Gujarat is famous for Kutch, but nestled amidst lush greenery, there’s a serene hill station that provides solace to people from the scorching summers to chilly winters.
It’s called Saputara, often dubbed as Gujarat’s very own Shimla or Manali.
Saputara’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Charm
Saputara is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This tourist place immerses its visitors in history and culture.
Here, you can explore lakes, hills, and much more. Let’s discover some of these places.
Hatgad Fort: A Trekking Paradise
Hatgad Fort is situated approximately 5 kilometers from Saputara, close to the Gujarat-Maharashtra border.
Perched at an altitude of around 3,600 feet, reaching the fort involves trekking, making it one of the best spots for hiking in Saputara.
The fort offers breathtaking views of the valley and the charming Suratwala village. Hatgad Fort is open to visitors from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Vansda National Park: Explore the Wilderness
Spanning 23.99 square kilometers, Vansda National Park is located about 40 kilometers from Saputara.
The park is managed by the South Dang Forest Division. Vansda National Park is home to dense moist deciduous forests, and some parts of the jungle remain dark even during the day.
It’s one of the top places to visit in Saputara for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to various wild animals like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, four-horned antelopes, and numerous bird and reptile species.
Indigenous tribes can also be encountered in these forests. The best time to visit Vansda National Park is from October to March.
Saputara Lake: A Picnic Paradise
Saputara Lake, located about 1.5 kilometers from Saputara Hill Station, is one of the most popular picnic spots in the region.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this man-made lake is also a favorite for boating enthusiasts. It has children’s parks and playgrounds nearby, making it a great place for families.
Several boating clubs near the lake can assist you with boating activities.
Gira Waterfall: Monsoon Delight
Located near the village of Vanarjod in the Waghai region, Gira Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Saputara during the monsoon season.
It is sometimes also referred to as Girmal Falls. Both waterfalls are situated in the Dang region, but they are quite far from each other.
Gira Waterfall, near Waghai, is accessible via the Waghai-Saputara state highway. The waterfalls attract crowds of tourists throughout the year, especially during the monsoon.
Nageshwar Mahadev Temple: A Spiritual Retreat
For those interested in religious sites, there’s an ancient Shiva temple known as the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple. It’s also called the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple.
This beautiful temple is situated on the southern shore of the Saputara Lake. It’s essential to mention that this temple is an integral part of the Saputara tourism circuit.
During Mahashivratri, it witnesses a considerable influx of devotees. Apart from its spiritual significance, the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple offers a tranquil and peaceful ambiance for visitors.
How to Reach Saputara
By Air: The nearest domestic airport is in Surat, which is approximately 120 kilometers away, while the nearest international airport is in Mumbai, about 250 kilometers away. From these cities, you can take a bus to reach Saputara.
