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NATURE · SANCTUARY · FORESTShoolpaneshwar
A forest by the river — the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, a hilly expanse of teak forest, waterfalls and wildlife along the Narmada south of the dam.
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.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Forest and hills.
Teak hills along the Narmada.
A Shiva shrine (Shoolpaneshwar).
A large wildlife sanctuary.
Eco-tourism & wildlife.
Reasons to make the time
Teak forest
Hills & valleys.
Wildlife
Leopard & sloth bear.
Waterfalls
Including Zarwani.
Birdlife
Rich and varied.
Eco-tourism
Trails & camps.
Peaceful
A green refuge.
What to look for inside
Teak hills
Along the Narmada.
Wildlife
Leopard to birds.
Zarwani falls
A forest cascade after the rains.
A rich variety
Forest birds across the valleys.
Trails & camps
Nature trails and birdwatching.
Along the Narmada
Hills above the great river.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the nature trails
Through teak forest.
See the waterfalls
Including Zarwani.
Watch for wildlife
Leopard & bear country.
Spot the birds
A rich variety.
Enjoy the eco-tourism
Trails & camps.
Feel the peace
A green refuge.
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.)
A large forest sanctuary
Teak & bamboo hills
Zarwani & other falls
Leopard, bear & birdlife
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Lush, green and full waterfalls.
Hot — start early.
⏰ 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
Ninai Waterfall
A tiered fall deep in tribal forest
Sardar Sarovar Dam
Sardar Sarovar Dam
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers
Statue of Unity
The world's tallest statue — 182 m of Sardar Patel
Rajpipla Temples
Royal-era shrines of the old capital
Rajpipla Palaces
The old royal town & its grand palaces
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Full sweet-savoury meals.
Dhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
Kevadia 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
Rani ki Vav Shrines
Vishnu avatars carved into the stepwell
Kashtabhanjan Dev
The mighty Hanuman temple of Salangpur
Roho Ancient Temples
Dwarka Math (Sharada Peeth)
One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas
Balaram-Ambaji
Forested hills rich in wildlife
Roho Temples
Old hill shrines of the Aravalli country
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