of the best moments!

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation - 3

Nearby Attractions

Other Campsites Nearby

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation

Some Points

  • Padamdungari is very good place to stay off from noisy fast city life.
  • Be careful in water, there have been tragedies in past. Ambica river is dangerous during monsoon.
  • During peak tourist season, book accommodation well before. During normals days, walk-in booking will work too.
  • If you’re not planning to stay there, do keep in mind that entry is not allowed after 6 PM.
  • You can’t carry your equipments and cook inside campus. (In Mahal Campsite, this is very common.) However, outside campsite campus, it’s your own wish.
  • Canteen there doesn’t serve exotic food items but you won’t be left starving for sure.
  • If you’ve come so far then don’t miss Unai Hot Springs and Janki Van.
  • It’s an exquisite place for photography!

Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite near Unai, Vyara, Surat - Contact Number, Map, Hotel, Accommodation

Tata!

I’ve written whatever I know about Padamdungari! All details are latest and best to my knowledge.

Liked this article? Leave your comment down!

Discover more places:

Photos by: Kunj Dodiya. Not for reproduction.

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53 Comments
  1. Reply

    Kartikeya

    January 19, 2022

    Padamdungari is a nice place and I suggest every one to visit this place. Very economy rates for stay and best forest place with river. Normally all Eco tourism at a moment in Dang are not allowing to visit river bank but here there is no restriction. Forest is very well developed. Staff is very much supportive. Food is of very good quality and again at very low rate. We stayed there for 3 days and enjoy a lot. For any travel related information, you can mail me. Best time to visit is Monsoon and Winter season. Peace full and calm place.

  2. Reply

    Nitin Parikh

    January 11, 2021

    darpan dodiya

    vary good information given i want know what is procedure for advance booking. we want to stay for 3 to4 days it will do pl inform me if possible

    thanks

  3. Reply

    Arvind

    October 5, 2020

    Hi darpan
    Reached your blog. Superb information about padam dungari.
    I am interested in bird watching in padam dungari. Specially i want to watch asian paradise flycatcher.
    Can you suggest any local guide for bird watching? Pl. Reply or contact on my cell .
    Thanks arvind.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      October 11, 2020

      Sorry I am not aware of any local guide.

  4. Reply

    Shefali Bohra

    February 1, 2019

    Thank u for nice info n hws the food there

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 5, 2019

      Nothing to fancy about.

  5. Reply

    ASHOK DHOPAVKAR

    December 21, 2018

    Hi Darpan,
    We are planning to visit Padamdungri on 24-25 Dec 18. Your blog has very vital and useful information. Thanks for same.
    Wonder if you could add map of the destinations too. It will be more comprehensive, under single blog thing.
    Best wishes keep up the good work.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 27, 2018

      Hi Ashok,

      Thanks a lot for the suggestion. You’re absolutely right about unifying everything under a single page.

      It is one of the most requested feature of yet. I should find a way to map all destinations.

  6. Reply

    Krishna

    November 27, 2018

    Nice info Darpanbhai, I’m searching contact nos. for since long time, thanks for providing them. We are planning a one night stay there on next sat-sun. Can we get bookings or any suggestions..

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 27, 2018

      Glad to know that!

      Unfortunately, I am not in position to offer help regarding bookings.

      Please get in touch with the official authorities.

  7. Reply

    leee

    June 25, 2018

    can we visit this place in monsoon ? July or Aug
    what is the best time to visit ?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      June 25, 2018

      Best time to visit would be October to mid-Feb. Monsoon could be fine as well.

  8. Reply

    leee

    June 25, 2018

    can we visit this place in monsoon ?

  9. Reply

    Jignesh Rajani

    February 10, 2018

    Hello sir, your website is very beneficial to us as we were searching contact numbers for kilad and padma dungri camp sites. your work is really appreciable. keep it up.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 10, 2018

      Thank you Mr Jignesh, wish you a happy journey! 🙂

  10. Reply

    Aniruddha Vaidya

    February 8, 2018

    Very nice and handy information.
    Is it safe for kids?
    I am planning to visit this place around mid Feb. How many days prior booking is needed?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 10, 2018

      Yes it is safe, I do not see any harm for kids.

      For booking details, I recommend you to call on number given above.

  11. Reply

    Jvalant Acharya

    December 19, 2017

    Hi Darpan

    Veri usefull information provided by you we are planning to visit in jan’2017 for two or three days is it ok

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 21, 2017

      Hello Mr Acharya,

      Yes its okay. I suggest you to plan for 2 days, 3 days aren’t needed.

      • Reply

        Jvalant Acharya

        December 23, 2017

        ok thanks

  12. Reply

    Zalak Kothari

    November 30, 2017

    Hi I am planning for 24th and 25th Dec,2017 with my six friends.Is it good month to visit? and what all activities are over there

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 30, 2017

      Yes. I believe its a good time to visit.

      For activities, please have a look at my article above.

  13. Reply

    Bansi

    November 25, 2017

    Hi! I will visit padam dungri from Surat.if we will reach early in morning,
    Is one day is enough for exploring?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 25, 2017

      Yes, one day is enough.

  14. Reply

    Nirmita bhatt

    September 10, 2017

    Very useful information, thanks for sharing

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 10, 2017

      Thank you.

  15. Reply

    Purnima

    June 4, 2017

    Hi I am planning to visit padam dungri
    Is there any water there to play in it

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      June 4, 2017

      Hi Purnima,

      No there’s no water at this time. After it rains for a couple of weeks, there will be water.

      But you wouldn’t want to play with roaring monsoon waters. Better to wait till October.

  16. Reply

    Jignesh

    June 3, 2017

    Hi everyone I went Padam dungri on 31st may 2017/ 11:00 am
    I was shocked due to no water in running condition…..
    I think if any communication display in Google when we serch.
    Because of I was come from Kutch.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      June 3, 2017

      Hi Jignesh,

      Thanks for sharing your experience.

      You’re right. I should have added a section in above article for best time to visit this place.

      I will update the post soon.

      For those who are reading this comment: The best time to visit Padamdungari is mid September to mid January.

  17. Reply

    Paresh

    May 19, 2017

    Is this place worth to be visited in summer or is there any other places as we wish to have a bath in the open and running river, please suggest

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      May 19, 2017

      Hi Paresh,

      Padam Dungari campsite is well maintained and I do think that it is worth to visit in summer — but please bear in mind that it will not have open and running water in this season.

      In fact, there are no places where you’ll find open and running river in this scorching hot month of May.

  18. Reply

    CHIRAG KUMAR V PATEL

    April 15, 2017

    nice information

  19. Reply

    Harsh

    December 31, 2016

    I’m frm surat n i would like to go there 2mrrw…..can i go their without any prior booking? N when should leave frm here to hav a perfect trip i mean tym?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 1, 2017

      Hello!

      Yes, to visit the place, you don’t need any booking. So you can go there without any booking.

      In the morning! The campsites opens at around 9 AM so you can schedule your trip accordingly.

  20. Reply

    Farid Noorani

    December 28, 2016

    Planning to come to padamdungri on this 31st Dec-16 with family, so what is the booking position for 2 families.
    Are there any chances to get any rooms or tents

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 28, 2016

      Sorry, I don’t do bookings for anyone.

      Please contact respective authorities mentioned above in the article.

  21. Reply

    Dulcie shah

    December 6, 2016

    It will be great if u upload photos of room for tourist to have an fair idea…

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 6, 2016

      Noted your suggestions. I will search in my data collection and upload room photos if I find any..

  22. Reply

    Naimish Sanghvi

    July 27, 2016

    Hi,

    I am really glad to have come across this blog. Great detail on Padamdungari, I was there myself a couple days back.
    The room rates have changed, they are now 800, 1500 and 2500 for non-AC, AC and dormitory respectively.
    I made a travel vlog about it, and gave you credit as well in the description with your link.

    Hope you have a look at it.
    https://youtu.be/PNsJG3aMxxk

    Thanks,
    Naimish

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 27, 2016

      Hi Naimish!

      Thanks for the update. I shall correct rates soon.

      I had a look at your website, cool man! Have bookmarked it, will be checking it time to time for interesting content. 🙂

      Happy Day!

  23. Reply

    Jayesh

    July 16, 2016

    Very Nice Information. Thanks for sharing information.

  24. Reply

    Mandeep Singh

    July 8, 2016

    Hi Darpan, kem cho 🙂
    I’m Mandeep Singh from Amdavad
    Your New look, new format blog is awesome! Congratulations!!
    & Thanks for All new updates & pictures.
    Based on these, we made a family trip to vansda , Mahal sanctuary, gira falls etc last Dec.
    Now, can you please Advise & provide Us Contacts for Overnight Stay at Above mentioned places, as well as Wilson Hill & Padamdugri if possible.
    My contact num is

    Thanks in Advance & again.love your work!!! 🙂

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 10, 2016

      Hi Mandeep! Apne ekdam majja ma! 🙂

      Thanks a lot for nice words! Appreciate it 🙂

      You can find contact numbers of places from their individual articles.

      As well as from: Places to Stay in Dang/Saputara

      Will send you message on your contact number as well.

      Cheers!

      • Reply

        Mandeep Singh

        July 10, 2016

        Hi Darpan..thanks for prompt response! 🙂
        looking forward to a Trip this mid week, & will try to come up with some pics to share as well.
        Once Again many thanks for helpful response.

        See you around!

        • Reply

          Darpan Dodiya

          July 10, 2016

          Sure sure, would love to see your photos and hear your experiences!

          Happy Journey!

  25. Reply

    Rashmin

    July 6, 2016

    How will be July month visit ? Considering roads and Rain

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 6, 2016

      Roads are fine. I don’t see any issues there.

      July Month is cool too, as there were rain showers past few days, the entire campsite and surroundings would have turned into lush green.

      If you go there, do share your experience here. It will help fellow travelers. 🙂

  26. Reply

    Sudarshan Matanhelia

    May 18, 2016

    Loved your information provided,
    but missing best (season) time to visit the palce

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      May 20, 2016

      Oh yes!

      Thanks for reminding.

      After monsoon, October – January is the best time to visit the place IMO. However, considering the ambience of Padamdungari Campsite, any time during year would be pleasurable.

  27. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    March 27, 2016

    I forgot to add one note in above article.

    For Non Veg lovers out there!

    Two kms from Padamdungari Campsite, two-three “Desi Chicken” shops have been established. They’re very popular amongst Surat tourists.

    You may want to check it out! 😀

  28. Reply

    Pravin Shah

    January 8, 2016

    Very good information

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 25, 2016

      Thank you sir! 🙂

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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! :)