9 Forests to Explore in Gujarat

Devaliya National Park also referred to as the ‘Gir Interpretation zone’ is an area carved out as a distinct eco-tourism locale allowing tourists to view lions as well as the other rare wild animals of Gir within a short time span and against cheaper charges. Devaliya in other words is a part of Gir National Park and it allows the facility of reserving the population of wild animals within an area segregated with Ha Chain linked fences.

Gir Forest national park also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India Which is very much popular for their lion population. The best time to visit Gir comes between the months of December to March. Though, April and May are very hot but considered as the best months for wildlife viewing and photography.

Janki Van is a forestry project (park) developed under Gujarat Forestry Development Project by the Social Forestry Department, Gujarat. Janki Van is located at the Bhinar village. This park developed for environmental protection, nurture-breeding of forestry conservation, tourist place and wild herb-grown up, etc.

One of the tourist-friendly waterfalls, the government has included the falls in their eco-tourism itinerary. it is situated near the Shoolpaneswar wildlife sanctuary. The verdant and lush jungle around the waterfall which discharges water from a height of 30 feet is simply a fascinating site. The area exudes a serene and peaceful ambiance and with a beautiful backdrop, visitors will have a great peace of mind.

Polo forest is a dry mixed deciduous forest near Abhapur village in Vijaynagar Taluka. It is located at the foothills of the Aravalli hills and on the banks of the perennial Harnav river, spread over the area of 400 sq. km. After the monsoon, between September and December, the forest becomes lush. There are more than 450 species of medicinal plants, around 275 of birds, 30 of mammals, and 32 of reptiles. There are bears, leopards, hyenas, waterfowl, raptors, passerines, and flying squirrels.

Also known as Vijaynagar forest is a dry mixed deciduous forest near Abhapur village in Sabarkantha district. There are more than 450 species of medicinal plants, around 275 of birds, 30 of mammals, and 32 of reptiles. There are bears, leopards, hyenas, waterfowl, raptors, passerines, and flying squirrels. During winter, The forest attracts migratory birds during winter and wetland birds during monsoon. The forest has ruins of several 15th-century Hindu and Jain temples such as Sharneshwar Shiva

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Gujarat state. it shares a common boundary with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It encompasses mixed dry deciduous forest, riverine forest, few pockets of moist teak forest, agricultural fields and two water reservoirs. This was established in the year of 1982. IT is home for a verietys of flora and fauna.

Vansda national park is a protected area which represents the thick woodlands of the Dangs and southern Gujarat and is situated in the Vansda tehsil, Navsari District. Established in 1979 as a National Park, the deciduous forest area having groves of "Katas" bamboo owes its beauty to no felling of trees since 1952. Nestled in the Western Ghats of Sahyadri range, it has a unique flavor of flora and fauna population. some of the other attractions include local tribes, "Gira Falls", and more.

One can spot vibrant flora, various species of birds and butterflies and a large fox population. It is one of the oldest human-made forests in India, made in 1888 by Mr Proctor Sins for Maharaja Takhtasinhji of the Bhavnagar city. The Victoria Park is a great place to relax amidst lush biodiversity, just a little away from the noise of the city. You can unwind here on a day out with friends and family and revel in the beauty of the landscape.