Saputara Travel Guide - Gujarat’s Only Hill Station
Saputara is a hill station, situated in Sahyadris or the Western Ghats. Saputara being the only hill station in Gujarat has the same significance for the tourists as well as the local people. A breath of fresh air in monsoons can be the best option. Saputara is a very popular tourist destination in the Indian state of Gujarat. Saputara tourism has got immense laurels amongst international tourists. It is located in the Dangs District in Sahyadris or the Western Ghats. Saputara lies on National Highway 953 which is connected to Songadh. The native people of Saputara are called Dangis or Adivasis.
History of Saputara
The name Saputara means 'Abode of Serpents'. This indicates that the place is mostly known for snakes. The significant river of Sarpa Ganga is another famous landmark in Saputara. The shore of the river is having several statues of snakes. The Saputara hill station was founded in 1960 during the partition of Bombay and Gujarat. When it comes to mythology, this place holds a significant event from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his life during his Exile from Ayodhya. The Saputara is spelled with nature’s best elements amidst the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats including panoramic landscapes, lush forestry and so much more.
Places To Visit In Saputara
Saputara is one of the famous tourist places in Gujarat. Here's the list of the best places to visit in Saputara.
1. Hatgadh Fort
It is an ancient fort built by Maratha ruler Shivaji. The place is extremely quiet and peaceful and is a perfect spot to spend some time with nature. The fort is located in a very remote area hence adding to its serenity.
2. Artist Village
There is quite an exciting and unique village near the Saputara lake known as Artist Village. One can find various beautiful and unexpected artifacts made up of bamboo and ethnic clothes. The village and local market attract a lot of crowd from all around the country.
3. Saputara Lake
Saputara is mainly known and visited for the popular Saputara lake, people come here to embrace its beauty and also to indulge in fun activities like boating. The lake is surrounded by gardens on both sides where people walk in the morning and spend some peaceful time amidst lush greenery.
4. Saputara Museum
The Tribal museum will give you a great view of the lifestyle of locals of the Saputara who are mostly Dangis. The museum displays several things related to the life of Dangis such as costumes, heritage, and ecology.
5. Sunrise & Sunset Point
A beautiful place snuggled with the abundant beauty of nature near Malegaon. It is a perfect sunrise and sunset point which is why it is also called Sunrise or Valley View Point.
6. Vansda National Park
The national park consists of several adventurous animals and other flora species to keep you bound with the wildlife. Here, you will come across the thrilling Tigers, Leopard, Python, Four-Horned Deer, Squirrel, etc.
7. Gira Falls
If you love the sound of a waterfall then you will definitely fall in love with the electric noises amidst the beauty of Gira Falls. The 150 feet tall waterfall looks amazingly surreal and attracts tourists from all over the country.
Things to Do in Saputara
- Enjoy boating at Saputara Lake.
- Take a ropeway ride for aerial views.
- Explore tribal art at Artist Village.
- Go trekking to Hatgad Fort or Governor’s Hill.
- Visit the Gira Waterfalls for a refreshing experience.
- Relax in the Step Garden & Rose Garden.
- Wildlife spotting at Vansda National Park.
- Shop for tribal handicrafts and souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit Saputara
- Monsoon (July to September): The best time for lush greenery and waterfalls.
- Winter (October to February): Ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.
- Summer (March to June): Pleasant climate compared to other regions, but slightly warm.
How to Reach Saputara
To reach Saputara in Gujarat. You will need to cover an approximate distance of about 1,256, 1,978, 1,088 km from Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach Saputara by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
The closest domestic airport is Surat International Airport (STV) which is situated about 156 kilometers away. The airport receives flights from several prominent air carriers like Air India, Air India Express, Alliance Air, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. Another closest airport is Mumbai International Airport aka Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) situated 225 kilometers away from Saputara. The airport is well-connected with other major cities of India and other international destinations. However, due to the close proximity of Surat Airport, it is advised to deboard there.
- From Bhubaneswar - Board IndiGo, AirAsia, Air India, flights from Bhubaneswar Airport. The airfares start from INR 6,000-7,000
- From Mumbai - Board Go Air, Vistara, Spicejet flights from Mumbai Airport. The airfares start from INR 6,000-7,000
- From Guwahati - Board IndiGo, Spicejet flights from Guwahati Airport. The airfares start from INR 7,000-8,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Saputara
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Waghai Railway Station, Dungardha Railway Station, and Kala Amb Railway Station. If you are traveling from other cities of India, you need to deboard at Mumbai Railway Station and from there you can take local express trains towards Waghai Railway Station which is just 50 kilometers away from Saputara. From Waghai, you can easily get a local bus to reach Saputara.
By Road
The Saputara roadway is well-connected to the neighboring cities which can be reached using your vehicle. You can also consider traveling via interstate/private buses as well as private cabs.
- From Nashik - 79 km via NH360 or Saputara-Nashik Road
- From Aurangabad - 232 km via Aurangabad-Nasik Highway
- From Latur - 475 km via SH144
Frequently Asked Questions about Saputara
Q. What are some popular tourist attractions in Saputara?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Saputara include the Saputara Lake, the Sun Rise Point, the Artist Village, the Step Garden, the Hatgadh Fort, and the Rope Way.
Q. Is Saputara good for a honeymoon?
A. Yes, Saputara’s pleasant weather, scenic beauty, and peaceful environment make it a great honeymoon destination.
Q. How many days are enough for a Saputara trip?
A. A 2-3 day trip is perfect to explore the hill station, enjoy adventure activities, and experience local culture.
