Dang district in South Gujarat has some of the most stunning waterfalls in the state. The top ones are Gira, Girmal, Don, Barda, and Shivghat. The best time to visit is mid-July to November, when the falls are at full force.
Dang is one of those places that surprises you. The waterfalls in Dang are not just scenic spots. They are tucked inside thick forests of the Western Ghats, flowing through tribal land that most tourists never discover.
This is a tribal district in South Gujarat, and its landscape is dominated by dense forest cover and rivers that come alive during the monsoon. Whether you are chasing Gujarat’s highest waterfall or looking for a quiet forest trail, Dang delivers.
Five major waterfalls are covered in this guide, from the most accessible roadside falls to hidden gems that need a short trek. You will also find practical tips on the best season to visit, how to reach Dang, and where to stay nearby.
No fluff, just everything you need to plan your trip.
The Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Dang
Dang has five waterfalls worth your time. Here are the first three, starting with the most visited and going deeper into the forest.
Gira Waterfall
Gira is the most popular waterfall in Dang, and it is easy to see why. The Ambika River drops nearly 30 meters over a wide rocky ledge, creating a powerful curtain of white water that is visible even from the road.
What makes Gira different from most waterfalls in Gujarat is how accessible it is. You do not need a long trek or a guide. Families, solo travelers, and groups all visit this one comfortably.
What Makes It Unique:
- Formed by the Ambika River, one of the main rivers of South Gujarat
- Nearly 30-meter vertical drop with a wide, dramatic spread
- The volume of water during peak monsoon is genuinely impressive
- One of the few waterfalls in Gujarat where you can get close to the base
Practical Details:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Parking: Available near the viewpoint, no long walk from the road
- Walking Distance: Short walk from parking, roughly 5 to 10 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-July to October for full water flow
- Nearest Town: Waghai
Girmal Waterfall
Girmal is the highest waterfall in Gujarat. It drops over 100 feet from a forested cliff, fed by the Gira River. That alone makes it worth the visit.
Unlike Gira, Girmal is deep inside forest land. The road leading to it passes through thick tree cover, and the atmosphere changes completely once you leave the highway behind. It feels remote, even on a busy weekend.
What Makes It Unique:
- Gujarat’s highest waterfall at over 100 feet
- Formed by the Gira River, flowing through dense tribal forest
- The surrounding forest amplifies the sound of the fall, making it a full sensory experience
- Far less commercial than Gira, so crowds are thinner
Practical Details:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Parking: Basic parking area available near the forest approach
- Walking Distance: Moderate walk through forest trail, around 10 to 20 minutes depending on the path
- Best Time to Visit: July to September for peak flow
- Nearest Town: Ahwa
Don Waterfall
Don Waterfall is part of the Don Hill Station area, which sits at a higher altitude than even Saputara. That elevation changes everything. The air is cooler, the mist is thicker, and the landscape around the fall feels genuinely different from the lower valleys.
This waterfall is less talked about, but travelers who make the effort to reach Don Hill Station consistently rate it as one of the most scenic spots in Dang.
What Makes It Unique:
- Located at a higher altitude than Saputara, Gujarat’s only official hill station
- The elevated terrain gives surrounding views along with the waterfall itself
- Cooler temperatures make it comfortable even during peak monsoon heat
Practical Details:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Parking: Available at Don Hill Station
- Walking Distance: Short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint
- Best Time to Visit: July to November
- Nearest Town: Ahwa
Barda Waterfall
Barda Waterfall is one of the least known waterfalls in Dang, located near Chankhal village. It does not show up on most travel lists, which is exactly what makes it worth visiting. If you want forest, silence, and a waterfall mostly to yourself, this is it.
Reaching Barda requires a short trek through uneven forest terrain. It is not a difficult trail, but it is not a paved path either. That natural barrier keeps the casual crowd away, which means you get the waterfall without the noise.
Why It Is Perfect for Avoiding Crowds:
- No entry fee, no ticket counter, no tourist infrastructure
- Short trek filters out those looking for easy roadside stops
- Not listed on mainstream travel apps, so footfall stays low
- Best visited on weekdays for maximum solitude
Safety Tips:
- Wear closed shoes or sports sandals with grip, flip-flops are a bad idea here
- The trek path gets slippery after rain, go slow on wet sections
- Do not venture beyond the waterfall basin into the stream
- Go with at least one other person, the trail is not crowded enough to rely on other visitors for help
- Tell someone your plan before heading in
Practical Details:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Landmark: Chankhal village, Dang
- Terrain: Short forest trek, uneven ground
- Best Time to Visit: August to October
Shivghat Waterfall
Shivghat is the most conveniently located hidden gem on this list. It falls right along the Ahwa to Waghai road, making it easy to spot and stop at without any detour. Yet most people drive past it without realizing what they are missing.
The waterfall flows over smooth rocks into a natural pool, and the setting along the roadside forest is genuinely scenic. For anyone driving through Dang, this is a no-excuse stop.
You can read more about waterfalls and scenic spots across South Gujarat on the Gujarat Tourism official website.
Why It Is Perfect for Avoiding Crowds:
- No signboard or formal entry point means most tourists skip it
- Easy to visit between two destinations without losing much travel time
- Rarely featured in packaged tour itineraries
Safety Tips:
- The rocks near the waterfall are smooth and wet, step carefully
- Do not stand too close to the edge of the pool during heavy monsoon flow
- Keep children close, the terrain looks simple but the rocks are deceptive
Practical Details:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Location: On the Ahwa to Waghai road
- Terrain: Flat, roadside access, no trekking needed
- Best Time to Visit: July to November
Essential Monsoon Safety & Travel Tips for Dang
Dang roads and waterfall trails change completely once the monsoon arrives. These tips address the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.
- Road conditions get tricky after heavy rain. The ghat roads leading into Dang can develop minor landslides and waterlogging. Always check local weather before you leave and avoid night driving on forest roads.
- Food stalls near waterfalls are limited. Gira has a few small vendors selling snacks and chai during peak season. For other falls like Barda or Girmal, carry your own water and snacks. Do not count on finding food at the waterfall itself.
- Footwear makes or breaks your trip. Wear sports shoes or grip sandals at every waterfall. Smooth sandals and flip-flops cause most of the slip injuries reported at these spots.
- Mobile network is weak inside Dang forests. Download offline maps before entering. Share your location and expected return time with someone before heading to remote falls like Barda or Girmal.
- Entry to some forest zones may need a local forest permit. Check with the Ahwa forest office or your hotel before heading deep into the reserved forest areas. Rules can vary by season.
Not Sure Where To Go!
Let our Random Country Generator help you discover your next perfect destination.
Use Our Free ToolHow to Reach Dang District
Dang is well connected by road from Surat, which is the most practical starting point for most travelers coming from major cities.
By Road from Surat: The most common route is Surat to Waghai via Vyara. The distance is roughly 140 to 150 kilometers and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours by car. From Waghai, you can branch out to Ahwa, which is the district headquarters, and then to individual waterfalls. Roads are in decent condition outside of heavy rain periods.
By Train: Waghai has a narrow-gauge railway station connected to Bilimora on the main Western Railway line. Trains on this route are slow but scenic, passing through forested hills. It is a practical option if you are not driving, though timings are limited so check the schedule in advance.
By Bus: ST buses operate from Surat and Navsari to Waghai and Ahwa. They are budget-friendly but less frequent. For waterfall hopping, renting a local vehicle from Waghai or Ahwa is strongly recommended since public transport does not cover individual waterfall spots.
Where to Stay Near Dang Waterfalls
Most comfortable stays are based in Saputara, which is the nearest hill station, or in Ahwa and Waghai towns. Book in advance during the July to September peak period.
Verified Stays Near Dang Waterfalls
| Name | Type | Why Choose It |
| Toran Hill Resort | Government Resort | Run by Gujarat Tourism, reliable and safe. Good base for exploring Saputara and nearby Dang waterfalls. Ideal for families. |
| Aakar Lords Inn | Premium Hotel | A trusted premium stay option with better amenities. Suits travelers who want comfort after a long day of waterfall visits. |
Local Food Near Dang
Most waterfall spots do not have restaurants nearby. Here is what to expect:
- Near Gira Waterfall: Small roadside stalls sell chai, Maggi, and basic snacks during the peak season. Do not expect a full meal.
- In Ahwa and Waghai towns: You will find simple local dhabas serving Gujarati dal, rice, and sabzi. Some spots in Ahwa serve Dangi food, the traditional cuisine of the local tribal community, which includes local millets and forest-based dishes.
- General advice: Eat a full meal before heading out to the falls. Pack dry snacks, glucose biscuits, and plenty of water for the day.
Final Thoughts
Dang is not a destination that needs much convincing once you see it. The waterfalls are real, the forests are thick, and the crowds are thin compared to more popular hill stations. Plan your visit between mid-July and November, keep your footwear practical, and carry your own food and water for the remote falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the highest waterfall in Dang district?
Girmal Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Dang and in all of Gujarat. It drops over 100 feet, fed by the Gira River, deep inside forest land near Ahwa.
Is it safe to visit Dang waterfalls with kids?
Gira and Shivghat are the safest options for families with children. Both have relatively flat access and are not isolated. Avoid taking young children to Barda or Girmal during heavy monsoon flow as the terrain is uneven and the water force is strong.
How far is Gira Waterfall from Saputara?
Gira Waterfall is roughly 50 to 55 kilometers from Saputara by road. The drive takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on road conditions and traffic during the monsoon season.
What is the best month to visit Dang waterfalls?
August and September are the peak months. Waterfalls are at full volume and the forest is completely green. Mid-July works too if the monsoon has arrived early. November is good for those who prefer lighter crowds and calmer water.
Is there mobile network coverage inside Dang forests?
Coverage is weak to non-existent near most waterfall sites, especially Girmal and Barda. Download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me before entering the forest zones. Airtel and Jio have slightly better reach than other networks in this area.
How do I book a train to Waghai?
Waghai is connected to Bilimora via the narrow-gauge Bilimora-Waghai Railway. You can check train schedules and availability on the Indian Railways official booking portal. Book early during the monsoon season as seats fill up quickly on weekends.
