Venture amidst towering trees
The sanctuary is cradled by the pristine waters of the Purna River, from which it draws its name. Unlike much of Gujarat, this region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, fostering a tropical moist deciduous forest. The verdant landscape is adorned with towering teak trees.
About 700 identified plant species among which grasses and broad-leaved plants in high density and diversity are found in the sanctuary. These include sadad, timru, khair, kalam, haldu, sisham (rosewood), salai, kadaya, killai, sevan and tanachh. The healthy stock of lofty bamboos especially attracts the visitors’ attention.
Into the Leopard's domain
The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife. These include elusive leopards, rhesus macaques, bonnet macaques, Indian civet cats, Indian porcupines and the majestic four-horned antelope. The leopard is the main predator in the sanctuary and its population continues to grow steadily. Wild bulls, elephants and sloth bears are among the other animals found in the forest.
The avian population is equally impressive, with sightings of Common grey hornbill, grey jungle fowls, barbets, woodpeckers, shrikes, chloropsis, bee-eaters, flycatchers and an assortment of raptors delighting birdwatchers. The sanctuary's dense foliage provides a sanctuary for numerous species, offering glimpses into their natural habitats.