Saputara, although unknown to most people outside the region, is famous in Gujarat as the
The town is located on a plateau of the Sahyadari range, 1,000 m above sea level. The altitude ensures pleasant weather throughout the year. While there are a couple of touristic sights and activities in Saputara, the main attraction of the place is to wander amid the enchanting mountains and valleys, exploring the fascinating scenery and revelling in the serenity as you walk along.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Saputara Tribal Museum
The museum has a rather un-illuminating collection relating to tribal life and culture. Some of the more interesting exhibits are the local musical instruments, weapons and Warli paintings.
Gandhavpur Artists’ Village
Started in 1983, the artists’ village in Saputara is a unique initiative of the alumni of the Fine Arts Department of MS University. The village is a green space with a few cottages, house studios, residences, a gallery and a store. The store has an interesting collection of hand-crafted jewellery, knick-knacks and bottles decorated with papier-mâché.
The village also hosts artists from different places and backgrounds and gives them a space to exhibit their work. Art camps are organised for students as well.
To reach Gandharvapur, take the dirt path branching off from the bridge near Sugar ‘n Spice. A dam is being constructed near by and once it is completed, water will surround the village, making it an island.
Honeybee Centre
The honeybee centre is a small enclosure where organic honey is harvested and sold. There are a few beehives here to demonstrate how honey is harvested.
For a demonstration, contact Raju Madhwala (08469544831) in advance. The honeybee centre might be closed during festivals or in the low season, so it is best to call before visiting. It is 100 m away from the Artist’s Village, behind Aakar Lord’s Inn.
Saputara Lake
The picturesque Saputara lake, nestled between hills, is a popular boating spot with pedal and row boats. At its bank, there is a temple to the snake god, the titular deity of the town. A statue of the snake god has been installed here.
Sunset Point
Sunset Point is the cliff on the western periphery of Saputara. About a kilometre away from the lake, it is accessible through a gently sloping road. Motor vehicles are not allowed beyond Chitrakoot Hotel, making the walk quite a peaceful experience.
There is a cable car (Timings: 9.00am-1.00pm, 2.00-7.00pm; Tickets: ₹50) at the Sunset Point which takes you across the valley to the Vaity Ropeway Resort on Governor’s Hill. However, a joyride is not guaranteed – when there are not enough tourists, it is entirely up to the operator whether or not he feels like obliging visitors.
At the other end of town, the Sunrise Point and close to it, the Echo Point offer spectacular views of the valley.
Saputara Adventure Park
The Saputara Adventure Park (Cell: 09099020777; Email: contact@ climbingworld.com) conducts many sports and activities like parasailing, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, zorbing, trekking, mountain biking and horse riding. It is located on top of Governor Hill.
Hatgadh Fort
Situated on the state border between Gujarat and Maharashtra, Hatgadh Fort is most conveniently accessed through Saputara. It is believed that Shivaji built this fort. Not much remains of the citadel now apart from its battlements, a few ruined structures, reservoirs and wells. However, the views from the ramparts are stunning.
At the entrance of the fort, there are engraved figures of deities and a few artificial caves. One of these is currently inhabited by an old sadhu (ascetic), whom you can see wandering around.
Frequent shared jeeps (Rs. 10) run from the roundabout near Sugar ‘n Spice to Hatgadh, from where the fort is a short walk away. While earlier, reaching the fortress involved a steep uphill climb, a winding road has now been constructed that takes you to almost its entrance.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Gujarat Tourism’s Toran Hill Resort (Tel: 02631-237226; Tariff: ₹1,500-6,600) offers cottages with great views. Vaity Ropeway Resort (Tel: 237210-14; Tariff: ₹3,990-4,990, with meals) is on the hilltop and offers ropeway rides. Savshanti Lake Resort (Tel: 237292 Tariff: Rs. 3,000-4,000) and Hotel Anando (Tel: 237202-03; Tariff: ₹2,000-4,500, with meals) are close to the lake. Hotel Patang Lords Eco Inn (Tel: 237251, 237331; Tariff: ₹5,500-7,700, with meals) and Hotel Chitrakoot Hill Resort (Tel: 237221/37; Tariff: ₹3,600-4,000, with meals) are all good options.
When to go All year Location At 3,200 ft in the Dangs district Air Nearest airport: Surat Rail Nearest rail: Waghai, Billimora
Gujarat
Hatgadh Fort
hills