Waghai

Waghai
town
Gira Water Fall
Gira Water Fall
Waghai is located in Gujarat
Waghai
Waghai
Location in Gujarat, India
Coordinates: 20°46′N 73°29′E / 20.767°N 73.483°E / 20.767; 73.483
Country India
StateGujarat
DistrictDang
Government
 • TypeTaluka. Panchayat
 • BodyWaghai Taluka Panchayat
Population
 • Total
10,000[approx]
Languages
 • OfficialGujarati, Hindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
394730
Vehicle registrationGJ30
Nearest cityNavsari
Legislative Constituency173-Dang
Parliamentary constituencyvalsad

Waghai is a town and taluka in the Dang District of the southern part of Gujarat state in India. It is situated about 32 km west of the district headquarters of Ahwa, and about 52 km north-west of the hill station of Saputara. Vansda, Chikhli and Bilimora are located to the west. It is linked by state highway to the town of Chikhli where the road meets National Highway 8, and by a narrow-gauge railway to the town of Bilimora. It is also connected with Saputara by rail.

Demographics

The population is about 7,500 of which 92% are local tribal people called "Dangi". "Dangi" are also referred as Inland Jarawa. They are much like the Jarawa Tribe but are more civilized & can speak Wagahi & Dangi Language. Others are mixed people of India like Gujarati, Punjabi, Marathi, South Indian etc.

Economy

Waghai is the business place for the whole district; it is the main Gateway to enter Dang District.

Attractions

Gira Falls

Gira Falls is located one kilometer off the Saputara-Waghai Road. It comes down from the Khapri tributary. It is full with water during the monsoon season, typically from June to November every year. Visitors can get refreshments from a small tea and snack stall. Picnic huts make it an ideal spot for relaxing. There is also a botanical garden nearby which is also a good attraction for tourists.

Botanical Garden

It is a large (24-hectare) garden with 1,400 varieties of plants from all over India. The amateur nature lover can marvel at different varieties of bamboo like the Chinese Bamboo, Golden Bamboo, Beer Bottle Bamboo, etc. and enjoy strolling along the beautiful walkways each lined with different species of tree. Visitors can also pick up cactus plants and enjoy a picnic at the picnic spot in the garden. Permission is required to enter. Drinking water and toilet facilities are available.

Unai Mata temple and Hot Springs

A drive of about 19 km. from Waghai brings one to the Unai Mata temple. Visitors can bathe in the hot spring attached to this famous temple of considerable historical significance.

Vansda National Park

A rich and old forest predominantly covered by very tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers. The forest is extremely dense and some parts are dark even during normal daytime. The forest is a habitat of monkeys, deer, a few leopards and a wide species of birds. Permission is required to enter the Park.

Shopping

A small private outlet selling locally crafted items fashioned out of Bamboo roots and chips. Unique items like the big sized bamboo lamps, kangaroos, deer are available only here and not elsewhere in the region.

government sawmill waghai

A sprawling sawmill and woodworking unit, which also sells furniture that tourists can book and get delivered by paying an advance. The visitor can enjoy a guided tour and watch the transformation of logs of wood into tasteful furniture. Drinking water facilities are available.

Education

Schools

Colleges

References

  1. ↑ "On a slow train ride in India whose scenic beauty saved line from closure". South China Morning Post. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2026.
  2. ↑ PTI (26 March 2026). "Western Railway explores film shooting on scenic Bilimora-Waghai narrow-gauge line". BusinessLine. Retrieved 10 October 2026.
  3. 1 2 G. D. Patel, ed. (1971). Gazetteer of India: Dangs District. Ahmedabad: Directorate of Government Print., Stationery and Publications. pp. 504–505.
  4. ↑ Video | Watch: Gujarat's Gira Waterfalls Get A Majestic Monsoon Look. Archived from the original on 16 May 2025. Retrieved 10 October 2026.