Padamdungari Eco Tourism Campsite, Gujarat
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
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)
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 |
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.
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
- 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.
- 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
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
- Beautifully, Well-Designed Amphitheatre
- Separate area for Campfire
- Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
- A small rescue centre for injured wildlife animals
- Zip line
- ATV Ride
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
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.
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
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!
Nearby Attractions
Other Campsites Nearby
- Kilad Nature Education Center Vansda
- Mahal Eco Campsite, Dang
- Kevdi Eco Campsite, Mandvi, Surat
- Devinamal Campsite, Ahwa
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!
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.
Kartikeya
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.
Nitin Parikh
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
Arvind
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.
Darpan Dodiya
Sorry I am not aware of any local guide.
Shefali Bohra
Thank u for nice info n hws the food there
Darpan Dodiya
Nothing to fancy about.
ASHOK DHOPAVKAR
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.
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Krishna
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..
Darpan Dodiya
Glad to know that!
Unfortunately, I am not in position to offer help regarding bookings.
Please get in touch with the official authorities.
leee
can we visit this place in monsoon ? July or Aug
what is the best time to visit ?
Darpan Dodiya
Best time to visit would be October to mid-Feb. Monsoon could be fine as well.
leee
can we visit this place in monsoon ?
Jignesh Rajani
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.
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you Mr Jignesh, wish you a happy journey! 🙂
Aniruddha Vaidya
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?
Darpan Dodiya
Yes it is safe, I do not see any harm for kids.
For booking details, I recommend you to call on number given above.
Jvalant Acharya
Hi Darpan
Veri usefull information provided by you we are planning to visit in jan’2017 for two or three days is it ok
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Mr Acharya,
Yes its okay. I suggest you to plan for 2 days, 3 days aren’t needed.
Jvalant Acharya
ok thanks
Zalak Kothari
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
Darpan Dodiya
Yes. I believe its a good time to visit.
For activities, please have a look at my article above.
Bansi
Hi! I will visit padam dungri from Surat.if we will reach early in morning,
Is one day is enough for exploring?
Darpan Dodiya
Yes, one day is enough.
Nirmita bhatt
Very useful information, thanks for sharing
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you.
Purnima
Hi I am planning to visit padam dungri
Is there any water there to play in it
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Jignesh
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.
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Paresh
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
Darpan Dodiya
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.
CHIRAG KUMAR V PATEL
nice information
Harsh
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?
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Farid Noorani
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
Darpan Dodiya
Sorry, I don’t do bookings for anyone.
Please contact respective authorities mentioned above in the article.
Dulcie shah
It will be great if u upload photos of room for tourist to have an fair idea…
Darpan Dodiya
Noted your suggestions. I will search in my data collection and upload room photos if I find any..
Naimish Sanghvi
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
Darpan Dodiya
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!
Jayesh
Very Nice Information. Thanks for sharing information.
Mandeep Singh
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!!! 🙂
Darpan Dodiya
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!
Mandeep Singh
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!
Darpan Dodiya
Sure sure, would love to see your photos and hear your experiences!
Happy Journey!
Rashmin
How will be July month visit ? Considering roads and Rain
Darpan Dodiya
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. 🙂
Sudarshan Matanhelia
Loved your information provided,
but missing best (season) time to visit the palce
Darpan Dodiya
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.
Darpan Dodiya
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! 😀
Pravin Shah
Very good information
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you sir! 🙂