Tucked away in the dense deciduous forests of South Gujarat, Kevdi Eco Tourism Campsite is a pristine wilderness retreat managed by the Gujarat Forest Department. Situated just 85 km from Surat, this eco-friendly haven is famous for its unique treehouse accommodations, rich biodiversity, and immersive nature trails.
As travelers increasingly look to unplug from corporate burnout, Kevdi’s strict “low-connectivity, high-nature” environment has made it one of the most highly-rated weekend getaways near Surat.
📍 Kevdi Campsite: Quick Overview
- Location: Kevdi Village, Mandvi Taluka, Surat District, Gujarat (Pin: 394160)
- Managed By: Gujarat Forest Department (Mandvi Forest Division)
- Google Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 (Based on 1,700+ traveler reviews)
- Key Highlights: Treehouses, Dome/Igloo Huts, Birdwatching, Treks, and a Zero-Network Zone.
- Best Time to Visit: * 🌧️ Monsoon (July to October): Highly recommended. The forest turns vibrant green, and local seasonal streams come alive.
- ❄️ Winter (November to February): Ideal for trekking, campfire nights, and outdoor bird watching.
🚗 How to Reach Kevdi Eco Tourism Campsite
Kevdi is well-connected by road networks from major South Gujarat hubs.
- By Road (From Surat): Approximately 85 km (2-hour drive).
- Route: Surat $\rightarrow$ Mandvi $\rightarrow$ Zankhvav Road $\rightarrow$ Fedariya Chokdi $\rightarrow$ Dadhwada $\rightarrow$ Kevdi Campsite.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is Vyara Railway Station (~50 km) or Surat Railway Station (~85 km).
- By Air: Surat International Airport (STV) is roughly 90 km away from the campsite.
🏡 Unique Accommodations & Price List
The accommodation at Kevdi is designed to blend into the canopy. The Forest Department offers multiple stay options ranging from budget tents to premium architectural domes.
| Stay Type | Key Amenities | Price per Night (Approx.) |
| AC Tree House | Forest canopy view, AC, hot water, private balcony, attached bath | ₹2,500+ |
| Non-AC Tree House | Natural ventilation, hot water, private balcony, attached bath | ₹2,000+ |
| Igloo / Dome House | Modern dome structure, AC, hot water, premium interior | ₹2,000+ |
| VVIP / VIP Tent | Double bed, hot water facility, private or semi-private bath | ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 |
| Group Dormitory | Bunk beds/mattresses, common washrooms (Best for students) | Eco-budget pricing |
⚠️ Booking Note: While a one-day picnic does not require prior permission, an overnight stay requires mandatory advance booking. Official rooms can be checked and reserved via the Gujarat Forest Department’s eco-tourism portals or local forest division offices.
🌿 Top Things to Do at Kevdi
1. Experience Canopy Living (Treehouses & Domes)
Fall asleep to the rustle of leaves and wake up to a chorus of forest birds. The igloo-shaped dome houses and elevated treehouses put you right at the heart of nature without sacrificing clean, modern bedding and private washrooms.
2. Guided Jungle Treks & Eco-Trails
The campsite features designated trekking paths winding through bamboo groves and medicinal plant setups. You can explore seasonal streams, view local tribal shrines, and learn about indigenous flora from local forest guides.
3. Birdwatching at the Paradise Points
Kevdi is an official hotspot for avian enthusiasts. Keep your binoculars ready to spot rare migratory and resident species like the Indian Pitta, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, hornbills, and various species of owls.
4. Sunset Viewpoints & Off-Grid Campfires
Unwind at designated sunset points looking over the rolling hills of the Mandvi forest division. Evenings conclude with traditional wood campfires where families and groups gather under starry, pollution-free skies.
5. Mountain Cycling
Rent eco-friendly bicycles directly from the campsite center to cruise down the peaceful, paved pathways snaking through the reserve.
🍽️ Onsite Facilities & Food Experience
- Tribal-Style Canteen: Kevdi features an operational kitchen managed largely by local community groups. It specializes in simple, highly authentic Gujarati and tribal-style meals (juwar/bajra rotlas, local sabzis, and dal-rice).
- Important Tip: Because it is an eco-campsite and not a commercial luxury resort, meals are cooked fresh based on the headcount. Always order your meals at the canteen well in advance.
- Nature Education Centre: An informative exhibition hall displaying details on the local ecosystem, wildlife footprint charts, and tribal heritage.
📌 Nearby Tourist Attractions
If you are planning a 2-day itinerary around South Gujarat, you can club Kevdi with these nearby points of interest:
- Pamrav Van Dhan Park (7 km): A beautiful herbal garden and conservation zone.
- Zankhvav Dam (15 km): A peaceful water body perfect for landscape photography.
- Jungle Safari Trails (5 km): Specialized deep-forest buffer routes.
- Ukai Dam (50 km): One of Gujarat’s largest reservoirs and power plants.
- Saputara Hill Station (150 km): Gujarat’s famous misty hill station destination.
💡 Real Traveler Insights & Reviews
Before you pack your bags, here is what real visitors emphasize in their latest reviews:
- The Digital Detox: Expect very weak to zero mobile network coverage (especially Jio/Airtel data drops significantly). Most travelers view this as an amazing “bonus” to truly disconnect, but make sure to inform your family beforehand and download offline maps.
- Humble Maintenance: Keep your expectations realistic. This is a government-run conservation camp, not a 5-star resort. While the rooms are secure and clean, occasional issues with forest insects or basic non-AC amenities can occur. Carry insect repellent.
- Eco-Responsibility: Kevdi is a plastic-conscious zone. Ensure you do not litter plastic wrappers or disposable bottles into the forest streams.
📞 Booking & Inquiries
Planning your peaceful escape? Book your stay online and cross-verify active tariffs through official channels:
- Official Digital Guide: 🔗 kevdiecotourism.in
- Traveler Advisory: Always reach out to the Mandvi Forest Division or authorized local eco-tourism desk coordinators for seasonal weather updates before driving down during heavy monsoons.
