Photo spot in Sasan Gir
Kamleshwar Dam
Sasan Gir, Gujarat
A reservoir within Gir on the Hiran river, the 'lifeline of Gir' — a good spot to see marsh crocodiles, birds and animals coming to drink.
Best time
Early morning, when the water is calm and the rising sun lights the reservoir; late afternoon, when birds and animals come down to drink.
Best angle
Take a wide photo of the reservoir with the forested hills behind it, then zoom in on crocodiles basking on the banks.
Entry fee
Within park permit
Opening hours
Visible on safaris
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Kamleshwar Dam
Early morning, when the water is calm and the rising sun lights the reservoir; late afternoon, when birds and animals come down to drink. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Kamleshwar Dam
Take a wide photo of the reservoir with the forested hills behind it, then zoom in on crocodiles basking on the banks. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the reservoir (from the jeep)
At a birding spot
Outfit guide
What to wear at Kamleshwar Dam
For photos at Kamleshwar Dam, khaki, olive and teal work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Sasan Gir.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Kamleshwar Dam.
Eat nearby
Food near Kamleshwar Dam
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for bajra rotla with lasan chutney nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Remember that you can only reach the dam on a Gir jungle safari route that passes it.
Ask your guide at the start whether your route goes past the reservoir.
Bring binoculars for crocodiles and waterbirds on the far banks.
Scan the muddy banks, where crocodiles often lie in the sun.
Visit in the dry months, when more animals come to the water to drink.
Stay in the jeep, as crocodiles can be hard to spot at the water's edge.
Keep a zoom lens ready for birds taking off from the water.
About Kamleshwar Dam
Kamleshwar Dam, officially the Hiran-I Dam, was completed on the Hiran river in 1959. It is often called the lifeline of Gir, because its reservoir gives the forest's animals water through the long dry months before the monsoon.
The lake is also known for marsh crocodiles. Under a conservation project that began in 1977, the forest department released close to 1,000 of them here, and you can often see them basking on the banks. The dam is inside the park, so you only see it if your safari route passes the reservoir.
Questions
Kamleshwar Dam — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kamleshwar Dam?
Early morning, when the water is calm and the rising sun lights the reservoir; late afternoon, when birds and animals come down to drink. Take a wide photo of the reservoir with the forested hills behind it, then zoom in on crocodiles basking on the banks.
Is there an entry fee at Kamleshwar Dam?
Entry to Kamleshwar Dam is by within park permit.
What are the opening hours of Kamleshwar Dam?
Kamleshwar Dam is open visible on safaris.
What should I wear at Kamleshwar Dam?
Khaki, olive and teal photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Kamleshwar Dam get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the water is calm and the rising sun lights the reservoir; late afternoon, when birds and animals come down to drink.
What food should I try near Kamleshwar Dam?
Try bajra rotla with lasan chutney, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Kamleshwar Dam famous for?
Kamleshwar Dam is famous as the lifeline of Gir, as its reservoir on the Hiran river gives wildlife water through the dry season. It is also known for marsh crocodiles and waterbirds.
How do I reach Kamleshwar Dam?
The dam lies inside Gir National Park, so you can only see it on a Gir jungle safari whose route passes the reservoir. Routes are allotted when you report in Sasan, so a visit is never guaranteed.
Are there crocodiles at Kamleshwar Dam?
Yes. The reservoir has a large population of marsh crocodiles, also called muggers, and you can often see them basking on the banks or floating near the surface.
Why is Kamleshwar Dam called the lifeline of Gir?
Its reservoir holds water long after the monsoon, which keeps the forest's animals supplied through the dry months, when many smaller streams and water holes dry up.