Tulsi Shyam is a temple of Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Shyam, set in wooded hills on the eastern side of the Gir landscape along the road between Una and Dhari. It is best known for its warm sulphur springs, channelled into bathing tanks beside the temple, in which pilgrims bathe before worship.
The site is surrounded by forest, and the drive to it is one of the pleasures of this quieter corner of Gir: far fewer visitors come here than to Sasan, peafowl are everywhere, and wildlife occasionally crosses the road.
What to see and do at Tulsi Shyam
Visit the temple
The present temple, in pink stone, stands at the top of a broad flight of steps. Local tradition links the place with the legend of Tulsi and the demon Jalandhar.
Bathe in the warm springs
Separate tanks are provided for men and women. The water is warm rather than hot; facilities are simple.
Try the “gravity slope”
A short stretch of road near the temple is locally famous as a place where vehicles left in neutral seem to roll uphill — an optical illusion created by the lie of the land, and a cheerful roadside diversion.
How to get to Tulsi Shyam
- Tulsi Shyam is roughly 30 km north of Una on the road to Dhari, and around two and a half to three hours by road from Sasan Gir. It fits most naturally into a drive between Sasan or Somnath and Diu, or on the way to Ambardi Safari Park.
- The road passes through protected forest; it may be closed to traffic at night, so travel in daylight.
Practical tips
- Drive slowly on the forest sections and do not stop to approach wildlife.
- Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to bathe.
- Simple vegetarian food is available near the temple; do not expect restaurants.
Best tours for Tulsi Shyam
These packages are the easiest way to see Tulsi Shyam 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
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
Multi-day guided tour from US$435 Diu: 3-Day Heritage Tour with Hotel and Airport Transfer
The only Diu product we found on GetYourGuide: three guided days on the island with hotel and transfers arranged. A relaxed way to end a Gir trip by the sea. Unreviewed.
- Diu Fort and St. Paul’s Church
- The Naida caves and Nagoa Beach
- Hotel and airport transfers included
