Kankai Mata Temple Gir Forest Gujarat - Image 1
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Kankai Mata Temple Gir Forest Gujarat

4.7
·1k reviews·, India

A sacred sanctuary nestled deep within Gujarat's Gir Forest, offering divine peace and a unique jungle pilgrimage.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October to March

Pleasant weather, park open

CrowdMedium
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Kankai Mata Temple Gir Forest Gujarat - Image 1

Kankai Mata Temple Gir Forest Gujarat

Best Time

October to March

Pleasant weather, park open

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sacred sanctuary nestled deep within Gujarat's Gir Forest, offering divine peace and a unique jungle pilgrimage.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"The journey is tough, but the divine peace and delicious prashad make Kankai Mata Temple absolutely worth it. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 SUV is a Must

Opt for an SUV with high ground clearance for the rough jungle roads. Sedans are not recommended.

📵 No Network Zone

Expect zero mobile network coverage in the forest. Plan accordingly and download offline maps.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Divine Temple Ambiance

Divine Temple Ambiance

Main Temple Area

Experience a profoundly peaceful and divine atmosphere that soothes the soul amidst the jungle's tranquility.

Reddit
Delicious Prashad

Delicious Prashad

Temple Kitchen

Savor simple yet incredibly delicious free lunch prashad served to all devotees.

Reddit
Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

En route to the temple

Keep an eye out for herds of deer and other wild animals greeting you on the jungle road.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Jungle Road

The journey to Kankai Mata Temple involves a challenging 20 km stretch of unpaved, rough terrain through Gir Forest. SUVs with high ground clearance and good suspension are highly recommended. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, especially if you have back issues or are traveling with elders. Reddit

Forest Entry & Timing

As the temple is within Gir Forest National Park, you'll need permission from the forest department. Gates for private vehicles are typically open between 9 AM and 5 PM. The temple itself closes at 5 PM. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
October to March
Why
Pleasant weather, park open
Crowd
Medium
When
Monsoon (avoiding peak rain)
Why
Lush greenery, but roads are bad
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 SUV is a Must

Opt for an SUV with high ground clearance for the rough jungle roads. Sedans are not recommended. Reddit+1

📵 No Network Zone

Expect zero mobile network coverage in the forest. Plan accordingly and download offline maps. Reddit

🚫 Forest Rules

Strictly adhere to forest rules: no stopping, honking, feeding animals, or littering. Reddit

⏰ Stick to Timings

Gates open 9 AM-5 PM. Plan your travel to reach well within these hours. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 SUV is a Must

Opt for an SUV with high ground clearance for the rough jungle roads. Sedans are not recommended. Reddit+1

📵 No Network Zone

Expect zero mobile network coverage in the forest. Plan accordingly and download offline maps. Reddit

🚫 Forest Rules

Strictly adhere to forest rules: no stopping, honking, feeding animals, or littering. Reddit

⏰ Stick to Timings

Gates open 9 AM-5 PM. Plan your travel to reach well within these hours. Reddit

🙏 Respect the Serenity

Photography inside the temple is restricted. Be mindful of the peaceful, spiritual environment. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kankai Mata Temple is a highly spiritual and serene destination within the Gir Forest, offering a peaceful escape and delicious free prashad. While the journey involves challenging off-road conditions and requires careful planning regarding vehicle choice and forest permits, visitors find the divine atmosphere and natural beauty immensely rewarding. Reddit+1

"Kankai Mata Temple is a must-visit spiritual destination surrounded by the beauty of Gir forest. The temple offers a peaceful and divine atmosphere that instantly calms the mind.
The prashad served at the temple is also simple yet delicious—definitely a highlight of the experience.
However, be prepared for the journey. The road to the temple includes a 20 km stretch of rough, unpaved terrain that can be quite challenging, especially for aged people and people with back issues. Also, it is terribly hot in the months of March and April.

Despite the tough road, the visit is absolutely worth it. The serenity of the temple, the spiritual energy, and the warm prashad make it a memorable trip."

Priya

"Kankai Mata Temple, nestled within Gujarat's Gir Forest National Park, offers visitors a unique blend of spiritual devotion and natural beauty.

The ideal period is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the national park is open to visitors. The Temple is closed between Jun to October.

As the temple is in the jungle so the road to visit the temple is full of Off Road so it's preferable to come with a SUV

Since the temple is located within a protected national park, visitors need to obtain permission from the forest department.

There is no network coverage / Mobile Signal in the forest so plan accordingly."

Sumit Bhavsar

"The place is very peaceful to spend time. Middle of the jungle gir and require permission from forest department. If you lucky you might see some wild animals also. Please make sure you follow all rules of Forrest.

I suggest go for monsoon season. But 4 wheel is avoided. Bcz there are no roads. Must visit with SUV cars to thoroughly enjoyments. Avoid sedan car for any reason bcz way is off road."

Chirag Thumar

What People Like

Peaceful divine atmosphere
Delicious free prashad
Unique jungle setting

What People Dislike

Rough, unpaved roads
No mobile network
Strict forest timings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common route from Sasan Gir is approximately 53 km via Satladhar, taking about 2 hours one way. This route involves roughly 33 km of unpaved, off-road terrain. A shorter 24 km route through Ravta is restricted for public vehicles. Reddit

An SUV with high ground clearance and good suspension is highly recommended due to the rough, unpaved roads. Vehicles like Force Gurkha are ideal. Sedans are strongly discouraged. Reddit+1

Yes, you need to obtain permission from the forest department. Free forest permits are issued at the entry and exit points, with time restrictions for crossing segments. Reddit

While GPS can be helpful, be aware that there is no mobile network coverage in the forest. It's advisable to download offline maps before you start your journey. Reddit

Some pilgrims have been seen coming by public bus, but the rough terrain makes private vehicles, especially SUVs, a much more practical and comfortable option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the temple itself doesn't have an entry fee, you will need to obtain a forest permit to enter the Gir Forest National Park area where the temple is located. Reddit

The temple typically closes at 5:00 PM. Gates for private vehicles within the forest are usually open between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Reddit

Overnight stays are generally restricted to temple staff and pilgrims performing night pujas or homas. Reddit

Photography inside the temple is generally not allowed. However, you might be able to capture photos of the surrounding nature and wildlife en route. Reddit

The temple and entry into the reserve forest are prohibited due to the monsoon season from approximately June 15th to October 15th every year. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The ideal period to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The temple and forest are closed during the monsoon season (June to October). Reddit

The temple is situated in the heart of Gir Forest. You might spot herds of deer, and at night, lions are known to visit the nearby water body for drinking. Reddit

Yes, basic facilities such as toilets and drinking water are available for devotees at the temple complex. Reddit

Be aware of langurs, as they can be present around the temple premises. Keep your belongings secure and avoid feeding them. Reddit

Yes, there is spacious open parking available at the front of the temple complex for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, free, unlimited lunch prashad is served to all devotees. It's a simple yet delicious meal. Reddit

No, the prashad is free for all devotees. You might be asked to help clean the utensils as part of the community service. Reddit

Given its remote location within the forest, there are no restaurants near the temple. It's advisable to carry snacks and water if you plan to spend a significant amount of time. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography inside the main temple area is restricted. However, you may be able to take pictures of the wildlife and the scenic jungle route on your way to the temple. Reddit

The most memorable photo opportunities often come from unexpected wildlife sightings on the jungle road, like herds of deer. The serene temple setting itself is also picturesque. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The journey to Kankai Mata Temple can be an adventure for families, but the rough roads might be challenging for very young children or those with motion sickness. An SUV is essential to ensure a smoother ride. Reddit+1 While inside the forest, keep children close and supervise them, especially around any wildlife sightings. The free prashad is a great way to feed everyone, and the peaceful temple environment can be a calming experience for kids. However, be mindful of the strict forest rules and the lack of mobile connectivity. Reddit

🙏 Devout Pilgrims

For those seeking a spiritual experience, Kankai Mata Temple offers a profound sense of peace and divinity. The free prashad is a significant aspect of the pilgrimage, with many devotees participating in cleaning utensils as a form of service. Reddit The temple's remote location within the Gir Forest adds to its sacred aura, making it an ideal spot for meditation and prayer. Overnight stays are limited, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to participate in any night pujas or homas. Reddit

🚗 Adventure Seekers

The drive to Kankai Mata Temple is an adventure in itself! The off-road terrain through Gir Forest is a thrill for those who enjoy challenging drives. Reddit+1 Ensure your vehicle is up for the task – an SUV is non-negotiable. The possibility of spotting wildlife like deer and even lions adds to the excitement. Remember to respect all forest regulations to ensure a safe and responsible adventure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Challenging Road to Divinity

The journey to Kankai Mata Temple is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. The road from Sasan Gir is notorious for its rough, unpaved sections, totaling about 20 km of challenging terrain. Travelers often describe it as an 'off-road' adventure, requiring vehicles with good ground clearance and robust suspension. SUVs like the Force Gurkha are frequently mentioned as ideal for navigating these conditions. Reddit+1 The forest department issues permits with time limits for crossing certain segments, emphasizing the need for timely travel. While the drive can be bumpy and hot, especially in March and April, the reward is reaching a serene spiritual haven deep within the Gir Forest. Reddit

It's crucial to plan your vehicle choice and travel time carefully. The forest entry gates have specific opening hours, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the temple itself closes at 5 PM. This means you need to factor in travel time to reach the temple and return before closing. The restricted route through Ravta is not for public vehicles, so the longer Sasan-Satadhar-Kankai route is the standard option. Reddit Despite the difficulties, many visitors find the journey exhilarating and the destination profoundly worth the effort. Reddit

Spiritual Solace and Natural Wonders

Kankai Mata Temple is revered for its deeply peaceful and divine atmosphere. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Gir Forest, the temple offers a sanctuary for spiritual reflection and tranquility. Visitors often report feeling an immediate sense of calm upon arrival. Reddit The temple is also known for its simple yet delicious free prashad, a highlight for many pilgrims. Reddit

Beyond the spiritual aspect, the temple's location within the national park offers unique natural encounters. While photography inside the temple is restricted, the journey itself can be a visual treat. You might be lucky enough to witness herds of deer greeting you along the jungle road. Reddit+1 At night, the adjacent water body is a known spot for lions to come and drink, adding an element of wild wonder to the experience. Reddit Remember that mobile network coverage is non-existent in the forest, so be prepared to disconnect and immerse yourself in the surroundings. Reddit