Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre in Panchmahal, Gujarat draws weekend crowds
Synopsis
Tucked inside the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary in Panchmahal, the Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre is quietly becoming one of Gujarat's most visited nature retreats — with AC cottages, jungle safaris, and state-backed expansion plans including leopard tourism in Kutch on the horizon.
Key Takeaways
The Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre is located inside Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary , Panchmahal district, Gujarat .
The facility offers 8 AC and 8 non-AC rooms , along with jungle safaris, trekking, a souvenir shop, and a dining canteen.
Visitors from Vadodara , Surat , and Ahmedabad are the primary footfall drivers, especially on weekends.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia has announced upcoming leopard-focused tourism initiatives in Kutch and further eco-tourism sites across Gujarat.
Nearby attractions include the Jand Hanuman Temple and Kada Dam .
The Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre, nestled inside the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary in Panchmahal district, Gujarat, is rapidly establishing itself as a preferred nature retreat for visitors from across the region. With affordable amenities, jungle safaris, and a tranquil forest setting, the centre is drawing large footfalls — particularly on weekends — from nearby cities including Vadodara, Surat, and Ahmedabad.
What the Centre Offers
The facility provides a total of eight air-conditioned and eight non-air-conditioned rooms, according to Malharbhai, the centre's manager. Accommodation is complemented by jungle safari and trekking packages, a souvenir shop, a dining canteen, and fire safety infrastructure. Visitors have noted the home-like atmosphere and quality of local cuisine as standout features.
Visitor Experiences
V.S. Patel, a resident of Vadodara, said he has visited the centre three to four times, praising the Forest Department for its superior infrastructure and clean, affordable services. Another visitor, Ajit Singh Rathore, highlighted the local dam as a must-see attraction and noted that forest-dwelling guides offer valuable on-ground knowledge, enhancing the overall experience for nature enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
The Jand Hanuman Temple and Kada Dam, located in proximity to the eco-tourism centre, add to the destination's appeal. The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary's lush green cover provides the natural backdrop that draws tourists seeking a break from urban life. Its accessibility from three major Gujarat cities makes it a practical weekend getaway.
Government Plans and Future Expansion
Gujarat's Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia has indicated that the state government is actively working to expand eco-tourism infrastructure across the region. He said new initiatives focused on leopard tourism are being developed in the Kutch region, and that the Jambughoda forest is being positioned as a key long-term attraction. Several additional eco-tourism sites are also reportedly in the pipeline. This comes amid the Gujarat government's broader push to promote sustainable tourism linked to its forest and wildlife assets.
Point of View
Affordable nature experiences — but the real test for Gujarat's eco-tourism push will be whether expansion keeps pace with footfall without degrading the very habitat that draws visitors. Minister Modhwadia's leopard-tourism plans for Kutch signal ambition, but wildlife-linked tourism carries genuine conservation risk if carrying capacity and community benefit are not built into the model from the start. The Forest Department's involvement in management is a structural positive, but as visitor numbers grow, the gap between 'eco' branding and genuine ecological stewardship will need scrutiny.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre located?
The Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre is located inside the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary in Panchmahal district, Gujarat. It is easily accessible from Vadodara, Surat, and Ahmedabad, making it a popular weekend destination.
What facilities are available at the Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre?
The centre offers 8 air-conditioned and 8 non-air-conditioned rooms, jungle safari and trekking packages, a souvenir shop, a dining canteen, and fire safety facilities. Food and accommodation are described by visitors as affordable and home-like.
What are the nearby attractions to the Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre?
The Jand Hanuman Temple and Kada Dam are located near the centre and are considered must-visit spots by tourists. The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary itself is the primary natural attraction surrounding the facility.
What are Gujarat's future eco-tourism plans?
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia has announced leopard-focused tourism initiatives in the Kutch region and said the Jambughoda forest will be developed as a major long-term tourist draw. Several additional eco-tourism sites are also reportedly under consideration by the state government.
Who manages the Dhanpuri Eco-Tourism Centre?
The centre is managed under the Gujarat Forest Department, with day-to-day operations overseen by a centre manager. Forest-dwelling guides are also available to assist and inform visitors during their stay.
