Best Place for the Holiday is Saputara & surroundings Places

SAPUTARA AND DANGS
At the Southern tip of Gujarat, folded into the densely wooded hills of the Sahayadris, lies the abode of serpents- Saputara. In the picturesque Dangs district, this is a hill station with a difference, where you can immerse yourself in a timeless land that’s still pretty much the way God made it. After all legend has it that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests.
The Tribals of DangsTribes like Bhils, Kunbis, Warlis, and Gamits inhabit Dangs. They are known for their dances, which are performed wearing masks made out of Bamboo and Wood.
The Dangs Demograhics and Climate
Area: 1,725 sq. km.Population: 1.5 lacs with 94% population as TribalsLocation: Southeast of Gujarat.
Climate
Summers
32’ to 27’ C
Winters
22’ to l7’ C
Rains
Mid June to end Oct.
Variation in temp
9.2’ C (Min.) to 36.416 (Max.)
Visitors can cover Dangs in the following three circuits.
Saputara Town
Waghai
Mahal
SAPUTARA TOWN
Long walks along the beautiful lake are some of the treats of this uncluttered and simple hill station. The more adventurous can trek down to nearby villages, the Hatgadh Fort or the legendary Pandava Caves.The hill station does not require any local transport and is best covered on foot. Some of its highlights are:
The RopewarA ten-minute ride straddles the valley to the Sunset Point. The comfortable coupe is safe and ideal for a family. The view from the halt midway is breathtaking, unforgettable on a moonlit night. Refreshments are also available at Sunset Point and at the Vaity restaurant.
BoatingRight in the heart of the valley is the extremely calm Saputara Lake. Row and paddleboats are available for hire.
Valley View PointA bird’s eye view of the valley, a somewhat adventurous climb (1-1.5 km)
Sunset PointThere's picturesque view of the sunset over the entire valley. Visitors can climb or use the ropeway to approach the point.
Artist VillageVisitors can pick up fine pieces of pottery, jewellery, vases, paintings, pen stands, key chains, all made from bamboo chips and other locally found material. Children can learn to make simple items in the workshop organised by the craftsmen.
MuseumThere is a small museum with a tribal theme displaying the lifestyle, ornaments and musical instruments of the tribes of Dangs. There is also a workshop making some of the traditional displays.
GardensThe Lake garden, Step Garden and the Rose Garden offers scenic places for the tourist to laze in, while walking around Saputara.
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WAGHAI
49 km from Saputara begins the town of Waghai around which many delightful tourist spots are situated. The drive itself is scenic and the air pure and refreshing. Highlights of this circuit are:
Gira FallsA km. off the Saputara-Waghai Road leads to a vast clearing where the picturesque Gira Falls emerging from the Kapri tributary can be viewed. An absolute must from June to November. Visitors can get refreshments from a small tea and snack stall. Picnic Huts make it an ideal spot for relaxing and picnicking.
Botanical GardenIt's a large (24-hectare) garden with 1,400 varieties of plants from all over India. The amateur nature lover can marvel at different varieties of bamboo like the Chinese Bamboo, Golden Bamboo, Beer Bottle Bamboo etc. and enjoy strolling along the beautiful walkways each lined with different species of tree. Visitors can also pick up cactus plants and enjoy a picnic at the picnic spot in the garden. Permission is required to enter. Drinking water and toilet facilities are available.
ShopgingA small private outlet selling locally crafted items fashioned out of Bamboo roots and chips. Unique items like the big sized bamboo lamps, kangaroos, deer are available only here and not elsewhere in the region.
Unnai Mata tempte and Hot SpringsA drive of about 19 kms. from Waghai brings one to the Unnai Mata temple. Visitors can bathe in the hoc spring attached to this famous temple of considerable historical significance.
Vanil UdyogA sprawling sawmill cum woodworking unit, which also sells furniture that, the tourist can book and get delivered by paying an advance. The visitor can enjoy a guided tour and watch the transformation of logs of wood into tasteful furniture. Permission is required to enter. Vanil Udyog provides employees to assist as tour guides. Drinking water facilities are available.
Vansda National ParkA rich and old forest predominantly covered by very tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers. The forest is extremely dense and some parts are dark even during normal daytime. The forest is a habitat of Monkeys, Deer, a few Leopards and a wide species of birds. Permission is required to enter the Park.
AmbapadaA typical Dangi Village located about 1 km off the Saputara-Waghai Road, near the Gira Falls. The route to it is somewhat tricky but very scenic as it is surrounded on all sides by lush and tall bamboo. The tourist can take a walk in and around the village and also see some tribals engaged in the making of toys and lamps out of bamboo roots.
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MAHAL
The Mahal Region situated 60 km away from Saputara is dominated by the Purna Sanctuary. The longish drive passes through the most beautiful parts of Dangs with high wooded slopes of bamboo. It is endowed with rivers & bamboo glades and is a must for picnics walks and treks.
Purna SanctuaryA vast and rich forest laced with the Purna and Gira rivers. The hilly region with its cool interiors would tempt any tourist to explore. You would need a pair of sturdy shoes and packed lunch to best explore the cool interior of this hilly forest. Less strenuous ang easy walks are pleasurable. Picnic huts are also available for use. Permission is required to enter the forest.
Girmal FallsEasily the most marvelous sight during monsoons, the Girmal Falls is a little off the Mahal-Singana Road. The approach leads via a tribal village to a steep fall on the Gira River. The facing hillside is rich with rare flora and is worth exploring by the more adventurous trekkers. Provision for light refreshments are available. Picnic huts are available for use.
Cultural Show at AhwaAs the tourist heads back to Saputara, a halt at Ahwa to enjoy the fast paced and acrobatic Dangi Dance would be the best way to say goodbye to Dangs. The dance had been performed at the Festival of India in Paris and is one of the most entertaining dances of this region. Held at the open-air theatre Rangupvan, it's worth giving a visit.
Dangs DarbarAn annual colourful tribal festival held prior to Holi (generally March/April), at Ahwa. its a five day fun filled colourful affair where the tribals congregate to celebrate an old custom of political pensions given to the tribal kings. There is merry making, dance and music, colour and a brisk buying and selling of tribal wares. The tourist can participate and enjoy the festivities of this unique celebration.Related ArticleDang Darbar Festival
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Getting ThereBy Road: From Bombay - Private Luxury bus on alternate days during season (Modern Travels) From Surat/Ahmedabad/Baroda -ST buses.If you are driving down in your own car, be sure to fill petrol near Waghai (51 Kms. from Saputara) or at a petrol pump 40 Kms. towards Nasik before you enter Saputara as there are no petrol pumps in Saputara,
Distances By Road Bombay 255km (via Nasik, Mah.) 345km (via Chikli, Guj.)Surat 135kmAhmedabad 400km
By Railway The nearest railway station is 49 km from Saputara. You can get trains for Bilimora, Nasik, Valsad, Waghai (narrow gauge)
By Air - Nearest Airport Surat and Bombay
Local TransportHired jeeps from Ahwa are available. Organised tours within and outside Saputara in mini-buses by Chitrakoot/Vaity during peak seasons (two buses). Organised tours by TCGL.
Where to stay At Saputara, the private runs a decent range of hotels sector as well as by TCGL. Book in advance during the peak season. You can negotiate discounts during off peak seasons.
GENERAL TIPS FOR VISITORS
Don’t forget to bring a pair of sturdy shoes suitable for walking & trekking.
Please don’t litter the forest area with plastic bags and other waste. Apart from being ugly, this can be dangerous to animals.
Add to your pleasure by bringing a pair of binoculars to better observe the rich birdlife of the region.
The night sky at Saputara is remarkably clear. If interested in astronomy, don’t forget your telescope and starcharts.
A light haversack to carry some packed lunch (recommended) and a water bottle will enable hours of pleasurable walking.