Saputara

In the dense forest areas of Shyadari Ranges Dangs, the beautiful place of Saputara is situated. It is also known as “Adobe of Serpents”. The altitude of the place is about 1000 meters above the sea level. It is a breathtakingly beautiful hilly area with a pleasant cool weather condition. The only hill station in the state of Gujarat, Saputara remains pleasantly cool all the year round. 28 degree Celsius is the maximum temperature that this place witness in the summer months. 

According to the Hindu legends, in Saputara’s deep and thick forests, Lord Rama’s entire exile, ranging for a time period of 11 years, was spent. On the beds of Sarpaganga river, an idol of a snake is present. This idol of the serpent is idolized by the local residents. Festivals such as Holi, are celebrated here. The name ‘Dangi’ is given after the name of the snake god, which the local people worship. Saputara is full of different variety of animals and plants and also there are interesting natural ruins. The weather of the place is spectacular.  It remains pleasantly cool with the landscape totally enveloped in clouds of mists, during the evening time. 

The presence of picturesque and breathtaking views, beautiful tourist spots and a pleasantly cool climate – makes this place a major attraction among the tourists. It is a paradise for those who love nature – full of spectacular waterfalls, perfect landscapes for witnessing perfect sunrise and sunset. The lake situated in Saputara is encircled with luscious green trees and panoramic sceneries. This place also allows boating activities for tourists.

Numerous gorgeous gardens and a museum are present in Saputara. “Pushpak Ropeway”, which is considered to have the lengthiest route, is popular among all age groups, especially among kids and newlyweds and couples. A resort is present on the hill with all the perks and facilities such as hotels, parks, swimming pools and theatres. 

All in all, this hill town offers a wonderful stay for the tourists in all kinds of weather. If one visits Saputara during the rainy season, one can witness the calming rainfall dropping on the undulating landscape and the water droplets still shimmering on the leaves. The shimmering green of the trees, the luscious lush leaves and the abundance of flowers, during this season, envelopes in its charm anyone visiting this place. In the summer months, one can roam around the hill slopes without any care in the world. The clear sky twinkles with shining stars as the sun sets in the backdrop of the Saputara hills.

Saputara Tribal Museum: 90 percent of the total population of Dangs consists of Adivasi. The life of the tribal people, their customs and traditions are reflected in the display of the museum. The museum isn’t much of a grand place, however many aspects of the tribal people’s can be learned from items such as stuffed birds, carvings of wood, ornaments made of grass, body tattoos and beautiful masks used for dancing and musical equipments.

The Ropeway: The Vaity Resort can be observed when one walks in the upward direction on the Governor’s hill. In order to reach the Sunset Point, the ropeway can be used. The ride up the hill takes a mere 15 minutes but it givens the visitors the opportunity to enjoy and breathe in the breathtaking view of Saputara. However till the time there are a minimum of 12 passengers, the cable car does not work. The cost of one ticket is forty rupees.

Governor’s Hill: Wandering on the slopes of the Governor Hill one can witness the magical colors of dawn against the backdrop of the hills, dancing in a slow rhythm. A spectacular scenic view of the meadows, streams, small rivulets as well as the boundary between the two states, Gujarat and Maharashtra, can be seen. Another activity that can be done in some of the seasons is enjoying camel rides and also eat road side tit bits from local markets.

Gardens: Numerous lovely and elegant gardens are present in Saputara, which are ideal spots for picnic. The Millenium Garden is situated crosswise to the bridge and on the road which leads to Nashik. The Rose Garden can also be seen when on goes down from the bus stop. Other attractions of Saputara are the Lakeview and Step Garden.

Lake: The Lake situated in Saputara, the focal point of the hill resort, is encircled with luscious green trees and panoramic sceneries. This place also allows boating activities for tourists. The timing for boating is 8.30 Am to 6.30 Pm. 

Sitavan: According to the Hindu legends, in Saputara’s deep and thick forests, Lord Rama’s entire exile, ranging for a time period of 11 years, was spent.

Artist Village: Apart from looking at the handicrafts made by the tribal people and buying them too, one can try and make them with their own hands also. Two people named Chandrakant Parmar and Surya Goswami looks after the activities of this place. This is an ideal place to know about this area’s customs and traditions. Lodging facilities are available here for a very low price.

Trekking: One of the very places for trekking activities, Saputara gives the tourists to enjoy some of the holiest trekking paths encircled by dense green trees and meandrous routes, which have been left unblemished by men. Full of hard and bumpy trails, Saputara offers great challenges for the trekkers. Routes leading to Rajat Pratap and to Tridhara located closed to Dhupgarh, are some of the best trekking paths in Gujarat.

Nageshwar Mahadev: The Nageshwar Mahadev temple has been made in the place of the initial temple. This is situated on Saputara Lake’s southern bed.

Other points of interest: The Sunset Point can be reached by a pathway and the same pathway leads to another place called the Echo point. Here, if anyone goes beyond the altar built with stone having three human forms, one can speak out loud to his or her echo.

Gandhi Shikhar is another name given to Sunset Point. A picturesque view of the whole town can be seen from this point. This place is situated close to the center of the town. One can study about the process of honey making at the Honey Bee Center. Honey can also be bought from here.

Gira waterfalls: The waterfalls located in and around Saputara are amazing sights for the tourists, especially during the monsoon. The Gira waterfall is located at a distance of 3 Kms from the town of Waghai. The water from the waterfall falls into the Ambica River from a height of 30 meters. 

                                                 HOW TO REACH

By road: From cities like Waghai and Ahmedabad, there are government buses and private buses offering their services to this place. The National Highway offers a short cut route while the state highway offers a longer route but a strikingly beautiful drive. The distance between Saputara and Waghai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai and Vadodara is 51 Kms, 409 Kms, 164 Kms, 250 Kms and 309 Kms respectively. 

By rail: Waghai has the closest railway station. 

By air: Located at a distance of 309 Kms from Saputara is the closest air terminal.