₹2 crore investment has catalyzed the launch of the Dharoi Adventure Fest on May 23, 2025, at the Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district, marking it as India’s longest-lasting outdoor adventure festival. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the event at 9:30 AM, highlighting Gujarat’s growing prominence in adventure tourism. This festival, organised by the Gujarat Tourism Department in partnership with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), aims to transform Dharoi into a premier adventure destination.
What Does the Dharoi Adventure Fest Offer?
The festival features over ten adventure activities across land, water, and air, tailored to thrill-seekers of all ages. Specific provisions include:
- Water Sports: Power boating, parasailing, and paramotoring on the Dharoi Dam reservoir.
- Land Activities: Rock climbing, bouldering, trekking, and hiking through the scenic Aravalli hills surrounding Dharoi.
- Cycle Sports: Mountain biking and cycling trails designed and maintained by local experts.
- Camping Experience: Modern AC tent accommodations including Royal Suites (₹7,000/night), Premium Tents (₹5,500/night), Deluxe AC Swiss Cottages (₹4,000/night), and budget dormitories (₹350-700/night), all inclusive of meals and evening snacks.
- Cultural Programs: Evening events featuring traditional Gujarati folk music and dance to celebrate local heritage.
- Educational Activities: Astronomy workshops and stargazing sessions facilitated by certified experts.
- Safety and Medical Facilities: Certified ride operators, on-site health care units, and fire safety measures ensure visitor security.
These provisions are detailed in the Gujarat Tourism Department’s official festival notification (Ref: GTD/2025/ADV-FEST/001), aligning with state tourism development policies.
Who Can Participate and How Does It Affect Locals?
The festival welcomes tourists nationwide, especially adventure enthusiasts and families seeking experiential travel. Mehsana district residents benefit from enhanced employment opportunities as local youth are trained as guides and safety personnel. The event also stimulates small businesses, including food vendors and transport operators in Mehsana, Visnagar, and surrounding talukas.
Adventure tour operators affiliated with ATOAI gain a platform to showcase services, while Gujarat Tourism leverages the event to boost off-season visitor numbers. The range of accommodation options caters to diverse budgets, making the festival accessible. Visitors can book through official channels: Gujarat Tourism, Dharoi Adventure Fest, and BookMyShow.
Why Did the Gujarat Government Initiate the Dharoi Adventure Fest?
According to Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera, the festival aligns with the state’s vision to diversify Gujarat’s tourism portfolio beyond its traditional heritage and pilgrimage circuits. The Dharoi Dam Development Project, detailed in the 2023 Gujarat Tourism Master Plan, identifies Dharoi as a strategic site for eco-tourism and adventure activities.
The government aims to:
- Capitalize on the scenic natural landscape and reservoir created by Dharoi Dam.
- Promote sustainable tourism that economically benefits local communities.
- Attract domestic and international tourists during the May to September period, enhancing year-round tourism inflow.
- Position Gujarat as a leader in adventure tourism in Western India, complementing initiatives like the cruise tourism launched on Gujarat’s coastal routes.
This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy under the Gujarat Tourism Department’s Adventure Tourism Policy 2024, which fosters public-private partnerships and infrastructure upgrades in emerging destinations.
What Are Stakeholders Saying About the Festival?
Local business owners in Mehsana have expressed optimism about increased tourist footfall, expecting a 15-20% rise in revenue during the festival period, according to the Mehsana District Chamber of Commerce. Adventure operators affiliated with the ATOAI commend the focus on safety and quality certification.
However, some environmental groups urge careful monitoring of ecological impacts, emphasizing the need for strict waste management plans around the Dharoi Dam area to preserve its biodiversity. The Gujarat State Pollution Control Board will oversee compliance with environmental guidelines during the event.
Tourism Minister Bera acknowledged these concerns and assured that the festival’s organizing committee includes environmental experts to ensure sustainable practices.
What Does This Mean for Visitors and Residents?
For tourists, the Dharoi Adventure Fest offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a diverse range of adventure sports in a well-supported, safe setting. The availability of premium and budget-friendly accommodations, combined with cultural events, makes it suitable for family and group visits.
Residents of Mehsana and nearby districts such as Patan and Banaskantha can anticipate new employment avenues and business growth, especially in hospitality and transport sectors. Enhanced infrastructure and promotional activities will also improve local amenities.
Visitors should note:
- Early booking is advised due to limited tent city capacity.
- Participants must adhere to safety instructions and sign liability waivers for adventure activities.
- Health facilities and emergency contacts will be prominently displayed across the festival site.
For detailed schedules, ticketing, and accommodation options, visit the official websites or contact the Gujarat Tourism Mehsana office directly.
Visit the following link for more details on the festival’s inauguration: Gujarat’s First Dharoi Adventure Fest Launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Next Steps for Visitors:
- Visit www.dharoiadventurefest.com to review event schedules and safety guidelines.
- Book preferred accommodation and adventure activities early via official portals.
- Plan travel to Mehsana district, considering local transport options and festival shuttle services.