Saputara

Saputara: The Crown of Gujarat

Saputara is a small hill station located in the Dang district of Gujarat, a state in western India. It is often referred to as “The Crown of Gujarat” due to its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage.

The town is situated at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Sahyadri Range. The name “Saputara” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Sapta” and “Taru” which means “Seven” and “Hill” respectively. According to legend, the town was given its name by Lord Rama during his 14-year exile in the forests.

Saputara is known for its stunning views of the hills, valleys, and waterfalls. The town is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Saputara Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and picnics. Other popular attractions include the Sunrise and Sunset Points, the Ropeway, the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Saputara Tribal Museum.

The town also hosts the annual Saputara Monsoon Festival, which celebrates the arrival of the monsoon season with a variety of cultural events and activities. The festival is a major draw for tourists and is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.

Overall, Saputara is a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers a serene environment and a chance to unwind and connect with nature.

What to See

Saputara is a beautiful hill station in Gujarat that offers plenty of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the must-see sights and things to do in Saputara:

1. Saputara Lake: A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery is a popular spot for boating, picnics, and scenic walks.
2. Sunrise Point and Sunset Point: Two points offering spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset over the valley and hills.
3. Ropeway: A cable car ride that takes you up to Governor’s Hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
4. Artist Village: A vibrant and colorful village that showcases local art and handicrafts, including Warli paintings, pottery, and bamboo craft.
5. Nageshwar Mahadev Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere.
6. Saputara Tribal Museum: A museum showcasing the cultural heritage of the tribes living in and around Saputara, including their traditional dress, ornaments, and handicrafts.
7. Purna Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary that offers a chance to see a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and panthers.
8. Gira Waterfalls: A picturesque waterfall located in the nearby town of Waghai, which offers a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
9. Saputara Monsoon Festival: An annual festival that celebrates the arrival of the monsoon season with a variety of cultural events and activities, including music, dance, and food.

Overall, Saputara offers plenty of opportunities to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of the region.

Where to stay

Saputara offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular options for where to stay in Saputara:

1. Hotels and Resorts: There are several hotels and resorts in Saputara that offer comfortable and well-appointed rooms, amenities like swimming pools, spas, and restaurants. Some popular options include Hotel Anando, Shilpi Hill Resort, and Aakar Lords Inn.
2. Guesthouses and Homestays: If you’re looking for a more personal touch, guesthouses and homestays offer a chance to stay with local families and experience their way of life. Some popular options include Darshan Homestay, Hill View Bungalow, and Sunrise Villa.
3. Government Accommodation: The Gujarat Tourism Corporation offers several budget-friendly accommodations, including cottages, dormitories, and tents. Some popular options include Shabari Cottages, Log Huts, and Tents.
4. Camping: For adventure seekers, camping is a popular option, especially during the monsoon season. Several camping sites offer tents, meals, and activities like trekking, bird watching, and barbecues. Some popular options include Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Saputara Adventure Club.

Overall, Saputara has a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. It’s advisable to book in advance during peak season to ensure availability.

Attraction around Saputara

There are several attractions around Saputara that offer a chance to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Here are some popular attractions around Saputara:

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary:

Located about 60 km from Saputara, the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and panthers. The sanctuary also offers several trekking routes and a chance to explore the lush green forest and waterfalls.

Gira Waterfalls:

Located about 49 km from Saputara, the Gira Waterfalls is a picturesque waterfall that offers a refreshing dip in the natural pool. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for picnics and trekking.

Wilson Hills:

Located about 52 km from Saputara, Wilson Hills is a beautiful hill station known for its scenic beauty and cool climate. The hills offer several trekking routes, including the popular trek to the sunset point.

Don Hill Station:

Located about 40 km from Saputara, Don Hill Station is a small hill station known for its serene atmosphere and scenic views of the valley. The hill station offers several trekking routes and a chance to explore the local tribal culture.

Girmal Falls:

Located about 40 km from Saputara, the Girmal Falls is a beautiful waterfall that offers a refreshing dip in the natural pool. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for picnics and trekking.

Vansda National Park:

Located about 105 km from Saputara, the Vansda National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that offers a chance to see a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, hyenas, and sloth bears. The park also offers several trekking routes and a chance to explore the tribal culture of the region.

Overall, these attractions around Saputara offer a chance to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region and are worth a visit for those who have the time and inclination.

How to reach

Saputara is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat and neighboring states via road and rail. Here are the different ways to reach Saputara:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Saputara is Surat Airport, which is about 156 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Saputara.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Saputara is Waghai, which is about 50 km away. However, the major railway station near Saputara is Bilimora, which is about 112 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Saputara.
3. By Road: Saputara is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat via road. You can take a bus or taxi from cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Nashik to reach Saputara. The road network to Saputara is well-maintained, and the journey is comfortable.
4. By Car: If you have your vehicle, you can drive to Saputara from nearby cities like Surat, Nashik, and Ahmedabad. The roads to Saputara are well-maintained, and the journey is scenic.

Overall, Saputara is easily accessible by air, train, road, and car, and the journey to Saputara is comfortable and enjoyable.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Saputara is from October to February, which is the winter season. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 8°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The winter season is also the peak season in Saputara, and the place is buzzing with tourists from all over the country.

The monsoon season, from June to September, is another good time to visit Saputara as the place receives heavy rainfall, which makes the landscape lush and green. However, some roads and trekking routes may be closed during this time due to landslides.

The summer season, from March to May, is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 40°C. This is not the best time to visit Saputara as the heat and humidity can be uncomfortable, especially for outdoor activities.

Overall, the best time to visit Saputara is from October to February, but if you love the rain and want to experience the monsoon season, then June to September is also a good time to visit.