Vansda National Park

Vansda National Park is a dry-deciduous forest reserve on the Ambica river in the foothills of the Dang region, in the Navsari district of Gujarat, India. It lies about 90 to 106 km from Surat (sources differ), with a drive of roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way. Entry is by private four-wheel vehicle only, with a permit of Rs 500 per vehicle (about US$5.21) and Rs 100 (about US$1.04) for a camera, as listed in the source data. Visitors without a car can take a train to Vyara or Waghai station, about 4 km from the park, and then hire a local taxi. The park is known for its teak and bamboo forest, rich birdlife, and mammals that include leopard, hyena, jackal, and several species of deer and monkeys. Sightings of the larger cats are rare, so most visitors come for the forest atmosphere, birds, butterflies and short forest drives. The Ambica river and the surrounding Dang hills add scenery, and tribal villages lie around the park. A practical day plan is to leave Surat at dawn, reach the park in the early morning when wildlife is most active, spend the morning driving the forest roads with a local guide where available, break for lunch outside the park in Vansda or Waghai, and return in the afternoon. The park is reported open from mid-October to mid-June, with November to February the best months for pleasant weather and good visibility; the monsoon closes the park and the forest is very hot in late spring. Facilities inside are minimal, so carrying water, snacks and insect protection is essential. The Forest Department office handles permits, and visitors should confirm opening arrangements before travelling, as there are no regular public buses to the interior. A visit pairs well with Waghai's botanical garden or the Ambika river viewpoint, and many travellers choose to stay overnight for a relaxed stay.