Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a 607.70 sq km protected forest in Dediapada Taluka, Narmada District, Gujarat, spread across the Vindhya and Satpura ranges along the Narmada River and Sardar Sarovar reservoir. Notified in 1982, it is known for dry deciduous forests, sloth bear habitat, diverse flora and fauna, birdlife, and tribal landscapes. It is a key eco-tourism destination near the Statue of Unity circuit.

Visitors can expect dense dry deciduous forest with teak and bamboo, undulating hills of the Vindhya-Satpura ranges, and views of the Narmada River and Sardar Sarovar reservoir. The sanctuary offers forest trails, watch points, and eco-campsites at Sagai and Dumkhal. Wildlife sightings may include sloth bear, leopard, rhesus macaque, giant squirrel, and numerous birds. Facilities are basic and exploration is typically by guided jeep or on foot with forest permission.

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1982 covering 607.70 sq km in the former Rajpipla princely state forests. Named after the Shoolpaneshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, now partly submerged by the Sardar Sarovar reservoir. The sanctuary was established to protect the dry deciduous forest ecosystem and sloth bear population of the Vindhya-Satpura region.

The sanctuary landscape is culturally significant for local tribal communities including Vasava, Bhil and Tadvi groups. The Shoolpaneshwar Mahadev Temple on the Narmada bank is a revered pilgrimage site. Traditional tribal villages, festivals and forest-based livelihoods form part of the cultural experience around Sagai and Dumkhal.