Introduction
Some trips are planned for months, and some just happen. Our trip to Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary was one of those spontaneous getaways—an offbeat destination perfect for a quiet long weekend with family.
Located around 75–80 km from Vadodara, it’s an easy road trip from cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore, and Gandhinagar.
The Journey & First Impressions
The drive to Jambughoda is peaceful and refreshing, with minimal traffic and greenery all around. Since it’s a wildlife sanctuary, the surroundings are naturally calm and scenic.
It already felt like we were slowing down the moment we left the city behind.
The Stay Experience
We stayed at Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa, a property surrounded by nature and spread across multiple sections.
- Airy lobby with comfortable seating
- Rooms arranged in a U-shaped structure
- A cascading water feature running through the center
- Swimming pool and recreational area
- Outdoor activities like cycling, archery, and trampoline for kids
We had booked a suite room, which was spacious and opened into a large balcony overlooking the forest.
A Rough Start
Our experience had a bit of a setback initially.
The room wasn’t fully ready when we checked in, and unfortunately, my daughter got a cut on her toe due to a sharp edge under the door. It was quite a stressful moment, and we even considered leaving the property.
However, the staff arranged first aid immediately and called a doctor, who arrived within an hour and reassured us that the injury was not serious.
While it wasn’t the best start, things gradually settled after that.
Slowing Down & Enjoying the Stay
Once we moved past the initial hiccup, we started to enjoy what we had actually come for—a relaxed family break.
Evenings were lively:
- A large green lawn where kids played freely
- Families sitting and unwinding
- A calm, open environment
The highlight of the property was a beautiful water lily pond that stretched across the property, with lilies blooming in sunlight—a simple but stunning sight.
Activities & Family Time
We kept things intentionally slow:
- Kids enjoyed the swimming pool (with a separate kids’ pool)
- Indoor games like chess, carrom, air hockey
- Outdoor activities like archery and cycling
- Walks around the property filled with flowers
- We chose not to step out and instead focused on relaxing within the resort.
Food Experience
We had all our meals at the property.
- Ordered lunch in-room for convenience
- They served variety of soups with every meal which were really good.
- Dinner and breakfast at the restaurant
- The food was satisfying and worked well for a relaxed stay with kids.
Nearby Places (If You Want to Explore)
If you’re in the mood to explore, there are a few places around:
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Wadhwana Bird Sanctuary
- Jambughoda Palace
- You can also plan a visit to the iconic Statue of Unity, located around 70–75 km away.
Is It Good for Families?
Yes—with a balanced expectation.
Spacious property- Activities for kids
- Peaceful environment
But:
- Initial service hiccups can happen
- Best suited for relaxation, not luxury perfection
Final Thoughts
Our 2-day stay at Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa turned out to be a mix of emotions—but ultimately, a relaxing family getaway.
Jambughoda may not be a popular destination, but that’s exactly its charm. If you’re looking for a quiet, offbeat escape close to nature, it’s worth considering.