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NATURE · ECO-CAMP · PURNAMahal Campsite
Sleeping in the forest — the Mahal eco-campsite deep in the Purna sanctuary, a riverside forest camp where cottages and tents bring you close to the wild Dangs.
A camp in the wild
Mahal is the celebrated eco-campsite at the heart of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary — a forest and riverside camp run by the forest department that lets visitors stay deep in the green Dangs. With simple cottages, tents and dormitories beside the Purna river, surrounded by tall teak and the sounds of the forest, Mahal offers nature trails, machan (watchtower) stays, river walks, birdwatching and the chance to fall asleep and wake to the calls of the jungle.
It is the base from which to explore the Purna sanctuary and the best way to truly experience the wild, forested character of the Dangs. Forest immersion at its finest. An eco-campsite — book ahead, and expect basic forest facilities.
Mahal, by the Purna river.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Cottages in the forest.
Mahal sits at the heart of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, a forest eco-campsite run by the department.
Simple cottages, tents and dormitories stand beside the Purna river, amid tall teak forest.
The forest department runs the eco-camp, keeping it simple and close to the wild.
Mahal is the base from which to explore the Purna sanctuary and the wild Dangs.
Reasons to make the time
Forest eco-camp
Deep in the Dangs.
Riverside stay
Cottages & tents.
Machan stays
Watchtower nights.
Jungle sounds
Sleep in the wild.
Nature trails
From the camp.
Birdwatching
At dawn.
What to look for inside
Mahal
Forest cottages.
The Purna
Beside the camp.
How to spend an hour or two
Stay overnight
Deep in the forest.
Walk the trails
From the camp.
Do a machan stay
A watchtower.
Walk by the river
The Purna.
Watch the birds
At dawn.
Wake to the jungle
Its calls & light.
Mahal eco-campsite.
A riverside forest camp
Mahal is the forest-department eco-campsite at the heart of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary — cottages, tents and dormitories beside the Purna river, amid tall teak, with nature trails, machan stays and birdwatching. The best base for immersing in the wild Dangs. Book ahead; basic facilities.
A forest eco-campsite
Beside the Purna river
Cottages, tents & machans
The base for the sanctuary
When to go
Misty, green and full of waterfalls.
Cool, clear and pleasant.
Cooler than the plains.
⏰ The Dangs are loveliest in and just after the monsoon, when the hills are green and the waterfalls full.
Timings & entry
- An overnight forest stay
- Book through the forest dept
- Best Nov–Feb
- Basic facilities only
- Book ahead (forest dept)
- Basic forest facilities
- Carry essentials
- Respect the forest
Getting there
By Air
Surat airport is the nearest gateway, about 120 km away, with onward road to the Dangs.
By Rail
The Bilimora–Waghai narrow-gauge line reaches the edge of the Dangs forests.
By Road
Drive in via Saputara or Ahwa; the camp sits within the Purna sanctuary.
At Mahal Campsite
CAMP & FOREST
Sleeping in the forest
What to shoot
The camp.
Setting
The Purna river.
Detail
Teak forest.
Mood
Night in the wild.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Meals on the plains route.
Dhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
Saputara stalls
Corn, snacks & chai.
Tribal Dangi fare
Nagli rotla, bamboo shoots & forest produce.
Mahal Campsite FAQ
What is Mahal Campsite?
Mahal is the celebrated eco-campsite at the heart of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary — a forest and riverside camp run by the forest department that lets visitors stay deep in the green Dangs. With simple cottages, tents and dormitories beside the Purna river, surrounded by tall teak and the sounds of the forest, Mahal offers nature trails, machan (watchtower) stays, river walks, birdwatching and the chance to fall asleep and wake to the calls of the jungle.
Where is it?
Purna sanctuary, The Dangs.
Is there an entry fee?
Booking is required through the forest department; expect basic forest facilities.
When should I visit?
Monsoon for greenery; winter for cool, clear days.
What's nearby?
Saputara, the waterfalls and the Dangs' forests.
How long does it take?
Overnight.
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