About Barda Hills
Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
The Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Gujarat's most significant protected forest areas — 192 sq km of the Barda Hills range, just 20 km from Porbandar. Established in 1979, it shelters one of India's only Asiatic lion populations outside Gir, making it a genuinely rare wildlife destination.
The landscape is rugged and beautiful: dry deciduous forest, rocky outcrops, seasonal streams and sweeping views across the Saurashtra plains. Unlike the heavily touristed Gir, Barda retains an authentic and unhurried feel — fewer jeeps, more attentive guides and a real sense of wilderness.
Conservation note: Barda Hills is the only Gujarat sanctuary outside Gir with wild Asiatic lions. Entry fees fund the forest department directly. Responsible tourism here matters.
Flora & Fauna
Wildlife of Barda Hills
The sanctuary supports remarkable biodiversity — large mammals, 200+ bird species, reptiles and endemic plant life across the dry deciduous forest.
Key Mammals
Asiatic Lion
Gujarat's iconic apex predator. 10–15 individuals resident in Barda. Best sighting chance: early morning near water sources, October–February.
Leopard
More frequently seen than lions due to wider range. Spotted near rocky outcrops at dawn and dusk. Resident population confirmed.
Nilgai (Blue Bull)
India's largest antelope — the most reliably seen large mammal in Barda. Groups of 5–20 near forest edge, almost daily.
Wild Boar
Common in family groups near seasonal streams and clearings. Very active in early morning and late afternoon.
Indian Jackal
Frequently heard at dawn — their call echoes across the hills. Occasionally seen on forest roads in the early morning hours.
Striped Hyena & Jungle Cat
Hyena present but elusive. Jungle cat — a small felid — spotted near the sanctuary boundary and agricultural edge.
Birds — 200+ Species
Resident Raptors
Short-toed snake eagle, crested serpent eagle, Shikra, Eurasian kestrel and Peregrine falcon (winter) all recorded.
Passerines
Indian roller (Gujarat state bird), paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta (monsoon), multiple warbler species. Great for birders.
Water Birds
Bar-headed goose, painted stork and egret species at seasonal wetlands. Best October–January.
Winter Migrants
October–March brings significant migration — ducks, waders and raptors overwinter or pass through.
Plan Your Visit
Timings, Entry & Best Season
Timings
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Strict — no entry after sunset
Entry Fee
₹30 per person
Camera ₹50 · Vehicle ₹50
Best Time of Day
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Wildlife most active · Golden light
Best Season
October – February
Dry forest · Cool · Best sightings
Duration
Half day – Full day
More time = more wildlife
Closed Day
Tuesday (verify locally)
Call Forest Dept before visiting
Season Guide
☀
October – February
Best Season
Dry forest = easy wildlife spotting. Cool 18–28°C. Best lion and leopard chances. Winter migrants arrive. Most popular with serious wildlife visitors.
September – October
Post-Monsoon
Lush green hills, full streams, spectacular landscape photography. Wildlife harder to spot in dense vegetation but bird diversity peaks.
June – August
Monsoon — Restricted
Sanctuary may partially close. Trails waterlogged. Check with Forest Department before any visit. Not recommended for tourists.
Forest Department Porbandar: 0286-2243888 — Call to confirm timings, closures and safari availability before travelling 20 km.
Things to Do
Activities at Barda Hills
01
Jeep Safari — Wildlife Spotting
The main activity. Hire a safari jeep with a forest guard guide at the gate. Morning safaris (6–9 AM) offer the best sighting chances — lions, leopards, nilgai and foxes are all most active at dawn. Allow 2–3 hours minimum for a proper circuit.
02
Bird Watching
With 200+ species, Barda is an excellent birding destination. Visit the sanctuary's seasonal wetlands for water birds, and the dry forest interior for raptors and passerines. Post-monsoon (Sept–Nov) is peak bird diversity. Bring binoculars — no rental available at gate.
03
Nature Photography
The dramatic landscape — rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds, open glades — offers spectacular photography beyond just wildlife. Golden morning light 6–8 AM is exceptional. Post-monsoon green hills with dramatic skies are stunning.
04
Guided Nature Walk
Shorter guided walks along designated forest trails are ideal for learning about the sanctuary's flora — medicinal plants, endemic species, traditional uses of forest trees. Forest guards make knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
05
Trek to Barda Peak
A guided trek to the highest point in the sanctuary offers panoramic views across the Saurashtra plains and — on clear winter days — the Arabian Sea shimmer towards Porbandar. Prior permission from the Forest Department required.
Around Barda Hills
Nearby Attractions
Chowpaty Beach, Porbandar
Beach · Seafront · Free Entry
20 km · ~28 min by car
Kirti Mandir — Gandhi's Birthplace
Heritage · Museum · Free Entry
22 km · ~30 min by car
Sudama Mandir
Temple · Free Entry · 5 AM–9 PM
21 km · ~28 min
Hotels in Porbandar
Stay in Porbandar · Return early for safari
20 km · Multiple options
Perfect day itinerary: Leave Porbandar 5:30 AM → Barda Hills 6 AM safari (3 hrs) → Back by 10 AM → Kirti Mandir → Sudama Mandir → Lunch → Chowpaty sunset. Complete Porbandar experience in one day.
Getting There
How to Reach Barda Hills
Private Car / Bike
20 km · NH-51 · ~28 min
Most practical option. Take the Porbandar–Jamnagar highway (NH-51). Watch for Forest Department signs to Barda Hills — the gate is clearly marked. Fuel up in Porbandar — nothing near the sanctuary.
Leave by 5:30 AM to reach the gate for the 6 AM opening and best wildlife window.
Hired Taxi from Porbandar
₹400–600 return · Full day
Best for families and groups. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi the evening before and specify the 6 AM start. Many Porbandar drivers know the sanctuary well and can recommend routes.
Best value when split across 3–4 people. Driver waits during safari.
GSRTC Bus
Porbandar–Jamnagar route
Buses on the Porbandar–Jamnagar highway pass near Barda Hills junction. Ask the conductor for "Barda Hills Forest" stop. From the junction it is a short walk or local transport to the gate. Return buses limited.
Only for solo budget travellers. A shared taxi is more practical and barely more expensive.
Motorbike Rental
Rent in Porbandar · 20 km ride
Bike rentals available in Porbandar city. Straightforward 20 km highway ride. Park outside the gate. Good option for young travellers wanting flexibility on return timing.
Carry licence. Helmet mandatory on Gujarat highways. Full tank before leaving city.
Visitor Tips
Essential Tips for Barda Hills
Arrive at 6 AM sharp. The first 2 hours of daylight are when lions and leopards are active. By 10 AM in summer, most large mammals have retreated to shade.
No loud noise inside the sanctuary. Keep voices low, engines off when stationary. Wildlife detection depends entirely on silence.
Wear earth-toned clothing — khaki, olive, brown or grey. Bright colours and white startle wildlife. No perfume or strong scents.
Never exit the vehicle in the core zone without the forest guard's permission. Lion and leopard territories overlap with jeep routes.
Pack water and snacks for the full morning — no shops inside the sanctuary. Lightweight and compact. The forest guard may have local knowledge about chai nearby.
No drones without special permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat. Strictly enforced — confiscation and fines apply.
Call ahead: Forest Dept Porbandar 0286-2243888. Confirm open days, safari availability and any restrictions before driving 20 km.
No littering — all waste must be carried out. Strictly enforced. Food scraps attract wildlife to roads, disrupting natural behaviour.