Saputara, literally the ‘abode of serpents’, is Saputara best known hill resort ,at the height of 875 metres, saputara offers a pleasant climate and panoramic view of lush green Dang forest. The hill station is small enough to be entirely covered by foot. perched on a plateau in the Dangs forest area in the Sahyadri range of mountains, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. The town has an image of a serpent on the banks of the river Sarpganga which is worshipped by adivasis or tribals.
Vansda National Park:
Vansda National Park: Originally, a private forest of maharaja of Vansada, the park now covers on area of 24 sq kms. Despite its small size the park harbours tiger, leopard, pangolin, rusty-spotted cat, python, giant squirrel, fourhorned antelope etc. Prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, of Gandhinagar or DFO, Ahwa is required before visiting the park.
SaputaraPurna Sanctuary:
Purna Sanctuary: Covering an area of 160 sq kms, Purna Sanctuary is a part of a dense moist deciduous forest in the Western Ghat of Gujarat. Situated at Mahal, 60 kms, north of Dangs, the sanctuary is crossed by Purna and Gira rivers. There are bamboo lined pathways for trekkers. Prior permission is necessary for visiting.
Boating:
The Saputara Lake surrounded by greenery makes it pleasurable to sail in the lake in a row or paddle boat.
Sunrise Point:
It is a point which offers the best view of Saputara and adjoining Malegoan could be reached after a walk of 1.5 km in the direction of Waghai. The naming restricts the tourist traffic to this best place as tourists believe that the point should only be visited at sun rise, however, one may visit it at any time of the day to catch a panoramic view. The Tata Consultancy Services has suggested renaming this point as Valley View Point to enhance tourist traffic.
The Ropeway:
A ten minutes ride across the valley to the sunset point organised by Hotel Vaity.
Shopping
You may pick up some trinkets like pen stands and key chains in bamboo et al from the Gandharvapur Artist Village as souvenirs and gift items from Saputara.
Excursion
Mahal Bardipura ForestFrom Saputara you may move ahead to the wildlife sanctuary in the Mahal Bardipura forest. At a distance of 60 km from Saputara the Mahal Bardipura forest is bestowed with rivers and bamboo glades thus offering excellent walking and trekking options.
Then there are the Gira waterfalls that make excellent excursion option from Saputara. Just 52 km away from Saputara the Gira Waterfalls should not be missed especially during the months of June to November.
Weather
The hill resort of Saputara promises to refresh the tourists throughout the year with its cool weather. Saputara does not experience any extreme temperature variations and is an ideal getaway for the sun-scorched souls of the plains. The monsoon rains add to the magic of Saputara. Thus you may plan your trip to the Saputara hills any time of the year the best time is from middle of March to middle of November
Location
Saputara is situated in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Range at an altitude of 873 m above sea level.
Travel Info
Saputara is 420 kms from Ahmedabad, 589 kms from Bhavnoagar, 603 kms from Rajkot , 172 kms from Surat, 80 kms from Nasik, 185 kms from Mumbai.
Air:
Mumbai is the nearest airport, 185 km away.
Rail:
Nasik is also most convenient railhead.
Road:
There is bus facility from Nasik and Surat.
Accommodation
Accommodation is easily available at Saputara. There are few hotels in Saputara besides the cottages and the log huts that offer a comfortable stay at Saputara. For food along with the hotels there are several restaurants and wayside stalls to cater to needs of the tourists to Saputara. Even the Gujarat Tourism Corporation runs a well-equipped station at Saputara.
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