Teak hills and waterfalls
The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across the hilly, forested country south of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, where the Narmada cuts through the southern reaches of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Named after a Shiva shrine now associated with the reservoir, this large sanctuary protects dense teak and bamboo forests, deep valleys, streams and waterfalls — including the lovely Zarwani falls.
Its rich wildlife includes leopard, sloth bear, hyena, pangolin, four-horned antelope and a wealth of birds. It is a green, peaceful counterpoint to the engineered grandeur of Kevadia nearby, offering eco-tourism, nature trails and birdwatching — a refuge of wild Gujarat.
This is a protected sanctuary, so permits and timings apply. Come in the cooler, drier months and you will find a quiet world of forested hills, falling water and forest birdsong only a short drive from the Statue of Unity.
Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary.
Teak hills, waterfalls and a sanctuary
Forest and hills.
The sanctuary covers hilly, forested country south of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, where the Narmada cuts through the southern Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
It takes its name from the Shoolpaneshwar Shiva shrine, whose original site in the river gorge was submerged by the reservoir and whose deity was reinstalled above the water line.
At over 600 square kilometres it is one of Gujarat's largest protected areas, and holds some of the best surviving forest in the state.
Forest department eco-tourism camps and marked trails now give visitors access, with guides required for the interior.
Reasons to make the time
Teak forest
Steep hills, deep valleys and streams cutting through teak and bamboo — a very different Gujarat from the plains and salt flats.
Wildlife
Leopard and sloth bear are the flagship species, alongside four-horned antelope, barking deer, pangolin and rusty-spotted cat.
Waterfalls
Zarwani falls is the best-known cascade, running hard after the monsoon and reachable on a short forest walk.
Birdlife
The bird list is long and includes forest species scarce elsewhere in Gujarat, with raptors over the valleys.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism camps and nature trails run from several points, and staying overnight is far better than day-tripping.
Peaceful
It sits close to Kevadia and the Statue of Unity, so the wild and the engineered are within half an hour of each other.
What to look for inside
THE FORESTTeak hills
Along the Narmada.
THE WILDWildlife
Leopard to birds.
WATERFALLSZarwani falls
A forest cascade after the rains.
BIRDLIFEA rich variety
Forest birds across the valleys.
ECO-TOURISMTrails & camps
Nature trails and birdwatching.
THE RIVERAlong the Narmada
Hills above the great river.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the nature trails
Walk a marked trail through the teak forest with a guide — the interior is not open to unaccompanied visitors.
See the waterfalls
Go out at dawn or dusk, when leopard, sloth bear and the deer species are actually active.
Watch for wildlife
Make time for Zarwani falls, best in the weeks right after the monsoon when the stream is full.
Spot the birds
Bring binoculars. The birding is the most reliable wildlife here; the mammals are mostly nocturnal.
Enjoy the eco-tourism
Stay at an eco-tourism camp rather than driving in and out; the good hours are early and late.
Feel the peace
Combine the sanctuary with Kevadia, the Statue of Unity and the Narmada ghats nearby.
Shoolpaneshwar’s hills.
A teak-forest sanctuary
The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary protects hilly teak and bamboo forests, valleys and waterfalls (including Zarwani) along the Narmada south of the dam — home to leopard, sloth bear, antelope and rich birdlife. A green, wild counterpoint to engineered Kevadia. (Permits/timings apply.)
Planning more of the area? Our Narmada guide covers the whole district.
For the full practical breakdown, read our Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary guide.
A large forest sanctuary
Teak & bamboo hills
Zarwani & other falls
Leopard, bear & birdlife
When to go
November to February is the season for walking — cool, dry, and animals concentrate around the remaining water.
July to September brings the forest to life and the waterfalls run, though trails get slippery and leech-ridden.
April to June is hot but can be good for wildlife, with animals drawn to the few remaining water sources.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; the waterfalls are fullest just after the monsoon.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Best Oct–Mar
- Pair with the Statue of Unity
- Allow time to travel
- Permits/timings apply
- Best in the cool, dry season
- Don't disturb wildlife
- Carry water & sturdy shoes
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara airport (~90 km).
By Rail
Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) station.
By Road
Kevadia / Rajpipla.
At Shoolpaneshwar
FOREST & WILD
A river-forest sanctuary
What to shoot
Forest & hills.
Detail
The waterfalls.
Wildlife
Birds & animals.
Best light
Early morning.
Know before you go
More to see close by
FORESTNinai Waterfall
A tiered fall deep in tribal forest
HERITAGERajpipla Palaces
The old royal town & its grand palaces
Narmada Ghats
A revered Dattatreya temple on the Narmada
NATUREEkta Nursery
A vast green nursery & arboretum
VIEWPOINTViewing Gallery
A gallery at the statue’s chest, 153 m up
SACREDGarudeshwar
A Dattatreya shrine on the Narmada
Where to eat near Shoolpaneshwar
THALIGujarati Thali
Full sweet-savoury meals.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
STREETKevadia food courts
Snacks for visitors.
Local fare
Gujarati & tribal food; Kevadia food courts.
Shoolpaneshwar FAQ
What is Shoolpaneshwar?
The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across the hilly, forested country south of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, where the Narmada cuts through the southern reaches of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Named after a Shiva shrine now associated with the reservoir, this large sanctuary protects dense teak and bamboo forests, deep valleys, streams and waterfalls — including the lovely Zarwani falls — and a rich wildlife of leopard, sloth bear, hyena, pangolin, four-horned antelope and a wealth of birds.
Where is it?
Narmada district.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry / permit.
When should I visit?
October to March; waterfalls after the monsoon.
What's nearby?
The Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Kevadia.
How long does it take?
Half a day.
Related places across Gujarat
PALACEBalaram Palace
A regal heritage retreat near Palanpur
TOWNAmreli City
The leafy district headquarters
Jagannath Jamalpur
A 450-year-old shrine to Lord Jagannath — and the start of Ahmedabad’s vast, century-old Rath Yatra…
HISTORICTeen Darwaza
The city’s 1411 triple gateway & bazaar
Shankheshwar Parshwanath
Vishnu avatars carved into the stepwell
RIVERMachchhu Riverfront
Calm waters at the heart of the city
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026