Vansda National Park, Gujarat’s hidden gem

When we speak of the Western Ghats and the Sahyadri Range, the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala come to mind. Gujarat’s Navsari district seldom comes to our mind. Located here, in the hilly ranges of Sahyadri in the Western Ghats, is Vansda National Park or Bansda National Park.


Vansda National Park is located in the district of Navsari, and forms a part of the woodlands of the Dangs (Dang district). The national park is also located on the banks of Ambika River, and is in close proximity to the towns of Chikhali and Valsad.



The national park is one of the most densely forested areas in the state of Gujarat. The park is pretty well-known, mostly for its natural beauty. The forest is lush and spectacular, especially in the monsoon season. You should see the Gira waterfall in its full glory!



Vansda National Park is home to animals like the leopard, dhole, rusty spotted cat, Indian porcupine, barking deer, striped hyena, and several species of venomous and non venomous snakes.




The forests of Vansda are exceptionally great for birdwatching though. With more than 155 species of birds calling Vansda home, this is a great place for those who have a thing for woodland birds. Some of these birds are the common grey hornbill, grey-fronted green pigeon, yellow backed sunbird, Malabar trogon, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet, shama, great Indian black woodpecker to name a few. The forests of Vandsa owe their beauty to the district’s rule of no felling of trees since 1952.



Vansda National Park is that offbeat destination you never knew you needed to explore!