Saputara: A Hill Station Haven
Saputara is a hill station in the Sahyadris, another name for the Western Ghats. Saputara is a town in the Dang district of Gujarat, India. It is a well-liked vacation spot. Saputara is regarded as the state’s most popular hill station. Beautiful dawns and sunsets, lush forests, captivating waterfalls, and generally nice weather all add to the area’s natural beauty. It is a wonderful place to enjoy solitude, nice moments with a special someone, or the beauty of nature. This is among Gujarat’s top tourist places.
Geography:
Saputara is located in Gujarat’s Dang district. The elevation of this lovely hill station above sea level is roughly 1000 meters. It is situated in the Dang woodland area on a plateau. The river that runs through Saputara, the Sarpganga, is one of its most beautiful features. Around 80 kilometres separate the hill retreat from Nashik, Maharashtra; 112 km from Bilimora; 172 km from Surat; 280 km separate Mumbai; 300 km separate Vadodra; and 420 km separate Ahmedabad. Summertime highs go up to 32°C, while lows are around 27°C. However, the temperature stays between 16°C and 10°C during the winter. Saputara experiences 254 cm of rain on average throughout the monsoon season of July through September.
History:
The precise translation of the town’s name, Saputara, is “abode of serpents,” a fact reinforced by a picture of a snake that is painted along the Sarpagana River’s edge. The tribal people of the area venerate this picture, particularly on significant holidays like Holi.
The Top 6 Best Places to See:
1. Sunrise Point:
About 2 kilometres in the direction of Waghai, from Saputara, is Sunrise Point. The greatest views of Saputara and the Malegaon region are available from this location. Therefore, one may still enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from here at any time of day, even if they miss the morning view.
There are two ways to get to the sunset point: use the 10-minute ropeway from the parking lot to the peak, or hike for 30 minutes. Most tourists choose to use the ropeway in order to have a bird’s-eye perspective of the Dang forest.
Best time to visit:
The greatest time to visit Saputara Sunset Point is from April to November, though you can see the sunset every evening of the year.
2. Saputara Museum:
Often referred to as the Saputara Tribal Museum, it features a variety of decorations, artefacts, body art, wooden carvings, tattoos, ritual artefacts, and musical instruments that portray the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding tribes. The museum is regarded as a fantastic initiative by the Gujarati government to acquaint tourists with the rich cultural legacy of the Dang people. Aside from that, the museum informs tourists about the ecology and topography of the Dang.
Best time to visit:
This magnificent location in Gujarat’s Saputara hill station is accessible to guests from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for Indian 5 rupees and foreigners at 50 rupees entry fees.
3. Gira Waterfalls:
About 50 kilometres from Saputara, off the Saputara-Waghi road, sits the Gira Waterfall. During the monsoon season, the waterfall that originates from the Kapri tributary is at its most spectacular. Offering a very magnificent vista, the water flows into the Ambika River from a height of thirty meters.
Best time to visit:
The best time to be here would be between May and November.
4. Lake Garden:
Lake Garden, which is located on the shores of Saputara Lake, is a great spot for lounging or taking a stroll around the lake’s perimeter. There are numerous uncommon and exotic plant and tree species in this well-kept garden, along with lush lawns.
Best time to visit:
When the foliage is at its peak, March, April, and July, are the ideal times to visit the Saputara Lake View Garden.
5. Pandava Caves:
These caves have derived their name from the fact that during the period of Mahabharata, the Pandavas came to stay in these caves during the period of their exile. The genuinely unique availability of this place makes it worth a visit. Overall, the environs surrounding these caves are worth the visit.
The cave is 15 meters broad and 60 meters long. Its historical significance is further enhanced by the presence of a Shivalinga, which is thought to have been utilized by the Pandavas to make prayers to the lord.
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to visit the Pandava caves in Saputara is towards the conclusion of the monsoon season.
6. Waghai Botanical Garden:
The stunning Waghai Botanical Garden is the last location to explore at Saputara Hill Station. It is one of Gujarat’s largest gardens, spanning 24 hectares and home to a vast array of plant species. This area appeals to nature lovers since it has over 310 trees, 75 bushes, 35 fruit trees, 130 medicinal plants, 32 tuberous plants, 110 ornamental plants, and 95 cactus and succulents. Additionally, the garden hosts instructional visits for college and school students.
Best time to visit:
Every day except Tuesdays, the Waghai Botanical Garden is open to tourists from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. Students must pay an entrance fee of Rs 5 per person, children between the ages of 6 and 15 must pay Rs 10 per person, and those over 15 must pay Rs 20 per person.
Conclusion:
See why Saputara is called the “Abode of Serenity” as the sun sets behind the hills, transforming the sky into orange and pink hues. Saputara offers something for everyone, whether your preference is excitement or a calm getaway. So gather your belongings, bid farewell to your anxieties, and set out on an adventure to experience Saputara’s charm.