Kamleshwar Dam (Gir)

Set deep within the Gir forest, Kamleshwar Dam is the largest reservoir in the sanctuary and, for many, the quiet heart of the whole landscape.

• Built across the Hiran river, its still sheet of water fans out between low wooded hills and teak-covered slopes, and locals call it the lifeline of Gir — a dependable dry-season source that draws the forest's animals to its margins when the seasonal streams shrink.
• For visitors travelling the Somnath–Sasan circuit, it is the classic wildlife-water stop: not a manicured tourist lake but a working forest reservoir where nature does the entertaining.
• The dam's headline attraction is its population of mugger, or marsh, crocodiles.
• On warm mornings and lazy afternoons you may spot them hauled out along mud banks and rocky shallows, jaws agape, soaking up the sun in perfect stillness.
• The shoreline and shallows are equally rewarding for birdwatchers: painted storks, herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers and, in the cooler months, migratory ducks and waders gather here, while raptors ride the thermals above.
• Lucky travellers glimpse sambar, chital or nilgai coming down to drink, and the reservoir sits within the range of the Asiatic lion, Gir's celebrated resident.
• The broad water, framed by forest and sky, makes for memorable photography, especially in the soft light of late afternoon.
• Access is tied to Gir's protected status.
• The dam lies within the sanctuary and is generally seen as part of a permitted jungle safari or an authorised forest route from Sasan Gir, rather than as a free-standing picnic spot; the reserve closes during the monsoon (roughly mid-June to mid-October).
• Carry water, binoculars and patience, keep a respectful distance from the crocodiles, and follow your guide's instructions at all times.
• For meals, stick to Sasan Gir village and its lodges, which cater well to vegetarian travellers.
• You will find pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali restaurants near the Sinh Sadan reception and along the Sasan–Talala road — unlimited platters of rotli, shaak, dal, kadhi, rice, farsan and chaas, plus simple pure-veg dhabas serving thepla, khichdi and hot masala chai.
• Many resort dining halls run pure-vegetarian kitchens; confirm when booking.
• Carry packaged snacks for long safari mornings, as there are no eateries inside the forest itself.