The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a hilly forest reserve in Narmada district, Gujarat, spread across the western Satpura foothills south of the Narmada River. It sits close to the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia), which makes it one of the easiest teak-and-bamboo forests in the state to pair with a dam-and-monument day out. This guide covers its wildlife, the Zarwani eco-camp and waterfall, Ninai falls, how to reach it, the forest-permit system and the best season to go.
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a 607.70 sq km protected forest in Narmada district, Gujarat, in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River. Known for sloth bear, leopard and the Zarwani waterfall, it lies a short drive from the Statue of Unity and is best visited between October and March.
Key takeaways
- Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary covers 607.70 sq km in Narmada district, Gujarat, and was first declared a protected area in 1982 to conserve sloth bears, according to Gujarat Tourism.
- Best visited October to March; the Gujarat Tourism listing names November to February as the cooler, most comfortable window, and the waterfalls run strongest just after the monsoon.
- The Zarwani eco-campsite sits inside the sanctuary, 28 km from Rajpipla towards Kevadia and 7 km from the Thawadia checkpost, per the Narmada district administration.
- Nearest airport and railhead are both at Vadodara, roughly 90-100 km away; Ekta Nagar railway station is about 5 km from the Statue of Unity.
- Day picnics and treks are arranged through the Gujarat Forest Department; entry, camping and guide charges are collected locally and should be reconfirmed before you travel (indicative, as of October 2026).
- Wildlife attributed by Gujarat Tourism and the Narmada district site includes sloth bear, leopard, hyena, wild dog, rhesus macaque, four-horned antelope (chousingha), barking deer and pangolin.
About Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a 607.70 sq km reserve in Narmada district, Gujarat, in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River. According to Gujarat Tourism, it was first declared a protected area in 1982, starting as the 150.87 sq km Dumkhal Sanctuary set up to protect the sloth bear; it was enlarged in 1987 and 1989 and renamed Shoolpaneshwar.
The terrain is dominated by the Rajpipla hills, with Dhanmal described on Wikipedia as the highest peak and the land sloping generally west into deep valleys, rocky ridges and streams. The sanctuary borders Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and its watershed drains towards the Sardar Sarovar and Karjan reservoirs.
A note on the district: the sanctuary now lies in Narmada district, as listed by the Narmada district administration and Gujarat Tourism’s Narmada pages. Gujarat Tourism’s older central-zone page still labels it “Bharuch district”, which predates Narmada being carved out as a separate district, so treat the Narmada listing as current.
| Area | 607.70 sq km (Gujarat Tourism, Wikipedia) |
|---|---|
| District and state | Narmada district, Gujarat |
| First protected | 1982 (as Dumkhal Sanctuary, for sloth bears) |
| Landscape | Western Satpura / Rajpipla hills; mixed teak, bamboo and riverine forest |
| Flagship wildlife | Sloth bear, leopard, four-horned antelope, pangolin |
| Signature spots | Zarwani waterfall and eco-camp, Ninai falls |
| Nearest major town | Rajpipla; Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) for the Statue of Unity |
Forest and wildlife
The sanctuary is a mixed dry-deciduous forest with teak, dry bamboo brakes, pockets of moist teak and riverine strips along the Narmada and Terav rivers, per Wikipedia. This range of habitats is what supports its larger mammals, and the forest is dense enough that most visits are about the walk and the birdsong rather than a guaranteed big-mammal sighting.
For wildlife, Gujarat Tourism and the Narmada district administration attribute the sanctuary with leopard, wild sloth bear, hyena, several deer species and wild dog. Other listings add rhesus macaque, barking deer (muntjac), pangolin and the chausingha, or four-horned antelope. Reptiles noted on Wikipedia include the Indian rock python, Russell’s viper, Bengal monitor and mugger crocodile, and a rusty-spotted cat was recorded here in 1991.
Treat sightings as a bonus, not a promise. Sloth bears and leopards are shy and largely crepuscular, so the realistic rewards are forest trails, waterfalls, birds and the chance of tracks or signs with a forest guide.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is October to March, when the weather is dry and cool. Gujarat Tourism’s listing specifically names November to February as the most comfortable window, and adds that the months just after the rains leave the hills lush. The waterfalls, including Zarwani and Ninai, run strongest from the end of the monsoon into early winter.
Monsoon (roughly June to September) is when the falls are fullest but forest roads, stream crossings and trails can be slippery or closed, so access varies and some areas may be shut on safety grounds. Summer (April to June) is hot and best avoided for walking.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Post-monsoon / winter (best) | October-March | Cool, dry air; green hills early on; waterfalls flowing; easiest trekking |
| Peak comfort | November-February | Gujarat Tourism’s recommended window; pleasant days, cool nights |
| Monsoon | June-September | Fullest waterfalls, but slippery trails and possible access closures |
| Summer | April-June | Hot and dry; not ideal for walking or camping |
How to reach
Reach the sanctuary via Rajpipla or Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), with Vadodara as the nearest airport and railhead. The Zarwani eco-camp inside the sanctuary is about 28 km from Rajpipla on the road towards Kevadia and 7 km from the Thawadia checkpost, according to the Narmada district administration.
- By air: Vadodara airport is the nearest, cited at roughly 90-100 km by Gujarat Tourism and the Narmada district site. Surat airport is the other option for the southern and Ninai side of the sanctuary.
- By rail: Vadodara is the main railhead (about 96.5 km to Zarwani), on the Mumbai-Delhi Western Railway line. For the Statue of Unity and the eastern edge, Ekta Nagar railway station (code EKNR, opened 17 January 2021) is the closest, about 5 km from the monument.
- By road: NH-8 passes through Vadodara; from there, drive to Rajpipla or Ekta Nagar and continue towards the Thawadia checkpost. Taxis and buses serve Ekta Nagar and Rajpipla; local transport into the forest is limited, so a hired car is simplest.
| From | Approx. distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Rajpipla | ~28 km to Zarwani | Road (towards Kevadia) |
| Thawadia checkpost | ~7 km to Zarwani | Road |
| Vadodara railway station | ~96.5 km | Rail then road |
| Vadodara airport | ~90-100 km | Air then road |
| Ekta Nagar (Statue of Unity) | ~5 km station to monument | Rail / road |
| Dediapada (for Ninai falls) | ~35 km to Ninai | Road (off SH-163) |
Things to see and do
The main draws are the Zarwani waterfall and eco-camp, the Ninai falls and guided forest treks, with the Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar within an easy drive. Inside the sanctuary, Gujarat Tourism lists day picnics and treks arranged with the forest department as the core activity, along with machaans (raised viewing platforms) for landscape and wildlife watching.
- Zarwani waterfall and eco-camp — a waterfall dropping through a rocky gorge, with Gujarat’s forest eco-camp alongside; the headline overnight experience inside the sanctuary.
- Ninai falls — a multi-tiered waterfall in Dediapada taluka, reached by a stepped forest trail; best from late monsoon into winter.
- Forest treks and nature trails — short guided walks from the eco-camp through teak and bamboo; birding is strong.
- Shoolpaneshwar Temple and Gheer Khadi — listed by official sources among nearby sights.
- Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar — the 182 m monument and the dam, both a short drive via Ekta Nagar.
| Spot / experience | Where | Time needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zarwani waterfall and eco-camp | Inside sanctuary, ~7 km from Thawadia checkpost | Half to full day; overnight possible | Book camp via forest dept / Eco Tourism Committee |
| Ninai falls | Dediapada taluka, off SH-163 | Half day | Stepped trail; entering the stream may be restricted on safety grounds |
| Forest trek / nature trail | From eco-camp | 1-3 hours | Go with a forest guide; early morning is best |
| Statue of Unity | Ekta Nagar / Kevadia | Half day | Separate ticketing; reconfirm timings |
Zarwani waterfall and eco-camp
The Zarwani eco-campsite is the sanctuary’s main place to stay, set inside the forest near the Zarwani waterfall at about 21.808, 73.699, per the Narmada district administration. Gujarat Tourism lists an orientation centre (which it recommends visiting first), two cottages with attached bath and toilet, tented accommodation with separate washrooms, and two dormitories sleeping up to ten people each.
Facilities, per the same listing, include separate kitchen and dining areas, a campfire zone, machaans for viewing, a nature walking trail and solar-generated electricity to be used responsibly. Veg and non-veg meals are arranged through the local Eco Tourism Committee (ETC), and the forest department helps set up day picnics and treks. Camping and guide charges are collected locally; confirm current rates and booking when you reserve.
Ninai falls, in Dediapada taluka off State Highway 163, is the other water feature worth timing for. It is roughly 35 km from Dediapada and sits in the forest ranges beside the sanctuary; a stepped trail leads down, and visitor reports note that entering the stream can be restricted for safety. Go towards the end of the monsoon or in early winter for the best flow with safer footing.
Statue of Unity and Narmada context
The sanctuary’s eastern edge sits close to the Statue of Unity, the 182 m statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near Kevadia, now Ekta Nagar. According to Wikipedia and Guinness World Records, it is the world’s tallest statue; it was unveiled on 31 October 2018, with a total height of about 240 m including the base and a viewing gallery near 153 m.
The monument stands by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada, and Ekta Nagar (the former Kevadia) has grown into a tourism hub with a tent city, gardens and a dedicated railway station. For most travellers, the practical plan is to base near Ekta Nagar for the dam and statue, then drive into the forest for Zarwani and the trails. If you are planning a wider trip, our Gujarat travel guide sets the sanctuary in the context of the state’s other parks and routes.
Suggested itinerary
A comfortable plan is two days, pairing the forest with the Statue of Unity. This keeps driving manageable and lets you time a waterfall and an early-morning walk.
- Day 1: Arrive at Ekta Nagar / Kevadia by rail or road from Vadodara. See the Statue of Unity and the Sardar Sarovar viewpoint in the afternoon. Drive to the Zarwani eco-camp (via the Thawadia checkpost) by evening; campfire and an early night.
- Day 2: Early guided nature trek from the camp. Visit the Zarwani waterfall, then drive to Ninai falls if road conditions allow. Return to Vadodara or Rajpipla by evening.
- Add a day if you want to slow down: more trails, birding, Rajpipla’s palaces and the Shoolpaneshwar Temple.
Where to stay
You can stay inside the forest at the Zarwani eco-camp, or base in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) or Rajpipla for more choice. Inside the sanctuary, the forest eco-camp offers cottages, tents and dormitories; outside, Ekta Nagar has the government tent city and hotels built up around the Statue of Unity, while Rajpipla has heritage and budget options.
- Budget (roughly ₹1,000-2,500 per night): dormitories and basic tents at the Zarwani eco-camp; simple lodges in Rajpipla. Indicative, as of October 2026.
- Mid-range (roughly ₹2,500-6,000): cottages at the eco-camp; tent-city packages and mid-tier hotels around Ekta Nagar.
- Higher-end (₹6,000 and up): premium tent-city tents and resort-style stays near the Statue of Unity; heritage hotels in the Rajpipla area.
Book the eco-camp and tent city ahead, especially on weekends and holidays, as rooms and tents are limited. Prices above are planning estimates to reconfirm with the forest department, Gujarat Tourism or the property.
Budget breakdown
A two-day trip for one person, excluding long-distance travel to Vadodara, works out to roughly ₹4,500-11,000 depending on whether you camp or take a tent-city package. The table below is a planning estimate, not a quoted tariff.
| Item | Budget (₹) | Comfort (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (1 night) | 1,000-2,500 | 4,000-6,000 |
| Meals (ETC / local) | 600-1,000 | 1,200-2,000 |
| Local transport / car (shared) | 1,500-2,500 | 2,500-4,000 |
| Entry, camp and guide charges | 500-1,500 | 500-1,500 |
| Statue of Unity ticket (optional) | reconfirm | reconfirm |
| Approx. total | ~4,500-7,500 | ~8,000-13,500 |
Assumptions: shared car, one night at the eco-camp or a modest Ekta Nagar stay, meals through the Eco Tourism Committee or local eateries. Fees are collected locally and change; reconfirm before you go.
Permits and responsible-wildlife rules
Entry, camping and treks inside Shoolpaneshwar are managed by the Gujarat Forest Department, and day picnics or treks are arranged with its help, per Gujarat Tourism. No special inner-line permit of the kind used in some border states applies here, but you should book forest entry, the eco-camp and any guide through the department or the local Eco Tourism Committee, and carry a government photo ID. Treat all fee and permit figures as indicative, dated October 2026, and reconfirm before travel, since monsoon access varies and parts of the forest can be closed on safety grounds.
The eco-camp rules listed by Gujarat Tourism are strict and sensible:
- No smoking anywhere in the forest, as cigarette butts cause fires.
- No flash or intrusive photography; reposition yourself rather than disturbing plants for a shot.
- No music systems or sound-making devices; keep them off, including while driving around.
- Do not pluck plants, collect insects or remove anything from the sanctuary.
- Avoid sudden movements that scare wildlife, and never approach animals closely.
- No pets, no littering and no weapons or hunting devices.
- Visit the orientation centre first to understand the area.
Practical tips
Come self-sufficient: the forest has limited shops, patchy mobile network and few ATMs, so carry cash alongside UPI and fuel up before you enter. A few points worth planning for:
- Connectivity and cash: expect weak or no mobile signal inside the sanctuary. Draw cash at Rajpipla or Ekta Nagar; UPI works in towns but not reliably in the forest.
- Medical: the nearest larger hospitals are in Rajpipla and Vadodara. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
- Safety and solo women: stick to guided trails, avoid walking in the forest after dark, and book the eco-camp in advance. Travel in daylight on the forest roads.
- Packing by season: October-March — light layers plus a warm layer for cool nights; sturdy shoes for stepped, sometimes wet waterfall trails; sun protection and plenty of water. In or near the monsoon, expect slippery rock and leeches, and check access first.
- Getting around: a hired car from Vadodara, Rajpipla or Ekta Nagar is the simplest way to link the forest, the falls and the Statue of Unity. The Vadodara travel guide is useful if you are routing through the city.
Nearby places
The sanctuary pairs naturally with the Statue of Unity circuit at Ekta Nagar and with Rajpipla’s old-town sights. The table lists the main options and why they are worth the detour.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar | Short drive from the eastern edge | World’s tallest statue; viewing gallery, gardens |
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | At Ekta Nagar / Kevadia | Major Narmada dam and reservoir views |
| Ninai falls | ~35 km from Dediapada | Multi-tiered forest waterfall, best post-monsoon |
| Zarwani waterfall | Inside the sanctuary | Gorge-fed fall beside the eco-camp |
| Rajpipla | ~28 km from Zarwani | Former princely town; palaces and base for the forest |
For planning the wider region and connecting rail and air, see our Gujarat travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is in Narmada district, Gujarat, in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River. It covers 607.70 sq km and borders Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Zarwani eco-camp inside it is about 28 km from Rajpipla on the road towards Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), per the Narmada district administration.
What animals live in Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Gujarat Tourism and the Narmada district site attribute the sanctuary with sloth bear, leopard, hyena, wild dog and several deer species. Other listings add rhesus macaque, barking deer, four-horned antelope (chousingha) and pangolin. Reptiles include the Indian rock python, Russell’s viper and mugger crocodile. Big-mammal sightings are not guaranteed, as the animals are shy.
What is the best time to visit Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary?
The best time is October to March, when the weather is dry and cool. Gujarat Tourism names November to February as the most comfortable window, and says the months just after the monsoon are lush. The waterfalls, including Zarwani and Ninai, run strongest from late monsoon into early winter; summer is hot and best avoided for walking.
How do I reach Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary from the Statue of Unity?
From the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), drive towards the Thawadia checkpost and on to the Zarwani eco-camp inside the sanctuary. Ekta Nagar railway station is about 5 km from the monument. The nearest airport and main railhead for the region are both at Vadodara, roughly 90-100 km away.
Do I need a permit to enter Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary?
You do not need a border inner-line permit, but entry, camping and treks are managed by the Gujarat Forest Department, so book forest entry, the eco-camp and any guide through the department or the local Eco Tourism Committee and carry photo ID. Entry and camp charges are collected locally; reconfirm current fees, as these are indicative as of October 2026.
Can you stay overnight inside Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes. The Zarwani eco-campsite inside the sanctuary offers two cottages with attached bathrooms, tented accommodation and two dormitories sleeping up to ten each, per Gujarat Tourism. Meals are arranged through the Eco Tourism Committee, electricity is largely solar, and the forest department helps set up treks. Book ahead, as capacity is limited.
Last updated and sources
Go if you want a quiet teak-and-bamboo forest with waterfalls, paired easily with the Statue of Unity; the sweet spot is October to March, with an early-morning trek from the Zarwani eco-camp. Reconfirm fees, camp bookings and monsoon road status before you set out.
Last updated: 21 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Gujarat Tourism, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Zarwani Waterfall / eco-camp; Narmada district administration, Zarwani waterfall and sanctuary listing; Wikipedia, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ninai Falls, Ekta Nagar railway station and Statue of Unity; Guinness World Records, tallest statue. Accessed October 2026.
