Detox in the woods at Jhambhughoda- A tour of exuberance and peace!
Tourists and explorers always wander in search of delightful spots near the cities most of the population dwells in. One such site is growing and emerging- “Dhanpuri”. The beauty of the place is mesmerizing and pleasing to the eyes and soul. Not only does the sight leaves you with picturesque memories it also creates awareness for the travelers to maintain the site and the importance of fast depleting nature’s hold in the ecosystem.
Dhanpuri, an eco-tourism site at Jhambhughoda is fast emerging as the favorite spot for tourists near Vadodara. With facilities equivalent to five-star resorts, the tourists find this a good getaway for the weekend or on holidays. This is by far the only tourist site where the tourists can avail the benefit of their insurance coverage.
Even in autumn, the forest of Dhanpuri, situated in the heart of the Jambughoda Sanctuary, which has a prominent forest splendor, has become a center of attraction for tourists from all over the state, especially from Vadodara. In the last three years, alone-76,957 tourists have visited the eco-tourism site of the forest department at Dhanpuri. Most of the tourists are from Vadodara.
An eco-tourism site has been set up at different places by the Vadodara Forest Department in Jambughoda- Yarnya covering an area of 150 sq km. Facilitated nature tourism centers are functioning to create awareness among the people about the conservation and preservation of wildlife and forest resources. Dhanpuri plays an important role in it. Nature at its best can be experienced with a nominal rate of the resort, pooled with facilities.
Dhanpuri, which has a dry tropical deciduous forest, is surrounded by a small range of hills, including Goddess Dhaneshwari’s temple. The forest is home to a variety of birds and reptiles, in addition to predatory herbivores such as panthers, bears, and nilgai. There is a peace that cannot be touched even by man-made noise. This peace leads you to exuberance.
The tour of this forest ladder will take you to Owara on the north side of the nearby Kada Dam. Thus, even when Kada De is flooded, their view is spectacular. The small waves rising above the clear water and the chirping of birds make the forest feel. It makes you want to sit and watch the birds floating in the water!
Watching the sunrise and sunset from the Owara of Kada Dam is a sight one should not miss! Inside the dam, behind the mountain range, disappearing into the abyss, the vision of the Sun brings a new dimension to life and peace. Early morning walks are invigorating and refreshing.
Facilities equivalent to five-star hotels have been set up by Vadodara Forest Department at Dhanpuri Nature Tourism Center. In addition to AC-non-AC rooms, conference hall, interpretation center, guide, vehicle, bicycle walk, Amul parlor, souvenir shop, watchtower, and tent have been constructed at Kada Dam. There are six private resorts around Dhanpuri Compared to its rates, this facility is available here at a very meager rate.
There is a traditional kitchen at the site. Here in the canteen the food cooked on the woodstove is served. The taste of traditional tribal cuisine is lip-smacking and one should definitely try it. The center is managed by the Eco-Tourism Development Committee.
“Employment is generated for the villagers as they are recruited in the eco-tourism site. Tourists are expected to avoid any kind of plastic waste, to maintain their faith in nature and the environment, and to take care not to disturb the wildlife. The sanctuary area is subject to permission and circulation on a forest ladder. Proper vigilance is required at times.” Assistant forest ranger Shri H. D. Raulji said.
Shri Pradipsinh Rana, President of the committee, says that in the year 2019-20, 28,362 tourists have visited, in the year 2020-21- 23,645 and so far this year, 24,950 tourists have visited. During this period revenue of Rs. 149 lakh has been earned. About 25 percent of the tourists who visit stay overnight here. 30 villagers get direct employment through the forest department.
Tourists, travel enthusiasts and explorers should explore this paradise on earth and surely visit. A beautiful nature’s delight awaits you!
