Sarthana Nature Park
Laid out along the Tapi riverbank on Surat’s northern fringe. Sarthana Nature Park combines a mini-zoo and deer park. A dedicated crocodile enclosure and shaded walking trails through planted forest cover. It functions as one of Surat’s main green lungs. A low-key wildlife-viewing option within the city limits, drawing families and joggers alike. The park’s riverside setting offers a break from the dense textile. Diamond-processing districts that dominate much of the city. Sarthana Nature Park sits at an elevation of 19 m.
Sarthana Nature Park at a Glance
Essential information about Sarthana Nature Park.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Laid out along the Tapi riverbank on Surat’s northern fringe, Sarthana Nature Park combines a mini-zoo and deer park with a dedicated crocodile enclosure and shaded walking trails through planted forest cover. It functions as one of Surat’s main green lungs and a low-key wildlife-viewing option within the city limits, drawing families and joggers alike. The park’s riverside setting offers a break from the dense textile and diamond-processing districts that dominate much of the city. Sarthana Nature Park sits at an elevation of 19 m and is typically explored in about 2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include crocodile basking along the Tapi riverbank, spotting spotted deer in open enclosures, and walkway shaded by old banyan trees. It falls within Gujarat, India.
Highlights
- Crocodile basking along the Tapi riverbank
- Spotting spotted deer in open enclosures
- Walkway shaded by old banyan trees
- Mini-zoo’s resident leopards and bears
- Birdwatching near the river’s quiet edge
- Early morning cool breeze by the water
Getting There
Things To Do
See the crocodile and tortoise enclosures near the river edge
Follow the riverside walk to the reptile section, where you can view mugger crocodiles basking on mudbanks and Indian roofed turtles swimming in shallow pools. Interpretive boards explain their habitat and the park's conservation efforts for these species.
20 minutes
Take a slow walk along the Tapi riverbank promenade
Walk the paved, low-walled promenade that runs parallel to the river, offering views of the water and the distant Surat skyline. It’s a flat, easy path with occasional railings, ideal for a gentle stroll or sitting on a seat to watch riverbirds.
40 minutes
Observe the monkey troop near the entrance and feeding zone
Near the park’s main gate and the small food kiosk, a resident troop of rhesus macaques is often active, climbing trees and interacting with each other. Keep a safe distance as advised by park signage, but it’s a lively, close-up wildlife moment without any hiking involved.
15 minutes
Visit the walk-in aviary and spot native and exotic birds
Enter the large, netted aviary where peacocks, parakeets, and herons roam freely among low shrubs and a small water pool. The enclosure is designed for close viewing, and you can quietly observe their feeding and preening behaviors from a central path.
30 minutes
Stroll through the Deer Park and watch the spotted deer
Walk along the shaded, fenced pathways of the deer park and observe herds of chital (spotted deer) grazing and resting near the Tapi riverbank. Benches are placed at intervals, so you can sit and enjoy the gentle rustle of leaves while the deer approach the fence line.
45 minutes
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated grassy lawns
Spread a mat on the open, tree-lined lawns adjacent to the zoo’s main path, where families and senior groups often gather. The area has shaded spots, drinking water taps, and a few basic benches, making it a calm spot to rest after walking.
1 hour
Travel Tips
Carry your own water bottles and light snacks
There are very few water refill stations inside, and the small canteen often runs out of simple items like biscuits or tea by midday. Bring at least one 1-litre bottle per person and some dry snacks (like bananas or roasted chana) to avoid dehydration or low energy, especially during the hotter months.
Keep a list of emergency contacts and a basic first-aid kit in your group bag
The park is a bit far from major hospitals, and mobile signal is patchy in the deeper forested zones. Carry a small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medicines (like for blood pressure or heart), and note down the park office number (0261-290-XXXX) plus the nearest hospital (New Civil Hospital, Surat) before you go.
Use the battery-operated shuttle or rent a wheelchair
The park is large, with long walking stretches between animal enclosures and the lake. Ask at the main gate about the paid electric buggy service or free wheelchair availability — both are lifesavers for seniors with limited mobility, and group leaders should book these in advance.
Visit on weekdays and enter early morning
Weekends and holidays get very crowded with school groups and local families, making walking paths and benches hard to access. Arrive right at the 9:00 AM opening time to enjoy cooler weather, quieter trails, and easier seating for rest breaks.
Stick to the main paved path and use handrails near the lake
The nature trail has uneven dirt patches and some steep slopes near the bird-watching tower, which can be tricky for those with balance issues. Stay on the main concrete path, and when using the lakeside viewing deck, hold the railing firmly — the edge has no guard in some spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few small kiosks selling snacks, tea, coffee, and packaged drinks near the entrance and the lake area, but the options are limited. For a heartier meal, visitors often carry their own packed lunch, as outside food is allowed in designated picnic spots. Please avoid feeding the animals, as it is strictly prohibited for their health.
The best season is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool, making walking comfortable. On any given day, try to visit right at opening time (9 AM) on a weekday, as weekends and holidays get very crowded with local families. Afternoon hours are generally hot and less enjoyable, even in winter, so plan to finish your walk by noon.
The park is a mini-zoo and botanical garden combined, featuring deer, peacocks, monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of birds in large enclosures. There’s also a well-maintained aquarium, a small reptile house, and a beautiful lake with paddle boating. Don’t miss the musical fountain show, which runs in the late afternoon.
The park is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry around 5:30 PM. Entry fees are very nominal, around 20 rupees for adults and 10 rupees for children, with additional charges for the toy train and battery-operated vehicles. Senior citizens get a 50% discount on the entry ticket, so carry a valid ID.
Yes, the park has wide, paved walking paths that are mostly flat, making it easy for seniors to stroll. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis, but it’s wise to arrive early. Benches and shaded rest areas are placed throughout the park for frequent breaks.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Sarthana Nature Park
Day 1
Arrive in Surat in the morning and ease into your visit with a relaxed start. Spend the first half of the day at Sarthana Nature Park, taking in the deer park and the riverside setting along the Tapi. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle walk along the nearby riverfront and a visit to a local temple for a cultural touch.
- Morning walk through Sarthana Nature Park, spotting spotted deer, sambar, and various bird species along the Tapi riverbank
- Visit the mini-zoo section to see native animals like leopards, bears, and crocodiles in their enclosures
- Short, easy stroll along the Sarthana riverfront promenade, with a stop at the small garden and benches for resting
Day 2
Dedicate the morning to a second, slower visit to Sarthana Nature Park, focusing on areas you may have missed, such as the butterfly garden or reptile house. After lunch, head into central Surat for a gentle sightseeing circuit, including a historic landmark and a riverside viewpoint. End the day with a relaxed dinner near the city’s heritage zone.
- Morning revisit to Sarthana Nature Park for birdwatching from the shaded watchtower, plus a walk through the medicinal plant garden
- Afternoon visit to the Surat Castle (Old Fort) for a brief look at its ramparts and history, with easy walking paths
- Early evening stop at the Tapi Riverfront (near the city center) to watch the sunset, followed by a leisurely stroll at the nearby textile market area (just window shopping)
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Tour Packages for Sarthana Nature Park
Surat
Gujarat
4 place(s) covered within Surat
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