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The Unexplored Beauty Amidst Sahyadri Ranges

Saputara (literally meaning 'the abode of serpents') is a spell binding hil station in the Dangs forest area of Sahyadari Ranges, on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. This picturesque hill resort is known for its lush green valley. As the name suggests, Saputara is known for snake worship. River Sarpaganga welcomes a number of devotees and the local tribes on festive occasions, like Holi and Vash Darash, to worship the snakes.

Location

This is the most thickly forested area in the heart of the Dangs district. Located on the second highest plateau of the Sahayadri range, at an altitude of 1000 m, Saputara enjoys a cool climate throughout the year. It falls about 160 km from Surat and reflects the vibrant tribal culture of the area.

As the legend goes, Lord Rama (hero of the epic Ramayana) spent 11 years of his exile in Saputara forests.

Saputara has several crystal clear waterfalls and is ideal for watching sunrise and sunset. It has evolved as a planned hill resort with hotels, parks, swimming pools theatres, gardens and a museum.

Adventure

River Sarpaganga and small lakes are perfect for boating. One can explore the marine life as well as the natural beauty of the envire vally on a boat. The hill station is equipped with other adventure sports facilities like paragliding.

Prime Attractions

Pushpak Ropeway is a major attraction at Saputara. It is believed to be the largest ropeway in India and draws thousands of tourists from the world around.

The Mahal region, 60 km from Saputara, is a perfect place for sightseeimg. The region is dominated by the Purna Sanctuary and offers a long pass with high wooded slopes of bamboo and some of the most beautiful scenery of the Dangs district.

The Saputara Lake draws thousands of tourists to enjoy boating. The Boat Club at the lake offers sailboats, paddleboats and rowing boats.

The Sun Rise and Sun Set Points are wonderful tourists' delights at Saputara. They provide panoramic views of the sun and the entire Saputara valley.

Saputara gardens are ideal for spending evenings. The Lake Garden, Step Garden and the Rose Garden are perfect for family holidays.

The Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a highly revered place by the Hindu devotees. It witnesses the maximum crowd on festive occasions like Mahashivaratri.

Saputara has a well maintained museum, which exhibits a variety of tribal ornaments and musical instruments.

Vansda National Park, originally a private forest of the Maharaja of Vansda, is quite close to Saputara. Covering an area of 24 sq km, this national park is home to tigers, leopards, python, four-horned antelope, pangolin, rusty-spotted cats and giant squirrels. One needs to take the permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gandhinagar or DFO, Ahwa to visit the park.

Shopping

The artisans of Saputara are conmsidered masters in pottery, jewellery making, vases designing, paintings, etc. Besides, the market is famous for small items like pen stands, key chains, etc. made from bamboo chips and other locally found material.

April to July is considered the best period to visit the valley of Saputara.

Places To Stay

Despite being a small hill station, Saputara offers a wide range of hotels run by the private sector as well as by TCGL (Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited).

Getting There

By Air

Mumbai (about 400 km) is the nearest airport, from where buses are operated to Surat.

By Rail

Surat (160 km) lies on the Mumbai-Delhi-Ahmedabad broad guage line. Besides, the nearest railway station in Waghai (51 km).

By Road

Buses are regularly operated from Surat, which is connected to almost all the major parts of the country including Mumbai (262 km), Vadodara (192 km) and Ahmedabad (230 km).