Vansda National Park

Vansda National Park is a 23.99 sq km protected area in Navsari district, Gujarat, near the town of Vansda along the Ambika River. Established in 1979 on the former private forest of the Maharaja of Vansda, it preserves dense deciduous forest of the northern Western Ghats. Notable for leopards, Indian giant squirrels, four-horned antelopes and rich birdlife, it offers nature trails and safari experiences within a largely undisturbed forest ecosystem.

Visitors can expect a dense, moist deciduous forest with tall teak, bamboo and mango trees along the Ambika River. The park is explored via guided jeep safaris and nature trails from the Kilad campsite area. Sightings may include leopards, hyenas, wild boar, giant squirrels, pythons and over 150 bird species. Facilities are basic and forest-focused, with watchtowers, interpretation centre and tribal village surroundings.

The forest was formerly the private preserve of the Maharaja of Vansda. It was declared a National Park in 1979 under the Wildlife Protection Act, covering 23.99 sq km, to protect the last remaining dense forest tract of the Dangs region and its biodiversity.

The park lies in the Dangs region inhabited by Dangi tribal communities. The surrounding villages reflect traditional forest-dependent lifestyles, and the Kilad camp promotes nature education and awareness of local tribal culture and forest conservation.