Gujarat's densest forest
The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, in the heart of the Dangs along the Purna river, protects some of the densest and finest forest in Gujarat — tall teak, bamboo brakes and moist deciduous woodland that feel a world away from the state’s dry plains.
Home to leopard, hyena, barking deer, civet, giant squirrel and a wealth of birds and butterflies, the sanctuary offers nature trails, a riverside campsite, machans (watchtowers) and the chance to experience the forest with tribal guides.
The Purna river winding through the woods, the cool green canopy and the calls of birds make it a paradise for nature lovers and a window into the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The wild green heart of Gujarat — a protected sanctuary where permits and guides apply, and winter is the loveliest season.
Purna Sanctuary, the Dangs.
Gujarat's densest forest, on the Ghats' edge
The Purna river in the forest.
The finest woodland in the state — tall teak, bamboo brakes and moist deciduous canopy in the heart of the Dangs.
The river winds through the woods, giving the sanctuary its name, its breeze and its cool green calm.
From leopard and barking deer to the giant squirrel, with a wealth of birds and butterflies through the trees.
A biodiversity haven on the edge of the Western Ghats, a world away from Gujarat's dry plains.
Reasons to make the time
Densest forest
Gujarat's finest and densest woodland.
Purna river
The river winds right through the woods.
Teak & bamboo
A tall, green forest canopy overhead.
Wildlife
Leopard, deer, giant squirrel and birds.
Riverside camp
A forest campsite and machan watchtowers.
Tribal guides
Explore with Dangi guides who know the forest.
What to look for inside
THE FORESTPurna
Tall teak and bamboo — Gujarat's densest forest.
THE RIVERThe Purna
The river winding through the woods.
THE CANOPYGreen canopy
Moist deciduous woodland and a cool, shaded floor.
THE WILDLIFELeopard country
Leopard, barking deer, civet and giant squirrel.
THE BIRDSRich birdlife
A wealth of birds and butterflies in the trees.
THE CAMPRiverside camp
A forest campsite and machans for quiet watching.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the trails
Follow nature trails through tall teak forest, with the canopy closing cool and green overhead.
Watch for wildlife
This is leopard country — keep quiet and patient for barking deer, civet, giant squirrel and more.
See the river
The Purna winds through the woods; find a bank and watch the water slide past the green.
Climb a machan
Settle into a watchtower at dawn or dusk, when animals come out and the forest stirs.
Go with tribal guides
Local Dangi guides read the forest — its tracks, calls and plants — far better than any map.
Spot the birds
A rich variety of birds and butterflies makes the sanctuary a paradise for birdwatchers.
Purna’s green canopy.
A deep forest sanctuary
The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary protects Gujarat’s densest forest — tall teak, bamboo and moist deciduous woodland along the Purna river — home to leopard, barking deer, giant squirrel and rich birdlife.
Trails, a riverside camp and machans let you explore the forest with tribal guides, who know its tracks and calls. The wild green heart of Gujarat, best in winter, where permits and guides apply.
See what else is nearby in our guide to the Dangs.
It is one of many — our guide to wildlife across Gujarat covers the rest.
Gujarat’s densest forest
Along the Purna river
Leopard, deer & rich birdlife
Trails, camp & machans
When to go
Misty, green and full of waterfalls — the Dangs are at their loveliest in and just after the rains.
Cool, clear and pleasant — the easiest, most comfortable season for trails and wildlife watching.
Warmer, but cooler than the plains thanks to the forest and hills — still a doable, quiet season.
⏰ The Dangs are loveliest in and just after the monsoon, when the hills are green and the waterfalls full.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Green in monsoon
- Cool through winter
- Pair with Saputara
- Permits/guides apply
- Best Nov–Feb
- Don't disturb wildlife
- Carry water & shoes
Getting there
By Air
The nearest airport is Surat, about 120 km away, with onward taxis up into the Dang hills.
By Rail
The Bilimora–Waghai narrow-gauge line and nearby stations bring you to the edge of the forest.
By Road
Drive in via Saputara or Ahwa; the sanctuary sits among the Dangs' winding hill roads.
At Purna Sanctuary
FOREST & RIVER
Gujarat's densest forest
What to shoot
Teak forest — the tall trunks, bamboo brakes and the cool green canopy overhead.
Detail
The Purna river winding through the woods, catching light between the trees.
Wildlife
Birds and animals — patient, quiet framing rewards birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
Best light
Early morning, when mist hangs in the forest and animals are most active.
Know before you go
More to see close by
VIEWPOINTSunset Point
Sweeping golden views over the Ghats
HILLDon Hill
A higher, quieter Saputara alternative
4Anjan & Padmadungari
Hidden waterfalls and forest eco-trails
GARDENStep Garden
Terraced flower beds above the lake
Anjan Kund Shrine
A sacred forest pool by the falls
PILGRIMShabari Dham
Where Shabari awaited Lord Rama
Where to eat near Purna Sanctuary
THALIGujarati Thali
Meals on the plains route up into the Dangs.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks to carry along the trail.
STREETSaputara stalls
Corn, snacks and chai at the hill-station stalls.
Tribal Dangi fare
Nagli rotla, bamboo shoots and forest produce — the local Dangi tribal cuisine.
Purna Sanctuary FAQ
What is Purna Sanctuary?
The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, in the heart of the Dangs along the Purna river, protects some of the densest and finest forest in Gujarat — tall teak, bamboo brakes and moist deciduous woodland. It is home to leopard, hyena, barking deer, civet, giant squirrel and a wealth of birds and butterflies, with nature trails, a riverside campsite, machans and tribal guides.
Where is it?
In the Dangs, southern Gujarat, along the Purna river.
Is there an entry fee?
A permit is required; permits and guides apply for entry.
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?
Half to a full day, depending on trails and watching time.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026