Wilson Hill Station Dharampur & Shankar Waterfall, Gujarat
Wilson Hill Station and Shankar Waterfall stand in an impenetrable forest area near Dharampur in the Valsad district of Gujarat.
Shankar Fall is close to the famous Wilson Hills, a hill station situated in the Pangarbari Wildlife Sanctuary. I had a chance to plan an excursion to Wilson Hills lately. You are missing a good day in your life if you haven’t been at places like Shankar Waterfall and Wilson Hills.
Let me plan a breath to share experience to Wilson Hill Station.
Drone Video
Enjoy a cinematic drone video of Wilson Hills shot by Kunj Dodiya.
Accommodation [Update]:
Looking for accommodation at Wilson Hills? A homestay option is available now at Wilson Hill Station. Call/message on +91 94295 64808.
Click here for more details.
Major Reform [Update 24-06-2016]:
I’ve published this article back in September 2014. At that time, I was a beginner, stepping into blogging world.
Since then, a lot has been changed. From my writing to content presentation skills.
I’m reformatting and updating this article to match up with latest information and good presentation. Cheers!
Wilson Hills at Dusk
Location of Wilson Hills Dharampur
Wilson Hill Station is located in the forest locality of the Sahyadri mountain range in a village called Vaghval.
Shankar waterfall is just 6 km away from the famous hill station.
Wilson hill station is 32 kilometers away from Dharampur and about 62 km away from Valsad, the district headquarter.
Dharampur
Dharampur is a well-known town for its rich Adivasi (Tribal) culture. It is said that, years ago King Mohanrai built his fort in Dharampur and announced Dharampur as a State. One of the most potent reasons why King Mohanrai chose Dharampur is the evergreen hilly area and absolute natural beauty of Dharampur.
Dharampur region has host of tourist places like,
- Wilson Hills,
- Barumal Temple (13th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva),
- Mohangadh Fort,
- Sahyadri Mountain Range,
- Kaparada,
- Shankar Fall,
- Shirmad Rajchandra Ashram.
Entry gate to Dharampur town
How to Reach
Wilson hill station has arrangement of smooth tar roads till the end.
If you’re considering public transport, state run GSRTC bus goes straight up to Wilson Hills also.
In my opinion, use of own vehicle is the best way to explore the Dharampur area.
The nearest Railway station is Valsad. State transport buses are frequent between Dharampur and Valsad.
You will find yourself driving 30-40 minutes to get to Wilson Hills from Dharampur town.
CNG pump is present at Dharampur, Vansda and Valsad.
Roads are decent. You’ll have fun driving on zig-zag stretch of 5 km.
Distance Matrix
| From | To | Distance in km / Time in hr |
| Surat | Wilson Hills | 125 km / 2.30 hr |
| Valsad | Wilson Hills | 60 km / 1.30 hr |
| Dharampur | Wilson Hills | 30 km / 45 min |
| Mumbai | Wilson Hills | |
| Vadodara | Wilson Hills | 250 km / 5 hr |
| Ahmedabad | Wilson Hills | 375 km / 6.30 hr |
| Saputara | Wilson Hills | 70 km / 2 hr |
Attractions – What to See
Wilson hills had helping hand of government, so you’ll find some viewpoints and rest huts. Whereas, Shankar falls are as they are. There were few benches earlier, but last time when I went there, I couldn’t find trace of any! 😛
Best time to visit: Monsoon. (Mid June to September end.)
You may find following things wonderful:
- Water crashing from the height of about 150 feet
- Scenic landscapes and dense greenery
- Work and life culture of Adivasis
- Tall trees protecting the shores of the river
Monsoon is undoubtedly the best time to visit.![[Photos] [Monsoon] Wilson Hills Dharampur and Shankar Dhodh Waterfalls in Monsoon](https://darpan.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Photos-Monsoon-Wilson-Hills-Dharampur-and-Shankar-Dhodh-Waterfalls-in-Monsoon-6.jpg)
Homestay Accommodation at Wilson Hill Station
Wilson Hills area now has one homestay option as well.
Also, delicious local (Adivasi) food can be enjoyed. You’ll be exposed to local culture and their lifestyle as well during your course of stay.
Call/message on +91 94295 64808 for pricing, bookings and more details.
Typical local house.
Food
No food at Shankar Fall.
Wilson Hills has one restaurant on the top. You can curb hunger there.
Based on my personal experience, the food wasn’t upto the mark. It’s better to take own food there and crunch it sitting amongst clouds.
Nearby Places
- Barumal Shiva Temple
- Fort of Mohangadh
- Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram
- Dharampur City
- Kaparada Area and Bildha Village
Shankar Waterfalls – 6 km from Wilson Hill Station![[Photos] [Monsoon] Wilson Hills Dharampur and Shankar Dhodh Waterfalls in Monsoon](https://darpan.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Photos-Monsoon-Wilson-Hills-Dharampur-and-Shankar-Dhodh-Waterfalls-in-Monsoon-8.jpg)
Barumal Shiva Temple
Barumal, 10 minutes from Dharampur is actually not just a Shiva temple. It has a wide spread campus hosting a guest house, pretty good canteen, girls’ school cum hostel, podium, walk-through gallery and of course, a huge temple.
Why am I mentioning this temple? Food!
If you fail to find any food in either Wilson Hills or Shankar Falls, Barumal temple can be fill up your empty stomach. It has a canteen.
Barumal temple falls on the Wilson Hill – Dharampur road, 5 km from Dharampur.
Gentle Gesture
Stop your vehicle for a moment to capture the smiles of cute children en-route to Fall.
Dharampur area is tribal, undeveloped area. People in this area are financially not well-off.
I urge you to donate those kids Old clothes, books, toys, whatever you were thinking to dump in your bin.
More Photos
Visit this dedicated post to see more photos: [Photos] [Monsoon] Wilson Hills Dharampur And Shankar Dhodh Waterfalls In Monsoon
Signing Off
My last travel guide of Don Village, Ahwa has received tremendous response from passionate adventurers of South Gujarat. And that has inspired me to write more. Will continue this initiative..
I thank Rahul Thakor for his inputs on this article.
Hill Stations In Gujarat
Read this article, List of Hill Stations In/Near Gujarat for more information.
Pankaj Desai
Is there any Dodiya farm house or guest house near Wilson Hill. Who give free charge.. Some where I read in Facebook but I forgot his name and contact.
Darpan Dodiya
Check out this new post for list of all: Dharampur/Wilson Hills waterfalls
Ananthan
Some write up’s actually make you go crazy and yeah, so is this one. Very informative and genuine. Super thanks for the information. i would recommend you to go through this as well https://blog.xoxoday.com/hill-stations-near-ahmedabad/4865
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you 🙂
Hardik Bhatt
Dear Darpan,
I just came across your information on Wilson Hills online. So I need your advice on that..
I stay at Nadiad Gujarat, and planning to visit their on 23 oct 2017 along with my wife and 1 year old son. I will be travelling with my own vehicle Lpg car.i m traveling from Valsad there my relatives home,
So, here are my few worries and questions
Is it OK travel with kid?
Is it OK to travel on the above dates?
Are the roads OK, I mean are there dangerous turns or cliffs because I have 1 year old kid.and my car is Lpg.
Is it OK to stay overnight, I mean is there any good hotels for comfortable stay with kid?
What kind of food we can get there for lunch or dinner?
Any other valuable tips or information of near place for fun if you could provide?
If not this place, can you suggest any other place near Nadiad for a day or two..
I thank you in advance for your help and advice..
Hardik Bhatt
Nadiad
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Hardik bhai,
I also spent 4 years in Nadiad, while pursuing B. Tech in DDIT. Love the city and time there.
Is it OK travel with kid?
> Yes perfectly fine, no issues here.
Is it OK to travel on the above dates?
> Absolutely OK. Since Diwali time would’ve been over by then, you will find the place peaceful.
Are the roads OK, I mean are there dangerous turns or cliffs because I have 1 year old kid.and my car is Lpg.
> Nothing life threatening as such. Oftentimes, we even drove Alto 800 on CNG. 🙂
Is it OK to stay overnight, I mean is there any good hotels for comfortable stay with kid?
> Unfortunately, no. Better to move back to Valsad after sunset.
What kind of food we can get there for lunch or dinner?
> There used to be a hotel which served Punjabi, Chinese and Gujarati. Not sure whether it exists now or not. To be on safe side, I recommend you to carry food items in the worst case.
Any other valuable tips or information of near place for fun if you could provide?
> I, for the matter, know many people there personally I go to their homes located in remote areas and enjoy the serenity.
There’re many obscure waterfalls in the Dharampur area, but in your case, for your safety I wouldn’t recommend.
Few other standard places are, Shankar Waterfall, Barumal Temple.
If not this place, can you suggest any other place near Nadiad for a day or two..
> Galteshwar. Khambhat (There’s one temple, which is also nice.)
Kashmalan
Your blog is very good, however in your Distance Matrix table (under How to Reach), you have mentioned From Dharampur to Wilson Hill as 130 km/45 min. Obviously, the first fig. is wrong as in the beginning itself, you hv. mentioned the distance at 32 km.
Darpan Dodiya
Hey thanks for pointing it out.
Yes of course, it’s a typo. Should’ve been 30km there.
I will edit it.
Darpan Dodiya
Corrected now.
Vishal Prajapati
Hello sir
Your blog is super duper😋
I want to arrange a clg picnic.
Is it safe to travel via bus with 40-50 students?
Darpan Dodiya
Hey Vishal,
Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel via bus.
Try to contact with Valsad Bus Depot to get confirmation about bus timings.
ST bus might not directly go to top, in that case you’ll have to walk last 2 km stretch.
Darpan Dodiya
My last reply was assuming that you wanted to go with public transportation.
If it’s private bus, then there’s absolutely no problem.
Darpan Dodiya
Content from this Wilson Hills article has been used at: tripmytravel.com/wilson-hill-station-dharampur-valsad/
Happy to see them giving credit this time. 🙂
Shahnawaz Shaikh
Dear Darpan,
I just came across your super duper information on Wilson Hills online. So I need your advice on that..
I stay at Surat, and planning to visit their on 8 February 2017 along with my wife and 1 year old son. I will be travelling with my own vehicle.
So, here are my few worries and questions
Is it OK travel with kid?
Is it OK to travel on the above dates?
Are the roads OK, I mean are there dangerous turns or cliffs because I am not such good driver or you can say I have no prior experience of driving on mountain roads.
Is it OK to stay overnight, I mean is there any good hotels for comfortable stay with kid?
What kind of food we can get there for lunch or dinner?
Any other valuable tips or information if you could provide?
If not this place, can you suggest any other place near Surat for a day or two..
I thank you in advance for your help and advice..
Regards,
Shahnawaz Shaikh
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Mr. Shaikh,
Thanks for your kind words about my website. Please find answers to your queries below.
Is it OK travel with kid?
>> Yes, absolutely safe.
Is it OK to travel on the above dates?
>> I’d say no. Wilson Hills are best enjoyed during monsoon time. The place is empty and dried up after the month of December.
Are the roads OK, I mean are there dangerous turns or cliffs because I am not such good driver or you can say I have no prior experience of driving on mountain roads.
>> There is 5 km stretch which is quite risky, but most people with some driving experience can handle it easily. So will you.
Is it OK to stay overnight, I mean is there any good hotels for comfortable stay with kid?
>> Unfortunately, no.
What kind of food we can get there for lunch or dinner?
>> Nothing much in this season.
Any other valuable tips or information if you could provide?
>> If possible, don’t plan the trip now. Wait till monsoon.
If not this place, can you suggest any other place near Surat for a day or two..
>> Saputara is pretty good place round-the-year.
Another place you might not heard about is, Kevdi Campsite.
You may also want to check out: Padamdungari Campsite
Hope it helped.
If you don’t mind, can I post your questions and answers anonymously on my website, blanking out your name? So that it can help others..
Cheers!
Darpan
Kavita thawani
Hi darpan
Thank u for d loads of Info!
A few questions-
Hows first week of jan to visit d place?
Are there any jungle safaris conducted in d pangarbari reserve?
If there aren’t how does one visit d reserve? Pemits etc?
I want to visit d tribal villages n get a feel of d lifestyle etc.. Anyideas on how can i do dat?
Are d adivasis warlis?
Thank you so much
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Kavita!
1.) First week of January will be okaish. Neither too good, nor too bad. But rest assured, January mornings will not disappoint you.
2.) No, not that I know of.
3.) You just go and visit. No need to worry about permits and all.
Though, a point to note here is that, I’m not an official person of forest department. The thoughts expressed here and solely mine and intended to help adventurous people like you. 🙂
4.) Again, you just go and visit!
Upon reaching Wilson Hills, you can inquire locals about homestay/accommodation. The best way to experience their lifestyle/culture is to stay there overnight.
5.) Yep. Dang & Kaparada area has Varli population.
Hope that answers your questions. Feel free to ask anything else!
Harshit Mehrotra
Planning for a college picnic at Wilson Hills. Is it possible to travel via bus? Is there enough parking space for 6-7 buses?
Darpan Dodiya
Yes, there’s enough parking space.
I’ve seen a couple of mini buses up there, so travel via bus would be fine..
Darpan Dodiya
Also, there’s enough space on the top for recreational activities/games..
Anonymous
Hey , Harshit If you have visited this place via bus then plz share your experience buddy. I also want to arrange a college picnic. Seeking for your experience. Mail me plz
[email protected]
Nirzari
How to book this.
Do you have any portal?
Can I have confirmation?
Darpan Dodiya
No I don’t have any portal.
I don’t do booking of any places. I am just a traveler who love to explore places and sharing information about them.
NILESH RANA
plz.send me rout of shankar water falls
how rich bardoli to shankar waterfalls
two wheeler driving safe or not
plz answer me
Darpan Dodiya
When you are going for Wilson Hills,
There will be a right turn just before the main gate of the hill (Near village).
From where Shankar fall is just 6 km away. There are signboards to guide you. You can ask any villager about the route as well.
To reach Wilson Hills, reach Dharampur first. There are plenty of sign marks to guide you to Wilson Hills.
Yes, the roads are in perfect shape for two wheeler ride. 🙂
Parag Patel
Jai Shri Krushna Darpanbhai,
We are from Vadodara and searching for some place free from ‘shor-gul’ for spend a day or two just after Diwali this year i.e bet 1 to 4th Nov 2016. Will prefer over night stay also if available. Can you pl help us. you can reach me on 98255 67444. Parag Patel
Darpan Dodiya
Jai Shree Krishna Parag Bhai,
Kaparada side area of Valsad and Dang area are definitely free from ‘shor-gul’. 🙂
Since its a busy season, I doubt you’ll get to stay overnight.
You can try contacting one of the campsites I have listed here: List of Campsites in Gujarat
Almost all campsites are located at pure natural places, you’d find peace of mind there.
Any follow up questions are most welcome. 🙂
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.
Dhaval
Recently visited Wilson hills. Thanks for recommendations. Really had great time. We also some houses being built, any additional information on that.
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Dhaval,
No, I haven’t learned much about the houses.
If I get to know about them, I will share details on your email.
Ahmed
Hi Darpan,
After regards,
Can we visit in the first week of October now?
Thanks
Ahmed
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Ahmed,
There’ve been a lot of rain sessions in recent days.
So yes, you can definitely visit it.
Ahmed
Thanks you so much Darpan. You are a nice guy who should be there in government tourism dept for honest duty…..
Darpan Dodiya
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the appreciation. Dose of motivation for me!
Ahmed
Hi Darpan,
We just visited wilson hills on last saturday and really enjoyed the scenery with the nature. Excellent trip it was.
Thanks again for your guidance.
Regards,
Ahmed Kadwa
Darpan Dodiya
Hi Ahmed!
Great to hear that 🙂
Mind sharing few pictures?
Ahmed
Hi Darpan,
Thanks and sure, I want to share pictures with you but don’t know how and where to upload the to you? Please guide,….
Regards,
Ahmed Kadwa
Darpan Dodiya
Oh, I forgot. Here is my contact detail.
You can either email me or send via WhatsApp your photos. I shall upload them.
Thank you for sharing!
Ahmed
Hi Darpan,
Thanks for sharing your email and whatsup num. Will send you soon.
Regards,,
Ahmed Kadwa
Chetan Desai
Fantastic work darpan, so many people has visited places like these, and very well aware about these kind of information, but helping like minded but unknown people, the way you are doing is simply great. Keep it up and best wishes for your future endeavors. Thanks.
Darpan Dodiya
That’s motivational for me! Thank you Mr. Chetan!
Umarfaruq Bhaidu
Helo darpan bhai Hame dharampur Hill stations gumne aana he kiya abhi is mosam me achcha he…..
Darpan Dodiya
Haan, monsoon achha hain. Go for it.
Homestay at Wilson Hills
We are starting homestay at Wilson Hill Station. Call on +91 94295 64808 for booking and more information.
Maulik Bhalara
Hi
Thanks for exploring another hidden place.
Can you please provide any contact details/website of the Accommodation (Tents) available nearby if you have any?
Darpan Dodiya
Hi, Maulik!
As far as I know, accommodation is not available anymore.
Anish
Thank.you darapn fon lot of information about willson hill
Darpan Dodiya
Anytime. Happy Journey!
sameer
hey Darpan
indeed nice snaps & information..
Nitin
Your narration is good.
Give me the exact location of Shankar fall.
Can you mail me google location on my mail id [email protected].
Darpan Dodiya
Mailed. 🙂
Traveller
Hi Darpan,
Surely its amazing place & similarly nice clicks. Can you write exact route for shankar fall please ?
Darpan Dodiya
When you are going for Wilson Hills,
There will be a right turn just before the main gate of the hill (Near village).
From where Shankar fall is just 6 km away.
You can ask any villager about the route.
Nailesh Anmi
Hi Darpan,
First of all thanks for sharing such wonderful experience.
I want one favour from you, if you can share contact number of tourist guide from Dharampur which you have mentioned in your experience.
Darpan Dodiya
Hi, Nailesh!
Thanks for dropping a note.
The mentioned person in the post is my friend, Rahul. You can contact him at:
Personally, I don’t think that any trained tourist guide is available in the Dharampur area.
Jatin Shah
Let me know the weather over there.give me any information about the hotel’s for stay and do they provide jain food . And tell me about some good returns over there .
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Jatin!
The temperature will be around 25-30 degree Celsius, which is pleasant in this flamming heat.
Unfortunately, I don’t have more information on the hotel or the food.
Darpan Dodiya
Forgot to mention, you could visit Barumal temple in the return journey. It’s a good place.
Shraddha Bhavsar
Hey darpan can u guide me the route from surat? And is kilad/mahal eco campsites are near? I want to go to shabri dham also! So is this nearby to wilson?
Darpan Dodiya
Kilad campsite are at about 2-3 hour distance, which I think is not near.
Shabari Dham is located in the distant areas of The Dangs.
So, what I suggest is you scrap the idea of Wilson Hills and instead plan a trip to Kilad – Mahal – Shabari Dham – Saputara/Don.
Bhavesh Joshi
Heii.. Darpan
M thinking you are nature lover and find happiness from its beauty….
I wish to suggest some tracking places near Porbandar (Native of M. Gandhiji)
Abhpara Mountain + Son Kansari + Ashapura Ghumli (Navlakho) + Modpar Fort (all places are almost 40 kms from Porbandar)
Darpan Dodiya
Hey!
You’re right. I love natural scenes. 🙂
Thanks for your recommendations,I I heard the names first time!
Can you recommend some places near Ahmedabad?
If you’ve got a link, please share. It’d be really helpful.
MANOJ V CHAVDA
Better information u share I also plan to gong to dharampur thynx ……… Rooms ficelite
kiran songire
Better information u share I also plan to gong to dharampur thynx ………
Ankit Rajput
Hi Darpan, I would like to appreciate for sharing such wonderful experiences i am thankful to you.
I have gone through this article and its really good one , I been there in 2012
I need your suggestion, Do you have any idea about Hathgad ? we are planing for night stay with camp fire by this weekend
Darpan Dodiya
Hi, Ankit! Thanks a lot for your motivating words.
I have very limited knowledge of Hathgad. Will ask one of my friends and let you now.
Boney Gandhi
Nice info dude… It will really help everybody
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you!
Hemal Gajjar
Dear Darpan,
Thanks for the fantastic details you have provided about DON village. Can you suggest such places within Gujarat or Nearby by Gujarat where we can go with family and stay for couple of days !
Darpan Dodiya
Hey Hemal! Sure I can suggest. Please check your mail inbox in a while.
Jigar Shah
Thanks for wonderful narration and guide. If I plan in October end for Wilson and waterfall. Will it be available in this period. Pls advice.
Darpan Dodiya
You can go to Wilson Hills at any time in the year. It’s always pleasant throughout the year. October end wouldn’t ruin your enjoyment at all.
I fear about Waterfall. You may not be able to see massive flow of water falling from a height. But that won’t harm the beauty of the place.
So, yes. You can visit them in October end for sure.
jigar shah
Thanks Darpan. Do you have any contact detail of Wilson highland restaurant. Whether 3-4 hrs are sufficient to see the place.
Thanks in advance.
Jigar
Darpan Dodiya
Sorry, I don’t have contact details. Yes, those hours are sufficient.
Narendra Patel
Oh! I wish I had read this article before I went to Wilson Hills. No one in our group of 14 had any idea about this place.
Your Don Hill Station post is also excellent! I liked the idea of using a lot of images. It gives visitors very clear idea about the place and its surroundings.
Darpan Dodiya
Oops! Then plan a trip to Don Hill Station.
And thanks a lot for your encouraging words.
Rahul Thakor
I am thankful to my friends Vaibhav, Kartavya, and Shubham for providing me additional images of the place, and also Darpan for inspiring me to write about the place.
pramod
Very good post!!
Darpan Dodiya
Glad that you liked the content Pramod. Keep sharing your opinions!