Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread along the Purna river in the Dang district. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary protects one of Gujarat’s largest tracts of moist deciduous teak. Forest, habitat for leopards, sloth bears, barking deer. The Indian giant flying squirrel. Its dense canopy and monsoon-fed streams also support a notably rich bird population. Drawing birdwatchers alongside the more general nature tourism. Flows out from nearby Saputara. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is typically explored in about half day.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary at a Glance
Essential information about Purna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Overview
Spread along the Purna river in the Dang district, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary protects one of Gujarat’s largest tracts of moist deciduous teak forest, habitat for leopards, sloth bears, barking deer and the Indian giant flying squirrel. Its dense canopy and monsoon-fed streams also support a notably rich bird population, drawing birdwatchers alongside the more general nature tourism that flows out from nearby Saputara. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is typically explored in about half day. The best time to visit is October to March. Other notable highlights include sloth bear sighting near Purna riverbank, leopard pugmarks on morning safari trail, and flying squirrel gliding at dusk watchpoint.
Highlights
- Sloth bear sighting near Purna riverbank
- Leopard pugmarks on morning safari trail
- Flying squirrel gliding at dusk watchpoint
- 200+ bird species checklist at dawn
- Teak canopy walk along bamboo thickets
- Tribal village market in Ahwa town
Getting There
Things To Do
Tribal village heritage walk at Jamunbardi
Join a local Dang tribal guide for a gentle walk through the Jamunbardi hamlet on the sanctuary edge, learning about traditional forest livelihoods, honey collection, and the use of teak and bamboo in daily life. You’ll also see a small community-run nursery for native tree saplings.
1.5 hours
Sloth bear observation at the artificial waterhole (hides)
Sit quietly in a small wooden hide near a seasonal waterhole, especially in the late afternoon, to watch sloth bears, wild boars, and sambar deer come to drink. The hide is accessible via a short, guided walk and is a prime spot for photography.
1.5 to 2 hours
Visit the Purna Interpretation Centre and museum
Explore the small on-site interpretation centre that displays taxidermy specimens, skulls, and informative panels about the sanctuary’s flora, fauna, and tribal Dang culture. It’s a quick, shaded stop to understand the park’s ecology before venturing deeper.
45 minutes
Guided morning nature walk along the Purna River trail
Walk with a forest guard through the dry teak forest bordering the Purna River, spotting birdlife like hornbills and drongos, and looking for pugmarks of leopards and sloth bears on the sandy banks. The early hours are best for wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures.
2 to 3 hours
Scenic drive on the internal forest road to Gira Falls viewpoint
Drive (in your own vehicle or a hired jeep) along the bumpy internal track that cuts through dense teak and bamboo forest, ending at a viewpoint overlooking Gira Falls (seasonal). Keep windows open for the chance to spot giant squirrels, barking deer, or a python sunning itself on the road.
2 hours (including stop)
Night drive for flying squirrels and owls
Take a guided night drive (permitted with prior forest department booking) along the main internal road using a spotlight, looking for the Indian giant flying squirrel gliding between trees and spotting owls, civets, and sometimes a leopard. The drive is slow, silent, and magical under the canopy.
2 hours
Travel Tips
Book the forest entry permit at least 48 hours in advance
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary has limited daily entry slots, and permits are issued online through the Gujarat forest department. For senior and group travellers, this avoids last-minute disappointment, especially on weekends and during winter months.
Plan your visit between November and February for the best experience
This period offers pleasant weather and higher chances of spotting wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, and deer near water sources. Avoid monsoon months (June–September) as trails become slippery and the sanctuary often closes for safety reasons.
Carry your own water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
There are no eateries or shops inside the sanctuary, and the nearest facilities are in Saputara town, about 25 km away. For a group, pack light but sufficient supplies, and include any personal medicines, as mobile network is patchy in the forest.
Wear layered clothing and sturdy non-slip footwear
Mornings in Purna are cool and misty, while afternoons can be warm, so layers help manage temperature changes. Choose closed, grippy shoes for the short nature walks near the entrance and for stepping out of the gypsy at viewpoints.
Use the guided gypsy safari instead of walking deep inside
The sanctuary’s core zone is best explored via the official forest gypsy, as walking trails are steep and uneven. Senior travellers should stay seated during the safari and request the driver to slow down at waterholes and clearings for better wildlife spotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sanctuary is about 20–25 kilometers from Saputara, roughly a 45-minute drive by road. You can hire a private taxi or a shared jeep from Saputara bus stand, but for a group, it is cheaper and more comfortable to book a dedicated vehicle for the day, as public transport is infrequent.
Yes, but with some planning—the main entry gate and a short nature trail near the interpretation center are wheelchair-friendly, but deeper forest trails involve uneven terrain and steep climbs. It is advisable to book a gypsy (4x4) safari rather than walking, and carry walking sticks or hire a local guide for support.
The ideal time is between November and February, when the weather is cool and dry, making walking and safari drives pleasant. Monsoon months (June to September) are best avoided as trails become slippery and leeches are common, while summer (April-May) is very hot but offers better chances of spotting animals near waterholes.
There are no food stalls or restaurants inside the sanctuary, so you must carry your own water, snacks, and a packed lunch—though basic restrooms are available near the entry gate. Also carry insect repellent, a hat, binoculars, and a light raincoat (if visiting in winter mornings), and remember that plastic bags are strictly prohibited, so use cloth or paper bags.
You can spot leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, wild boars, and a rich variety of birds like hornbills and woodpeckers, though sightings are not guaranteed. Yes, you need to obtain a forest entry permit, which can be done at the sanctuary office in Saputara or online through the Gujarat forest department’s website—carry a photo ID for all group members.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 1
Arrive in Saputara and settle into your lodge. After a relaxed lunch, head to the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary entrance for a gentle guided nature walk along the forest edge, where you can spot langurs, deer, and a variety of birds. In the late afternoon, visit the Saputara Lake for a leisurely boat ride and a sunset view before returning for a quiet dinner.
- Guided nature walk at Purna Wildlife Sanctuary (2-3 km easy trail, focusing on flora and bird calls)
- Boat ride on Saputara Lake (pedal or rowboat, with lakeside promenade walk)
- Sunset viewpoint at Sunset Point, overlooking the valley and forest canopy
Day 2
Start early with a morning safari drive into the core zone of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, with a naturalist guide, to increase chances of seeing sloth bears, leopards (tracks), and flying squirrels near dawn. After a packed breakfast in the forest rest area, visit the local Dang tribal village museum and a small handicraft center to learn about the region’s indigenous culture. End the day with a short walk on the Saputara Ropeway or a visit to the Gira Waterfalls (seasonal) before dinner.
- Early morning jeep safari inside Purna Wildlife Sanctuary (with binoculars and camera, keep quiet for wildlife)
- Visit to Dang tribal museum and artisan cooperative (see traditional tools, textiles, and honey collection methods)
- Short cable car ride at Saputara Ropeway (overlooking the sanctuary) or a gentle walk to Gira Falls (if water flowing)
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