Home › Sabarkantha › Guhai Dam
DAM · RESERVOIR · NATUREGuhai Dam
A quiet reservoir in the hills' shadow — the Guhai Dam, on the Guhai river in the wooded country of Sabarkantha, holds a peaceful reservoir set against the Aravalli backdrop, a scenic and restful waterside spot off the tourist trail.
A reservoir on the Guhai river
The Guhai Dam, built across the Guhai river in Sabarkantha, is one of the irrigation reservoirs of the district — a structure that holds the monsoon waters of the river, supporting the agriculture of the surrounding country, set in the wooded, gently hilly landscape near the Aravalli foothills.
Like the district’s other dams, Guhai combines its practical role with the appeal of a peaceful natural spot. The reservoir, when full after the monsoon, spreads across the landscape with the wooded hills as a backdrop, creating a restful and scenic setting that draws local visitors and birdlife. Guhai is part of the network of dams on the rivers flowing out of the Aravalli — Hathmati, Guhai and others — that together sustain the farming of Sabarkantha.
For the traveller, it offers a quiet, off-the-trail waterside escape, best in the post-monsoon and winter months when the reservoir is full and the country is green. It is well combined with the nearby attractions of the Idar and Vijaynagar areas as part of a broader exploration of the district’s nature and heritage.
Aravalli water held for the fields below
Guhai Dam.
The Guhai river rises in the Aravalli hills and flows through the wooded country of Sabarkantha.
A dam was raised across the river to hold its monsoon waters and irrigate the surrounding farmland.
Behind the dam the waters gather into a peaceful reservoir, framed by the wooded hills.
Today Guhai is a restful, off-the-trail waterside spot, best enjoyed after the monsoon and in winter.
Reasons to make the time
Reservoir
A peaceful water.
Aravalli
A wooded backdrop.
Irrigation
Sustaining farms.
Birdlife
Winter visitors.
Quiet
Off the trail.
Views
A restful setting.
What to look for inside
Guhai
A peaceful water.
Aravalli foothills
Wooded backdrop.
How to spend an hour or two
See the reservoir
A peaceful water spreading against the wooded hills, at its fullest after the monsoon.
Enjoy the Aravalli backdrop
Wooded hills rising behind the reservoir give the setting its restful, scenic character.
Watch for birdlife
Winter visitors gather at the water's edge — a quiet spot for a little birdwatching.
Visit after the monsoon
The fullest water and greenest country make the post-monsoon months the finest time to come.
Combine with Idar
Nearby attractions in the Idar and Vijaynagar areas pair well with a stop at the dam.
Relax by the water
An off-trail escape from the crowds — somewhere to slow down beside a peaceful reservoir.
An Aravalli-river reservoir
The Guhai Dam holds back the Guhai river in Sabarkantha to form a peaceful reservoir, part of the network of Aravalli-river dams (with Hathmati and others) that sustain the district’s agriculture.
This is one of many places worth seeing here — the full guide to Sabarkantha has the rest.
Set against the wooded Aravalli foothills, the reservoir makes a restful, scenic and off-the-trail waterside spot, best after the monsoon.
An irrigation dam on the Guhai river
A peaceful reservoir against the Aravalli foothills
Part of the district’s Aravalli-river dam network
A quiet, off-the-trail waterside escape
When to go
Cool and clear — ideal. Comfortable all day and perfect for unhurried wandering by the water.
Green and lush. The reservoir fills and the wooded country turns its brightest green.
Hot; early morning best. Still doable — just come right at opening for the cooler hours.
⏰ Winter is ideal across Sabarkantha; the Polo forest is greenest after the monsoon.
Timings & entry
- Open access waterside spot with no fixed gate hours
- Best visited in daylight, morning or late afternoon
- Allow 1–2 hours for an unhurried visit
- Post-monsoon and winter are the finest months
- Open access — no entry fee for visitors
- A quiet, off-the-trail spot away from the crowds
- Carry your own water and refreshments
- Best combined with the nearby Idar & Vijaynagar areas
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the nearest, about 85 km away, with flights from across India and the Gulf.
By Rail
Himatnagar is the nearest railway station, the main railhead for the Sabarkantha district and its surrounding country.
By Road
Reached by road from Ahmedabad and Shamlaji, via Himatnagar and Idar, through the wooded country of northern Sabarkantha.
Shooting Guhai Dam
POST-MONSOON FRIENDLY
A full reservoir, wooded hills and soft, reflected light
Best light
Come early or late — soft, low sun rakes across the water and the wooded Aravalli hills.
What to shoot
The reservoir's broad water, the hills behind, and reflections of the sky and trees on a still surface.
Be respectful
Keep the quiet of the spot; don't disturb the birdlife gathered at the water's edge.
Gear tip
A wide lens captures the reservoir and hills together; bring a longer lens for distant birds.
Know before you go
More to see close by
TEMPLESharneshwar Mahadev
A 15th-century Shiva shrine in Polo
Idar Jain Derasar
Hilltop Jain shrines above the town
LAKERanmal Lake
A scenic lake below Idar’s rocks
Idar Rockscape
The Idar Rockscape is the striking landscape of giant granite boulders and rocky hills that rises…
6Guhai Backwaters
A peaceful birding spot off the map
Polo Forest Ruins
The Polo Forest Ruins are a group of old temples and stepwells hidden within the forested…
Where to eat near Guhai Dam
Gujarati Thali
Comfort home cooking — an unlimited spread of rotli, dal, shaak and rice.
Sabar Dairy
The district's famous cooperative milk and dairy products.
Farsan
Savoury Gujarati snacks — dhokla, fafda, khaman and more.
A dairy district
Sabarkantha's Sabar Dairy is renowned — expect superb milk, ghee and sweets.
Guhai Dam FAQ
What is the Guhai Dam?
An irrigation dam and reservoir on the Guhai river in Sabarkantha.
What is the setting?
The wooded Aravalli foothills, with the reservoir below.
Is it scenic?
Yes — a peaceful, restful waterside spot.
Best time to visit?
After the monsoon and in winter.
Is it off the trail?
Yes — a quiet, lesser-known spot.
What is nearby?
The Idar and Vijaynagar areas.
Related places across Gujarat
PORTVeraval
One of India’s busiest fishing ports
HERITAGESayaji Vaibhav Library
A stately colonial-era reading room
Forest Deity Shrines
Sacred groves of the Rathwa people
PILGRIMAGEGirnar Parikrama
A 36 km circumambulation through the forest
NATUREKabirvad
A 300-year banyan island in the Narmada
Hanuman Dandi
A 12th-century temple to Krishna’s queen
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book directly on our partner sites — tap a provider to see live Gujarat hotels & prices:
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.
Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026