South Gujarat has launched its first jungle safari in the Kevdi forest area of Mandvi taluka, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the region’s wildlife through a two-hour journey along a five-km forest trail. The route connects the Kevdi Eco Tourism site to Raja no Taka and takes visitors through natural forest surroundings.
The safari will operate in eight-seater vehicles, with tickets priced at ₹3,400 per vehicle from Monday to Friday and ₹4,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.
According to booking details shared by the Surat Forest Department, visitors can choose from three daily slots: 9 am to 11 am, 10 am to noon, and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Bookings can be made by contacting 9537457993.
The initiative is aimed at establishing Kevdi as a prominent wildlife and eco-tourism destination in South Gujarat. During the safari, visitors may get an opportunity to spot animals such as deer, nilgai, leopards and flying squirrels, along with a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Initially, the department has introduced diesel-powered safari vehicles. However, electric vehicles (EVs) are planned for the next phase to reduce noise and exhaust emissions and minimise the impact of tourism on wildlife.
Dhiraj Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Surat Division, said the department’s objective was to make the safari experience entirely eco-friendly. The larger plan includes developing jungle safari facilities, eco-campsites and green transportation infrastructure.
Located in the Mandvi South Range, Kevdi has also gained recognition as an important birdwatching destination. A bird festival organised in the area in 2023 recorded 116 bird species, while a subsequent detailed survey documented 202 species. Hornbills and several other rare birds can also be spotted in the forest.
Punit Nayyar, Conservator of Forests (CCF), Surat Circle, said the safari had been conceptualised to offer visitors an authentic forest experience rather than an artificial setting similar to a zoo.
The trail passes through dense vegetation and shaded stretches of forest, allowing visitors to experience the natural surroundings, listen to bird calls and observe wildlife. The flying squirrel, a relatively rare species found in the region, is expected to be one of the major attractions of the safari.