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Saputara is a scenic hill resort, situated on the second
highest plateau of the Sahyadris, at an altitude of
about 875 metres. It is situated in Dang district of
the Maharashtra- Gujrat border, which is the most thickly
forested area in Gujarat, and reflects the vibrant tribal
culture of the area. Legend has it that Lord Rama spent
11 years of his exile in these very forests.
Saputara is surrounded with breathtaking natural beauty
and is becoming a favourite getaway for the urban man.
The climate here is cool and bracing throughout the
year. The monsoon is the most pleasant season with small
waterfalls all around and the hill resort looking beautifully
green.
Saputara literally means ‘the abode of serpents’.
The town has an image of a serpent on the banks of the
river Sarpganga which is worshipped by adivasis or tribals,
who come here on festival days like Holi and Vash Darash.
Saputara has been developed as a planned hill resort
with hotels, parks, swimming pools theatres and a museum.
It has several gardens and other picturesque locations.
The resort is also equipped with adventure sports facilities
like paragliding, and is small enough to be explored
entirely on foot.
Vansada National Park:
This park was originally a private forest of Maharaja
of Vansada. It now covers an area of 24 sq kms. Despite
its small size, the park is rich in wildlife and is
home to tigers, leopards, pangolins, rusty-spotted cats,
pythons, giant squirrels, four-horned antelopes and
many other animals. However, prior permission is required
from the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gandhinagar or DFO,
Ahwa, before visiting the park.
Purna Sanctuary:
Situated at Mahal, 60 kms. north of Dangs, the Purna
Sanctuary is crossed by Purna and Gira rivers. It covers
an area of 160 sq kms, and forms a part of a dense,
moist, deciduous forest in the Western Ghats of Gujarat.
The longish drive to the sanctuary passes through the
most beautiful parts of Dangs with high wooded slopes
of bamboo. The sanctuary also has bamboo lined pathways
for trekkers. It requires prior permission for visiting.
Sunrise Point:
Saputara is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and
sunsets. The Sunrise Point offers just that, along with
a captivating view of Saputara and adjoining Malegoan.
The naming restricts the tourist traffic to this place,
since 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. It has been
suggested to rename this point as Valley View Point
to enhance tourist traffic.
Boating:
The Saputara Lake is a placid lake, surrounded by greenery.
It is a fine spot to take a boat ride in row boat or
paddle boat, while enjoying the view.
Pushpak Ropeway:
This ropeway is nearly one km long and is usually busy
in the evenings. Children and young couples eagerly
await their turn on the country’s longest ropeway.
It is reached by a ten minute ride across the valley
to the sunset point.
Shopping:
One may pick up some bamboo handicrafts as souvenirs
and gift items from Gandharvapur Artist Village.
Seasons to visit:
Saputara does not have any extreme temperature variations
and is cool throughout the year. However, it is best
experienced during the monsoons from mid-March to mid-November.
Getting there:
By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Nasik,
76 kms on Central Railway. Another alternative is Waghai,
on the Billimora- Waghi narrow gauge section of the
Western Railway. Billimora is another convenient rail
head as direct bus service is available from there to
Mumbai.
By Road: Saputara is connected by road to Mumbai (185
kms), Ahmedabad (420 kms), Bhavnagar (589 kms), Rajkot
(603 kms), Surat (172 kms) and Nasik (80 kms).
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