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NATURE · RESERVOIR · DHARIShetrunji Dam
A large reservoir on the Shetrunji river near Dhari — a tranquil expanse of water amid the Amreli countryside, drawing birds and feeding the eastern Gir region.
Still water in lion country
Near Dhari, in the eastern reaches of Amreli, the Shetrunji Dam holds back the waters of the Shetrunji — one of Saurashtra’s important rivers, which rises in the Gir hills and flows east towards the Gulf of Khambhat.
The dam creates a broad, calm reservoir set amid the rolling Amreli countryside and the fringes of eastern Gir, a quiet spot where the wide water mirrors the sky and waterbirds gather along the shallows. Built mainly for irrigation, it sustains the farmland of the district.
Its banks make a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track halt for travellers exploring Dhari and the eastern Gir lion country. With the forest, the river and the lions all close by, the reservoir is a serene natural counterpoint to the region’s wildlife and temples.
Illustration — the Shetrunji reservoir.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — a calm reservoir.
The Shetrunji rises in the Gir hills, one of Saurashtra's important rivers flowing east towards the Gulf of Khambhat.
Near Dhari the river is dammed for irrigation, holding back its waters to sustain the farmland of the district.
A broad, calm reservoir forms in the rolling Amreli countryside, mirroring the sky on the edge of eastern Gir.
Today it is a tranquil, off-the-beaten-track halt for travellers exploring Dhari and the eastern Gir lion country.
Reasons to make the time
Calm reservoir
A wide, peaceful lake.
Shetrunji river
A key Saurashtra river.
Waterbirds
Birdlife in the shallows.
Eastern Gir
Forest-and-farm country.
Off the path
A quiet, uncrowded halt.
Near Dhari
Easy with the safari.
What to look for inside
The reservoir
A broad, still lake.
Countryside
Eastern Gir country.
The Shetrunji
A key Saurashtra river feeding the land.
Waterbirds
Birds gather along the shallows.
Dawn & dusk
The loveliest hours over the water.
Eastern Gir
Lion country just beyond the banks.
How to spend an hour or two
Reach the banks
Drive out from Dhari to the reservoir and find a quiet spot along the shore.
Take in the water
Soak up the wide, calm reservoir spreading across the low countryside.
Watch for birds
Look for waterbirds gathering in the shallows along the edges of the lake.
Catch the light
Dawn or dusk are loveliest, when soft light falls across the still water.
Pair with Ambardi
Combine the reservoir with the Ambardi lion safari nearby for a fuller day.
Enjoy the quiet
Savour this off-the-path halt away from the busier sights of the region.
Illustration — water in the countryside.
A lake amid forest and farm
The Shetrunji Dam is an irrigation reservoir on the Shetrunji river near Dhari: an earthen-and-masonry dam impounding a wide sheet of water that spreads across the low countryside on the edge of eastern Gir.
There is little built spectacle — the appeal is the landscape, the calm water set against forest and farmland, and the birdlife it draws. It is best enjoyed as a tranquil, scenic pause alongside the area’s wildlife and temples.
Reservoir on the Shetrunji
Irrigation for the district
Waterbird habitat
Edge of eastern Gir
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season across Amreli. Comfortable all day for unhurried wandering.
Green countryside; the reservoir fills. Showers are short and the air softens.
Hot; visit the coast and water early or late in the day to dodge the heat.
⏰ Combine the reservoir with an Ambardi safari and Dhari; come at dawn or dusk for the light and birds.
Timings & entry
- Best enjoyed in daylight hours
- Dawn and dusk are loveliest
- Mind the banks and water edges
- Allow 1–2 hours
- No entry fee
- Take care near the water
- Do not disturb birds or fishers
- Combine with Dhari and Ambardi
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot and Diu are the nearest airports, each a few hours' drive from the Dhari area.
By Rail
Amreli and Dhari are the nearest railway stations, with onward road connections to the reservoir.
By Road
Near Dhari, reached from Amreli (~45 km) by road through the eastern Gir countryside.
At the reservoir
WATER & SKY
A still lake in the countryside
Best light
Dawn or dusk over the water.
What to shoot
The broad calm reservoir.
Wildlife
Waterbirds in the shallows.
Setting
Forest-and-farm country.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & fafda
Saurashtra's beloved fried snacks.
Local bites
Bhajiya, chevdo and chaat.
Veg & seafood
Veg fare inland; fresh seafood on the coast.
Shetrunji Dam FAQ
What is Shetrunji Dam?
A large irrigation reservoir on the Shetrunji river near Dhari in Amreli.
Why visit?
For a calm, scenic reservoir and birdlife on the edge of eastern Gir.
What is the Shetrunji?
An important Saurashtra river that rises in the Gir hills.
What can I see?
A broad lake, countryside views, and waterbirds.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it's free.
When should I visit?
November to February, ideally at dawn or dusk.
Where is it?
Near Dhari, about 45 km from Amreli town.
What's nearby?
The Ambardi safari park and the Dhari area.
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