Vansda National Park, Surat, Gujarat : Timing, Fee, Booking, Contact, Information
Table of Contents
- 1 What Exactly is Vansda National Park for Travelers
- 2 Geography and Location of National Park
- 3 Royal Story & No Tree Cutting Since 1952
- 4 Animals, Trees, Plants and Bird Types in Park
- 5 It’s Getting Boring!
- 6 Location and How to Reach
- 7 Nearby Attractions
- 8 Entry Fees of Vansda National Park
- 9 Timings & Best Time
- 10 Permission & Booking
- 11 Contact Information of National Park
- 12 Accommodation
- 13 Section for Photography and Photographers
- 14 Discover more scenic destinations:
Vansda National Park is a conserved wildlife area in Vansda region of Gujarat. Geographically, Vansda National Park is more closer to Waghai town, which is the entry point to Dang jungles.
I live in Vansda town, which is few minutes from Vansda National Park. There are many articles on web regarding this wildlife park, unfortunately, none of them has real useful information of the place. Most of them have copy-pasted Wikipedia content, so the motive to publish this article is, to offer something that’s actually useful to travelers and photographers interested in visiting Vansda National Park.
Let’s go in then!
Sign board at Navtad Village office
What Exactly is Vansda National Park for Travelers
It’s an open park. You can take entry from Kilad village. Only vehicles with enclosed body are permitted. (No bikes)
You’ll be taken into forests for 4 km, out of 4km, 1 km is an open village. So, practically, for you, it’s just 3 km. Though, the forest gets denser as you go deeper, yes, like the ones you see on Discovery 🙂
Leopard welcoming you at Navtad office on Vansda Waghai road
Yes, that’s right. Otherwise, just Hi-Hello any return back. You won’t see any animals, which you normally expect from a national park.
This place is for photographers.
Scroll down this article to get details of
entry fees,
timings,
permission and
accommodation.
Geography and Location of National Park
Total Area: 24 sq. km, which is less compared to other national parks, though the forest is dense.
Vansda National Park falls in Vansda Taluka of Navsari district. It’s a 10 minute drive from Vansda town and shares boundary with Dang district. Vansda – Waghai state highway passes through the national park, as well as Bilimora – Waghai narrow gauge train line.
Eastern side of the park collates with Dang forests and Southern side with forests of Vansda, Navsari.
Vansda National Park is major catchment area for River Ambika.
Royal Story & No Tree Cutting Since 1952
Until the forest area is declared as national park in 1979 (Some records name this year as 1985 too), rulers of Vansda State controlled this area.
Now the forest is administered by Forest Department of Gujarat.
Forests in this wildlife park are dense, tall and green. They are untouched since 1952, as per the official records, not a single tree has been cut since 1952!
Thus, due to all these favorable conditions, one can see many trees in the park exceeding 30m height.
Interpretation center for park information, though it mostly remains closed
Animals, Trees, Plants and Bird Types in Park
As per the official record,
Animals:
Leopard, rhesus macaque, common palm civet, Hanuman langur, small Indian civet, four-horned antelope, wild boar, Indian porcupine, barking deer, hyena, jungle cat, Indian porcupine, flying squirrel, python, pangolin, rusty spotted cat, great Indian squirrel.
Snakes:
Russell’s viper, cobras, kraits.
Birds: 155 Species:
Common grey hornbill, pompadour green pigeon, yellow backed sunbird, Malabar trogon, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet, shama, great Indian black woodpecker.
Spiders: 121 Species:
Including the largest species in Gujarat the giant wood spider.
Plants: 443 Species:
Teak, sadad, khakhro, kadad, humb, timru, kalam, bamboo, dudhkod, mahudo, behda, umaro, kusum, tanach, asan, shimlo, ambla, sisam, chopadi bondaro.
It’s Getting Boring!
Haan! I caught you.
You must have been prompted by now to tell me this: “I don’t need any Wikipedia kind of stuff Darpan, give me some actual insights!!”
For sure, go on reading for national park’s timings, accommodation details, contact number, location, how to reach, transportation questions, booking number or any other information for that matter!
The place is unaffected by modern concrete revolution
Location and How to Reach
Vansda National Park earlier had two entrances, one at Navtad Village and another at Kilad Village.
Now, only the Kilad Village entrance is open. It’s 10 km from Vansda and 3 km from Waghai.
How to Reach – Directions:
From Vansda, head on to Waghai.
After 15 minutes, you’ll see entry gate of Vansda National Park on your right.
That’s it, take gatepass from there and enter into park.
Distance Matrix:
From | To | Distance in km / Approx. Time in hr |
Surat | Vansda National Park | 130 km / 2.30 hrs |
Ahmedabad | Vansda National Park | 400 km / Â 6.30 hrs |
Vadodara | Vansda National Park | 310 km / 5 hrs |
Mumbai | Vansda National Park | 280 km, 4.30 hrs |
Information boards of animals and birds
Mode of transportation:
I’d very strongly suggest you for private vehicle. Public transportation must be avoided in case of Dang area. (Except for Saputara.) Forget train and plane. 😛
Nearby Attractions
Entry Fees of Vansda National Park
Entry fees are astronomical here!
Car / SUV / Jeep: ₹400
Mini Bus / Bus / Heavy Vehicle: ₹2000 (Unverified)
Guide (Compulsory, so that you don’t get lost in jungle! :)): ₹100 for one hour, ₹50 for every extra hour
DSLR Camera: ₹200
Videography: ₹5000 – ₹10, 000
Professional Feature Film: ₹25000 – ₹50, 000
So in all, entry fee would be: ₹500 (Vehicle + Guide) for normal cases.
Timings & Best Time
Vansda National Park is open all days a week.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (Depends on the sunlight)
During monsoon, it remains closed. That’s, June-mid to October-mid.
Best time to visit the national park is: Winter, November to February.
Permission & Booking
No prior permission or booking arrangements needed for normal visits. If not normal visit, contact following forest office.
Contact Information of National Park
Vansda Range Forest Office, Vansda National Park: 02630 230057
If that doesn’t work, try this:
South Dang Forest Division:Â 02631 220246
While in the park,
You can’t drop off from car.
Can’t walk.
Food is not allowed.
You can’t stop your car mid-way.
However, we all know, how rules are followed in India 😛
There will be one place at the end of 4 km stretch, when the guide will ask you to stop car.
Accommodation
Your trip to Vansda National Park wouldn’t take more than 2 hours though. Accommodation is out of scope in that regards, still following are best options:
- Kilad Campsite (Best option)
- Vansda Hotels and Guesthouses (They are many, affordable and well maintained)
- Saputara Hotels
- Any other campsite in Dang, Padamdungari, Mahal or Devinamal
Check this article: Where to Stay in Dang for more options
Camping isn’t allowed inside the park campus.
Animals come here to drink water every morning
Section for Photography and Photographers
As I mentioned earlier, this place is for photographers. Many photographers visit Vansda National Park early in the morning, when there are no tourists around.
During early morning hours, due to zero noise, there’s high chance of encountering animals and birds.
Needless to say, zoom lens are must.
Vansda National Park – Place for Artists
I’ll rest my words here! This, “Vansda National Park, Surat, Gujarat : Timing, Fee, Booking, Contact, Information” is one of the most informative travel articles I’ve written till this date!
If you’ve come this far reading, do drop a comment below 🙂
Questions or queries are welcome and I will try to reply within hours.
All Photos By: Kunj Dodiya. Camera: Mi 4i 13 MPs.
Discover more scenic destinations:
- Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Saptashrungi Gadh Vani
- Janki Van Vansda
- List of Eco Tourism Campsites in Gujarat
- Best of 2015
Sayujya
Is the National Park Open (2022) ? And is there any options to book the tour online? What are your views on availability of the tour slots?
Darpan
Sorry I have no idea. I have moved to USA since 2018, don’t live around the Vansda area anymore.
Jagdish
Thank you Darpan for sharing the useful information.
I have planned the trip to Saputara on day after tomorrow, i.e on 13th september. As per your information the park remain closed in monsoon. Is it confirm? Any contact no for inquiry.
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Jagdish bhai,
Yes as far as I know, the park remains closed in monsoon.
I don’t have any contact information as I am not in touch with Vansda area since last 3 years.
Pradip M
Hello Darpan,
Would it be possible to get a TAXI from Valsad OR Vansda Town OR Waghai that would take me thru the Vansda National Park?
I do not have access to a vehicle in India and at my age do not want to drive a rented one either.
Am Planning as follows:
Visit Vansda National Park and stay overnite at Kilad.
Visit Waghai Garden and Gira Falls.
Proceed to Saputara.
What is your considered opinion.
Thanks
Pradip
Sindhav Yuvaraj
How many spices of animals occurance in park
Darpan Dodiya
I am not sure about the current numbers.
Ravi
Dear darpan thanks for valuable information u shared about VANSDA, i want to kno that if park is operatable on sundays also and can i got a vehicle outside the park as i have bike only.
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Ravi bhai,
I fear my knowledge on Vansda National Park is now outdated.
To my guess, it should be open on Sundays. I’m skeptical about getting a vehicle there. Maybe a good idea to take your own vehicle there.
Ishan
Are pets allowed?..i have one 4 months old dog
Darpan Dodiya
I guess it will depend on the forest department staff. My instinct says that they won’t allow.
Akshata Sadekar
Whether kids of age 2yrs are allowed??
Darpan Dodiya
My guess is that they will be allowed, though, I suggest you to call them and get it confirmed.
Viren
what is the best time to visit the park (Morning,afternoon,evening) ?
Darpan Dodiya
I passed by Vansda National Park few weeks back.
As mentioned in the post above, I’d like to reiterate that during monsoon season the park will remain closed.
From 15th June to 15th October to be precise.
Please plan your trip accordingly.
Akshay Bharati
Hey. Is it possible for cycling inside the park.
Darpan Dodiya
Nope, bad luck.
Visitors aren’t even allowed to come out of their 4 wheelers inside park due to safety concerns. (Except at one designated place) So cycling surely will not be allowed.
Shubham
If I don’t have a car so what is the best option to visit vansda national park?
Darpan Dodiya
Just today, I was at Bilimora Railway Station.
There, I inquired about rates of hiring a car (Tavera). They are charging 2500 for Saputara (Only dropoff) and 4000 for full day sightseeing.
In the similar fashion, you can rent out a car as well. Now, if you rent, do visit some areas around Vansda National Park as well, as the national park alone won’t be value for money.
JAGDISH JAKHOTIA
Hi Darpan,
I m from Kolkata. My regards for a nice article on Vansda. Wish there are similar informative articles by locals for all tourist places.
I am planning to visit Saputara for 2 days in Mid-Nov16. Can u suggest the places to cover in and around Saputara, including the Vansda Park, Gira falls and any other not to miss places. Hope 2 days will be sufficient.
Is it possible to visit Vansda park early in morning (sunrise) when the chance of animal view are maximum. How to visit, any special permission required?, because park time mentioned by you is 8.00 am to 5.00pm.
If you are free, pls also add some tips about Saputara and surroundings, like suggested place of stay, fooding, local travel/hire, etc. in a non-luxury budget.
Regards,
Jakhotia JP
Darpan Dodiya
Hello Mr.Jakhotia!
Thanks for kind words. 🙂
1. For places to cover in Saputara and surroundings, I’ve written in-depth articles. Find it: Places to Visit in Saputara
2. For tips about Saputara — I’ve added your suggestion in my to-do list. I will add info about food/stay/travel soon. Till then, I will send you a separate email regarding this info.
3. For places to visit around Saputara, please go through: List of Tourist Places in Dang
You can go through the places quickly and decide what you’d like to cover based on your taste.
4. Saputara will require at least 1 day. You can visit nearby places the other day. 3 days will be good idea.
5. Yes, it may possible to get an early entry to Vansda National Park, but I’m not really sure how. Maybe, through some forest department contacts, one could get early entry.
6. To visit in normal time, no special permissions are required.
Hope I’ve answered all your questions. Feel free to ask anything else.
Happy Journey!
Jinal Prajapati
Hi,
This is very useful info darpan. It will help to visit nice place for wildlife lovers as well as nature lovers. I love to visit this place..
Can you tell me, Is there any bird festival in jan-feb 2017?
Darpan Dodiya
Thank you Jinal. 🙂
Yes, there could be bird festival soon.
Message me on WhatsApp (Contact) and I shall send you photos and more information.
Meghna
Very useful info darpan… Is der any group who visit frequently @ Eco campsite in Gujarat ? I would like to join dem..
Darpan Dodiya
Yes I know few of them. Where are you from, Meghna?
Nailesh
Dear Darpan,
Thanks for Nice details. I am planning for one day family picnic from Suraton coming Sunday, Is it proper time for Park ? or suggest me other good destination from Dang.
Darpan Dodiya
No, it’s not.
There’re only couple of destinations in Dang that you can visit these days.
One,
Saputara.
Two,
Waghai Botanical Garden. (For rest, leisure time)
Hetal Sutaria
Dear Darpen excellent data base. I am nature and bird lover.
I want to plan a 2 night Tripp with 15 people in June 2 week.
Need good accommodation with ac cottage in Eco camp site, please suggest.
Darpan Dodiya
Go for either Kilad or Mahal Campsite.
I’m unsure whether they’ll be open in monsoon or not.
Call them once to be sure.
You can find contact number of all campsites from this site.
Dr amita sharma
Darpan
i liked ur take on the forest
i.went today morning and got to see asian paradise flycatchers…both white and rufous…so..am happy
the guide shud b taught english names also..doodh raj was the one told.my 2nd.visit.thoroughly worth it.
Can u suggest a birding guide who can help identify the birds…. (with english names).i wud love to go back again
Darpan Dodiya
Regret to say, I have sparse idea of guide who can address the birds in English.
While talking to a friend of mine, a passionate birdwatcher, he told me of an Android app: Indian Birds
That application may help you identifying birds. 🙂
Jinesh Mehta
True.. Indian birds is a super app.
It has description of birds in english with regional names in more than 5 languages like gujarati, hindi, marathi, sanskrit, tamil etc
Dr.Nainesh Parikh
Nice details Darpan, I have got booking on 13th February mainly interested in birding, kindly suggest birding sites at VNP as well as Purna wildlife sanctuary ☺
Darpan Dodiya
Check your email. 🙂
Dr.Nainesh Parikh
Nice details Darpan, I
am coming on 13th February for birding. Can you suggest birding sites over their. I have planned staying over night, please guide me if possible ☺
Darpan Dodiya
From today (5th Feb, 2016) onwards, Dang Bird Festival has started at Mahal Campsite.
That’s one site.
Many photographers visit Vansda National Park in early morning for bird watching. In that case, you can stay at Kilad Campsite, which is at walkable distance from Vansda National Park.
You can find more places to stay at: Hotels & Accommodation in Dang
Let me know if you want to know anything else. 🙂
Pravin Shah
Very interesting. In our next visit to Dang, we will include this national park.
Alex
Detailed and to the point. I found all I needed to know about Vansda National Park!
Can you tell me where can I find good food?
Darpan Dodiya
Thanks Alex!
Vansda town, Hanumanbari Cross Roads has many good restaurants.
If you want to try offbeat food, traditional Dangi food, then there’s a hotel. It’s my favorite.
Hotel Nahri – On Vansda Dharampur Road, 7 km from Vansda, at Gangpur Village.
The dish will cost you ₹80, unlimited quantity.
Happy Journey!