Saputara- True Heaven For Trekking, Wildlife And Nature Lovers

Saputara
Image: HolidayIQ

Saputara is a hill station positioned on the Maharashtra – Gujarat border in Dang district.

This hill station is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and is truly blessed  with waterfalls, pleasant weather, bewitching mountains, gardens and sheer beauty.

Saputara
Image courtesy: Gujarat Tourism

This hilly region is capped with lush greenery all 12 months of the year.

‘Saputara’ translates to ‘habitat of snakes’ and the tribals of this region worship snakes, especially during Holi. It also holds mythological importance and it is believed that Lord Ram stayed here for 11 years.

Getting There:

Train: There is only one train from Pune to Saputara, Saputara doesn’t have its own railway station. Waghai railhead is the nearest station to reach Saputara.

Road: It is well connected by road and there are a number of private and state-run buses go to Saputara. However, regulars recommend driving yourself to enjoy the drive and the scenic beauty.

Get onto NH60 Pune – Manchar- Narayangoan- sangamner- Deolali- Khirad-Borgoan- Saputara.

Saputara
Image courtesy: Gujarat Tourism

Places to Visit:

Artist Village

PC: Gujarat Tourism

Artist Village is just a few kilometres away from Saputara lake, the village exhibits spectacular handcrafted bamboo artefacts, clothes and many other things. The main tribals residing in Artist village are Bhil, Kunbi, and Warli.  Apart from buying their magnificent art, one can also enrol in their workshop to learn and create something different.

Vansda National Park

PC: Nature Conservation

Stretched over an area of 23.39sqkm, Vansda National Park is located at a distance of 22 miles from the town of Saputara. It is also known as Bansda national park.

The name Vansda is derived from the Maharaja of Vansda village. It became a protected area in the year 1979 and is home to many animals and reptiles.

The rhesus macaque, Hanuman langur, small Indian civet, four-horned antelope, wild boar, barking deer, hyena, jungle cat, flying squirrel can be found here. Apart from this the other attractions in the National park includes Gira Falls and the conservation centre.

Hatgadh Fort

PC: HolidayIQ

Located on the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, It was built by Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and to reach the top one need to trek for 3,600 ft.

There is a Ganesh Idol on top of the fort. It is a perfect spot to relax, and enjoy the breeze.

The Lake Garden, Pandava Gufa, Sunrise point, step garden, Honey bees centre, Saputara Tribal Museum, Sunset Point, Saputara lake, Gira Waterfall, Forest Nursery and their Monsoon festival are some of the other tourist attractions is Saputara worth visiting.

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#All images and details are purely indicative and readers are advised to check finer details, safety regulations etc at the respective destinations.

 

Ankita Malekar