Kamleshwar Dam holds back the Hiran river in the middle of the Gir sanctuary, forming the largest body of water in the forest. Built in the late 1950s, it is often called the lifeline of Gir: in the dry months it is one of the few places where water is guaranteed, and animals come to it accordingly.
The reservoir is best known for its marsh crocodiles, or muggers, which bask along the shore in good numbers, and for its waterbirds. Because the dam lies well inside the protected area, there is no public road to it: you see it only if your allotted safari route happens to pass that way.
What to see and do at Kamleshwar Dam
Count the crocodiles
Muggers haul out on the banks and islands to warm up, particularly on winter mornings. Gir has long run a crocodile breeding programme, and the reservoir holds one of the healthiest populations in the region.
Scan for birds
Look for painted storks, cormorants, darters, egrets and, overhead, ospreys and fish-eagles. A pair of binoculars earns its place here.
Take in the view
After hours of enclosed forest, the open water with the low Gir hills behind it is one of the most beautiful scenes in the park.
How to get to Kamleshwar Dam
- There is no independent access. The dam is reached only on those Gir Jungle Trail routes that include it, and routes are allotted by the Forest Department at Sinh Sadan. You can ask, politely, but cannot insist.
- Where a stop is permitted, visitors view the reservoir from the designated point; follow your guide’s instructions about getting down from the vehicle.
Practical tips
- Do not go near the water’s edge. Crocodiles are faster than they look.
- Winter mornings are best for basking crocodiles; late in the dry season the shrunken reservoir concentrates birds.
- If seeing the dam matters to you, take more than one safari — each drive is a fresh draw of routes.
Best tours for Kamleshwar Dam
These packages are the easiest way to see Kamleshwar Dam with transport and a guide sorted:
Jeep safari package from US$104 per group Gujarat: Gir National Park Guided Jeep Safari
A private operator’s package for the classic Gir safari: a roughly three-hour drive in an open gypsy with a guide, priced per vehicle. It costs noticeably more than arranging the official permit, jeep and guide yourself, and its reviews so far are few and low — read them before you book, and confirm in writing which date, time slot and permit you are getting. Lion sightings can never be guaranteed.
- An open-gypsy drive on the Gir Jungle Trail
- Priced per vehicle for up to six people
- The operator handles the permit paperwork for you
Jeep safari package from US$130 per group Gir National Park: Lion Safari with Hotel Pickup
Much the same safari as the package above with a hotel pickup added, which saves a pre-dawn scramble for transport. It is sold by a private operator, not by the Forest Department, whatever the listing title suggests. There are only a couple of reviews and they are poor, so check exactly what is included and keep your expectations for the booking process modest.
- Pickup from your hotel in the Sasan area
- Jeep and guide for the Jungle Trail
- Priced per group of up to six
Short guided safari from US$78 Sasan Gir: Devalia Safari Park Gypsy Safari
A pre-arranged gypsy visit to Devalia, the fenced interpretation zone where sightings are far more reliable than on the Jungle Trail. Of the Gir products on GetYourGuide this is the one with the better reviews, though there are still only a handful. Devalia is normally closed on Wednesdays; check the day before you book.
- A gypsy round of the Gir Interpretation Zone
- A high chance of seeing lions at close range
- Short enough for young children
