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NATURE · SANCTUARY · FORESTJambughoda Sanctuary
A forest near the heritage hills — the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, a tract of teak and bamboo forest, lakes and tribal villages close to Champaner-Pavagadh.
A green heritage neighbour
The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, a short distance from Champaner-Pavagadh, protects a green tract of teak and bamboo forest, hills and reservoirs (like the Kada and Targol lakes) in eastern Panchmahal. Home to leopard, sloth bear, hyena, wild boar, deer and a variety of birds, it offers a peaceful, lesser-known nature escape.
The sanctuary shelters leopards, sloth bears, hyenas and a good deer population, though sightings run to luck rather than expectation — the pleasure here is the forest itself, the reservoirs’ birdlife and the Rathwa and Naik villages along the roads. Forest rest houses and the eco-campsites handle overnights; October to March is the season, and Champaner’s monuments sit half an hour away.
There are forest rest-houses, lakeside camps and the chance to experience the wooded, tribal country of the region. Its proximity to the famous heritage sites makes it an easy add-on for those wanting to pair the monuments of Champaner with a taste of wild Gujarat.
Forest calm beside the heritage hills — a protected sanctuary best explored in winter, with permits arranged in advance.
Kada reservoir, Jambughoda.
Forest and lakes beside Champaner
Teak forest, Jambughoda.
Teak and bamboo tracts cover the hills of eastern Panchmahal.
The Kada and Targol reservoirs gather the forest's water.
Leopard, sloth bear, deer and a rich variety of birds roam here.
An easy nature add-on to the Champaner-Pavagadh heritage sites.
Reasons to make the time
Teak forest
And bamboo tracts across the hills.
Wildlife
Leopard and sloth bear country.
Forest lakes
The Kada and Targol reservoirs.
Tribal country
Wooded villages of the region.
Near Champaner
Pair the forest with the heritage hills.
Peaceful
A quiet, lesser-known escape.
What to look for inside
THE FORESTJambughoda
Teak & bamboo forest tracts.
THE LAKESKada reservoir
Forest water gathered in the hills.
WILDLIFELeopard country
Leopard, sloth bear, deer and more.
BIRDSBirdlife
A rich variety of forest birds.
CAMPSForest camps
Lakeside camps and rest-houses.
HERITAGENear Champaner
An easy add-on to the monuments.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the forest
Wander the teak and bamboo tracts and breathe in the wooded calm of eastern Panchmahal.
See the lakes
Visit the Kada and Targol reservoirs, where the forest's water gathers among the hills.
Watch for wildlife
This is leopard country — keep an eye out for sloth bear, deer, wild boar and more.
Stay at a forest camp
Lakeside camps and forest rest-houses make for a peaceful overnight in the wild.
Spot the birds
A rich variety of birdlife rewards the patient and the early riser.
Pair with Champaner
Combine the sanctuary with the heritage hills of Champaner-Pavagadh next door.
Jambughoda’s lakes & forest.
A forest sanctuary
The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary protects teak and bamboo forest, hills and reservoirs near Champaner-Pavagadh — home to leopard, sloth bear, deer and birds, with forest rest-houses and lakeside camps, an easy nature add-on to the heritage sites.
See what else is nearby in our guide to Panchmahal.
More of the same kind is gathered in wildlife across Gujarat.
For the full practical breakdown, read our Jambughoda sanctuary guide.
Forest calm beside the hills. Permits apply and the cool winter months are by far the best time to explore the wooded, tribal country of the region.
Teak & bamboo forest
Lakes (Kada & Targol)
Leopard, bear & birds
Near Champaner-Pavagadh
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season for exploring the forest and lakes.
Green and atmospheric, with the forest at its lushest after the rains.
Hot and dry — start early and avoid the harsh midday heat.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; give the Champaner-Pavagadh park a full day and take the ropeway up Pavagadh.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Best in the cool season
- Pair with the Champaner park
- Allow time to travel to the gate
- Permits & guides apply
- Best in winter
- Forest camps available
- Carry water & sturdy shoes
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara airport is the nearest, about 70 km away, with onward taxis to the sanctuary.
By Rail
Champaner Road and Godhra are the nearest railheads on the regional network.
By Road
Reach via Halol and Champaner; the forest gates lie a short drive beyond the heritage sites.
At Jambughoda Sanctuary
FOREST & LAKE
A forest near the hills, all teak, water and birdsong.
What to shoot
The teak forest and bamboo tracts in their morning light.
Detail
The Kada and Targol lakes mirroring the wooded hills.
Wildlife
Birds and animals — patience and a long lens pay off.
Best light
Early morning, when the forest is cool and the birds are active.
Know before you go
More to see close by
MONUMENTSahar ki Masjid
The royal mosque of the old citadel
Pavagadh Jain Temples
Carved Digambar shrines along the climb
RIDEPavagadh Ropeway
A cable-car glide to the temple top
5Khajuri Masjid
A lesser-seen monument of the old capital
TOWNGodhra
The district’s bustling headquarters
MONUMENTKevada Masjid
Elegant domes amid the ruined city
Where to eat near Jambughoda Sanctuary
THALIGujarati Thali
Hearty regional meals near the sites.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks to keep you going.
STREETChampaner stalls
Quick snacks for pilgrims and travellers.
Local fare
Simple Gujarati and tribal food near the sites.
Jambughoda Sanctuary FAQ
What is Jambughoda Sanctuary?
The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, a short distance from Champaner-Pavagadh, protects a green tract of teak and bamboo forest, hills and reservoirs (like the Kada and Targol lakes) in eastern Panchmahal. Home to leopard, sloth bear, hyena, wild boar, deer and a variety of birds, it offers a peaceful, lesser-known nature escape, with forest rest-houses, lakeside camps and the chance to experience the wooded, tribal country of the region.
Where is it?
Near Champaner, in eastern Panchmahal district.
Is there an entry fee?
A permit is required; permits and guides can be arranged at the forest gates.
When should I visit?
October to March, in the cooler season.
What's nearby?
Pavagadh, and the Champaner mosques and stepwells.
How long does it take?
Around half a day, or longer if you stay over at a forest camp.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026