Gujarat's salt marshes, rich cultural festivals, and arid deserts are what come into anyone’s mind when they hear ‘Gujarat’. However, lying deep nestled inside the Sahyadri range, bordering Maharashtra, is Saputara—Gujarat’s only hill station. Saputara's cool climate, lush green hills, serene lakes, and tribal heritage make it a great tourist spot for nature, adventure, and quiet.
Best Places to Visit in Saputara
Panoramic landscapes, eco-clearance and the maintenance of all these make it a clean destination blessed with ecotourism. In this article, we have compiled the best places to visit in Saputara along with some delightful facts.
Saputara Lake – The Heartbeat of the Hill Station
The most important point of attraction in Saputara is Saputara Lake, located at its very centre. The lake of rolling hills and lush gardens is an ideal place for boating and family picnics. Pedal or row boats can be hired to slowly float around the water, taking in the natural beauty.
Besides that, there are small eateries, souvenir shops and walking trails around the lake. This lake will leave you with romantic boat rides, experiencing a peaceful charm that is great for an introduction to the town.
There’s Sunset Point, The Sky’s Spectacular Show
Sunset Point (or Gandhi Shikhar) is located near Saputara Museum and is one of the most beautiful panoramic views one can get in the region. From here, you can see the sun set below the Sahyadri Hills, an orange and pink glow radiating over the valleys and forests below.
You might trek or drive to this point, or a ropeway from the lake area may take you to this point. The sunset is not the only scenery here; here is to soak in the tranquillity of nature as the dusk settles in. Being a photographer’s haven and a must-visit site for couples and nature lovers.
Sunrise Point – A Soothing Start to the Day
Some places on the eastern side of the hill station include Sunrise Point (or Valley View Point), where early risers can see the sun rise over the dense forests and tribal villages. A cool breeze and the birds are singing; the view is tranquil and spiritual.
The trek to the top is gentle, perfect for those with the urge for an active start to the day. It is also a good place to practise yoga, meditate or just sip a cuppa of chai while fresh morning blushes abound.
Saputara Ropeway – Gliding Across the Hills
Not only does the Saputara Ropeway act as a mode of transport, but it also is a sight-seeing tour. The aerial view of Saputara’s lush landscape (the lake, gardens and dense forests) is offered connecting Sunset and Sunrise point.
The short ride is good for families and couples with many photo opportunities. Best to be enjoyed in the early morning or evening to avoid sun and shoot in the best light for photos.
A beautiful staircase to peace set in a Flower Garde
Step Garden exactly as its name indicates, the garden is terraced in which, the remnants of the giant stairs still standing on the hill have color flowers and foliage surrounding it. This is the most well maintained and beautiful of all the gardens in Saputara.
Visitors like to take an evening stroll or quiet reflection while they enjoy benches and shady areas in the garden. It is an appealing design for the landscape architecture enthusiast and the photographer.
A Blooming Escape in Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is just a short distance away from Saputara Lake and offers the best collection of season as well as perennial roses. It is a romantic place with the power of nature creating a painting of reds, pinks, whites and yellows.
The scent is in the air, the trails are tidy and the atmosphere is calm and revitalizing. The Rose Garden, with a plethora of rose bushes adorning a well maintained garden, scores up some points as an area which adds color to your Saputara itinerary whether you love botany or not.
Artist Village – The Cultural Heart of Saputara
An Artist Village, if you wish to know the tribal and handicraft traditions of Dang region. As a living museum this place consists of Warli paintings, bamboo crafts, tribal artifacts and local art work.
Apart from visiting museums, you can participate in workshops or come across artisans to communicate to them or to buy some souvenirs. It is educational and at the same time supports the local tribal economy. A great place for travelers that want a first hand experience of cultural immersion and traditional crafts.
Saputara Tribal Museum – Understanding Indigenous Roots
Almost small in size, the Saputara Tribal Museum holds some great things to know about the life, tools, clothing, musical instruments, and festivals of the tribal communities of and around Saputara.
This is a great insight into the Dang tribes that have kept their own separate and untouched culture spanning generations. The museum is intended for travelers interested in anthropology and ethnography as the museum offers a meaningful context to the landscape and the people.
Gira Waterfalls – A Cascading Wonder Near Saputara
Gira Falls is just about 50 kilometers away from Saputara, located near Waghai, and makes for one of the best day trip options. However, during the monsoon and post monsoon months, there is a waterfall cascading down from 30 meters high and roaring with all its glory.
Area surrounding the place is green and foggy, so great for picnics or photography. Snacks on bamboo items as well as handicrafts can also be purchased from vendors near the falls. One of the ways in which you can enjoy the wilderness along with your serene Giri Waterfall hill station tour is by taking a trip to the falls.
Lake Garden – A Green Retreat by the Water
Another beautifully maintained park, Lake Garden is a place where local people and tourists come to relax and it is located adjacent to Saputara Lake. The path is neatly paved, trimmed hedges, and a few flowering plants make it a great spot for families with kids or a couple that wants to get away.
Swings and playground equipment are available for the children to enjoy and the adult may take a leisurely walk or sit under the shady trees. It is the perfect way to spend an hour or two of peaceful greenery
Best Time to Visit Saputara
Saputara receives Winter from the month of October to February, perfect to visit Saputara when the weather at this time of the year is cool, crisp and very favorable for sightseeing and trekking. It is also beautiful in the monsoon month from June to September when the hills look lush green but then some outdoor activities can be limited.
How to Reach Saputara
Accessing Air: Surat Airport is the nearest airport from this place which is about 172 km away and is well connected from other major cities.
By Train: Nearest railway station to Waghai is Waghai Railway Station (approx 50 km).
By Road: Saputara is connected well by road from Surat, Nashik, Mumbai and other cities.
Conclusion:
Although it might be Gujarat’s only hill station, indeed it happens to be one of the most scenic and peaceful of western India’s gorgeous and culturally rich destinations. Saputara is almost like a complete package including boating in a pristine lake and witnessing the sunrise and sundown over misty hills, diving into tribal arts or diving in waterfalls—there’s plenty to suffice a material recharge.
