Happily snuggling the Sahyadris or Western Ghats, Saputara hill station is a small yet special destination in Gujarat. Reckoned to be the only hill station in the state, Saputara is adorned with lush green forests and enchanting waterfalls. The beautiful sunrise and sunset and the consistent pleasant weather make Saputara a perfect getaway from Surat city, which sits about 160 km away. If you’re seeking a serene and relaxing holiday, then this beautiful hill station in Gujarat is the ideal travel place in India for you.
Geography & History of Saputara
Saputara is situated in the Dang district, specifically in the Dang region of Gujarat. This beautiful hill station is situated at an elevation of about 1000m above sea level. It is located on a plateau in the Dang forest area. Adding to the beauty of Saputara is the River Sarpganga, which flows through the town. The hill retreat is situated about 80 km from Nashik (Maharashtra), 112 km from Bilimora (Gujarat), 172 km from Surat (Gujarat), 280 km from Mumbai (Maharashtra), 300 km from Vadodara (Gujarat), and 420 km from Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The temperature in summer goes up to a maximum of 32°C and a minimum of 27°C. In winter, on the other hand, the temperature remains between 16°C and 10°C. The best time to visit Saputara is between June and November when the monsoon paints the landscape with vibrant hues.
Saputara has mythological importance as it is believed that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile here. The name Saputara literally means ‘Abode of Serpents,’ and one can find an image of a snake situated on the shore of the river Sarpganga that flows through the town.
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Best Places to See in Saputara in Gujarat
Saputara hill station is amongst the most well-planned and organized hill stations in India. Here, one can enjoy visiting the beautiful gardens and museums, taking a ride in the cable car and paddle boats, and indulging in a variety of things to do in Saputara. There is a great opportunity for those who like to hike and trek. Those who wish to witness nature’s beauty also have special points to visit.
Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Saputara:
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point is situated around 1.5 km from Saputara towards Waghai. This place offers the best views of Saputara hill station and the adjoining region of Malegaon. So even if one misses out on the sunrise view, one can enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the surroundings at any time of the day.
Sunset Point/ Gandhi Shikhar
Sunset Point in Saputara offers a vantage point from which a very scenic view of Dang Forest can be witnessed. The forest area around Saputara is dotted with tribal villages,so from a distance at Sunset Point, one can also observe the tribal settlements. Gandhi Shikhar can be approached only by a ropeway from Vaity Ropeway Resort.
Gardens
There are three prominent gardens in Saputara, namely Rose Garden, Lake Garden, and Step Garden, which can be a great delight to visit. In the Rose Garden, a wide variety of roses can be seen, while in the Step Garden, it is the arrangement of the flowers that catches one’s eye. At Lake Garden, which is situated on the bank of Saputara Lake, one has the chance to see a diverse variety of multi-hued flowers.
Botanical Garden
Situated about 45 km from Saputara, the Botanical Garden sprawls over an area of 24 hectares and has about 14,000 varieties of plants. The major highlights of the garden are Chinese Bamboo, Beema Bamboo, and Golden Bamboo. One might also enjoy a walk in the garden where diverse flora is excellently exhibited.
Gira Waterfalls
Gira Waterfall is situated off the Saputara-Waghai road, about 49 km from Saputara hill station. The waterfall, originating from the Kapri tributary, is at its best during the monsoon season. The water cascades from a height of 30m into the Ambika River, offering a very picturesque view. The best time to visit Saputara and witness the magnificence of Gira Waterfalls is between June and November.
Mahal Forest
Reckoned to be one of the densest forests in Gujarat, the Mahal Forest is situated about 68 km from Saputara. This place is open for tourists only at a specific time during the year, and tourists are required to take special permission from the forest department to visit here. The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary and Girmal Waterfall are the major attractions here.
Unnai Mata Temple & Hot Spring
Located near Waghai, the Unnai Mata Temple and the Hot Spring are two of the major attractions near Saputara. The temple and spring are situated about 68 km from the hill station. It is believed that the hot spring here has the special quality of curing chronic diseases, thus visitors from afar come here to take a bath in this spring.
Ambapada
Ambapada, which is situated about 48 km from Saputara, is an interesting place to visit. It is a traditional Dangi village inhabited by tribals. The lush bamboo groves flank the village, making it look absolutely beautiful. The tribals here are engaged in making lamps and toys from bamboo roots.
Girmal Falls
Off the Mahal Singana Road, Girmal Fall is amongst the best places to visit around Saputara. Situated about 85 km from Saputara tourist places, the fall comes alive in the monsoon season and offers a picture-perfect view. The region around Girmal is replete with rich and rare varieties of flora, making it ideal for trekking.
Vansda National Park
Once a private forest of Maharaja Vansada, the Vansda National Park sprawls over an area of 24 sq km. Despite its small size, this national park in Saputara’s district shelters a sizable population of leopards, pangolins, pythons, four-horned antelopes, and a few tigers as well. Tourists need to get prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gandhinagar, or DFO, Ahwa, before visiting the park.
Purna Sanctuary
Spread over an area of 160 sq km, Purna Sanctuary is part of the Mahal forests (situated 60 km from Dang). The sanctuary is covered with dense moist deciduous forest and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. However, like Vansda National Park, prior permission is required to visit this park.
Saptashringi Devi Mandir (Vani)
This sacred Hindu shrine is situated about 50 km from Saputara hill station and is dedicated to one of the sisters of Goddess Kali. The temple is highly revered by the locals; however, many tourists also make it a point to visit this temple on their visit to Saputara. The best time to visit Saputara and the temple would be during the Dussehra festival and Navratri.
Tithal
About 130 km from Saputara is Tithal, which is a gorgeous beach. Flanked by tall palm trees and having crystal-clear water, the beach looks absolutely scenic. The best time to visit here would be summer.
Lake & Boating Club
The Lake and Boating Club is centrally located and offers row and paddle boats for hire. The club also offers amusement facilities for children near the lake, adding to the list of things to do in Saputara for families.
Saputara Tribal Museum
It is a small museum that displays the tribal lifestyle. There is a good collection of ornaments, musical instruments, agricultural implements, and household objects of day-to-day use by native Dangis. The museum is open between 10:30 am and 05:00 pm.
Artist Village
Artist Village near Saputara is reckoned to be the cultural and traditional center of the region. It is considered the best place in Saputara for buying traditional as well as tribal artifacts. Warli paintings and tribal craft objects can be bought from here. The place is also regarded as an ideal destination to learn about the culture of this region.
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Top Things to Do in Satpura
Hiking
Hike up to scenic viewpoints like Gandhi Shikhar (Sunset Point) and Echo Point. These treks are easy and offer stunning views. You can complete both of these treks within an hour. You can also take offbeat routes to the hilltops for a more adventurous experience.
Boat Ride
Saputara Lake is one of the most enjoyable attractions in the hill station. Take a boat ride in the lake on a paddle boat or rowboat.
Explore Gardens
Spend a peaceful time with your family or your partner in the beautiful step garden and rose garden. The garden is adorned with a variety of plants and flowers that create a beautiful atmosphere to feel relaxed.
Cable Car Ride
Take a ropeway ride to Gandhi Shikhar and capture an aerial view of the entire hill station. This is a must to do activity in Saputara, whether you are with friends, family, or your significant other. Taking a ropeway ride during sunset gives a beautiful view of the horizon.
Shopping
Visit Ambapada village, Artist village, and Saputara Tribal Museum for a cultural-centred exploration. You can also shop for handcrafted items like tribal artifacts, jewelry, wooden and bamboo carved items, and textiles here. You can also buy local produce like honey or pickles in the markets of these villages.
Explore Tribal Culture & Festivals
Enjoy cultural performances by tribal communities at different locations in the town. Various cafes and resorts in Saputara organize cultural performances in the evening.
Although all major festivals are celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm in Saputara, Dang Darbar is unique to this part of Gujarat. It is an annual tribal festival that is held just before Holi. Dang Darbar is a colorful affair where the tribes congregate to celebrate the political pensions of the tribal kings. Dance, music, color, and the purchase and sale of tribal wares can all be seen at this festival.
Paragliding
Cater to your adrenaline rush craving and try paragliding, the most adventurous activity to do in Saputara. Have a beautiful bird’s eye view of the town and see those green hills, hillocks, and Saputara Lake in one frame.
Take the Fun Express
Fun Express is a toy train that will take you all around the Saputara hill station in just half an hour. It is one of the best activities for families with children in Saptura.
Visit the Amusement Park
Saputara Amusement Park is a one-stop shop for fun activities with family. There are multiple rides and activities like spinning rides, Zorbings, bouncy castles, camel rides, ziplining, and much more. There are also multiple food stalls where you can enjoy snacking.
Visit Saputara Museum and Aquarium
Saputara Museum showcases artifacts and items related to old tribal communities. You will find stone tools, old paintings, war and dance masks, historical specimens, ancient tribal household items, musical instruments, etc. in the museum. Also, visit Saputaram Aquarium where multiple species of fish from numerous countries are kept.
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