Heaven in the Rain: Saputara, Gujarat’s Crown Jewel of Hill Stations
Nestled in the lush Sahyadri mountain range at 1100 meters above sea level, Saputara stands as Gujarat’s one and only hill station. Rich in forest cover and natural beauty, this gem in Dang district attracts tourists across all classes—from middle to upper-middle and even luxury travelers. Bordering Maharashtra, Saputara remains an all-season favorite for families, trekkers, and nature lovers.
What Makes Saputara Special?
Upon entering Saputara, the welcoming fountain at the Swagat Circle, vibrant flowers, and fresh air immediately captivate the senses. Curvy, snake-like hill roads lead you through dense forests and fresh breezes, offering a refreshing escape from city life.
Tourists are greeted by food stalls and a large parking zone. Behind it lies the Tribal Museum, showcasing the life, customs, and rich culture of the local Dang tribes. A large serpent sculpture (Nagraj) in the museum courtyard is a major selfie spot for visiting families.
Monsoon Delight: Hot Snacks at Devipada
Just 30 km before Saputara lies Devipada village, a favorite pitstop for tourists—especially those from Surat—who indulge in piping hot bhajiyas during their journey. With monsoon in full bloom, the hills come alive with greenery, drawing crowds to experience nature up close.
Serpent Lake (Sarpaganga Talav) Reopens for Boating
After being closed for nearly a year due to state-wide safety concerns following boating mishaps in Rajkot and Vadodara, boating has resumed at Sarpaganga Lake under new safety guidelines. Families now enjoy serene boat rides, and the reopening has also revived local livelihoods with over 20 tribal youths employed in bike rentals, Segway rides, and lakeside stalls.
Witness Magical Sunrise and Sunset Points
Saputara’s Sunrise and Sunset Points offer breathtaking views of the sun emerging or disappearing behind the mountains in hues of red and orange. These spots have basic safety and accessibility features, ensuring tourists can peacefully enjoy the scenery.
Other top attractions include:
- Governor Hill
- Boating Point
- Eco Point
- Temples like Ashtavinayak, Nageshwar, Jain, and Swaminarayan
- Brahma Kumaris Art Gallery
- Artist Village
- Step Garden
- Vanushadhi Garden
- Van Chetna Kendra
- Rose, Millennium & Lake Gardens
- Honeybee Breeding Center
- Ambika Darshan and more
A Foodie’s Heaven
Saputara caters to all tastes—from traditional Gujarati thalis to Punjabi, South Indian, Chinese, and fast food. Non-veg lovers can relish both local and international chicken dishes. Popular food spots include Khaaugalli at the Museum Courtyard, Sai Bazaar dhabas, and various eateries across the town offering delicious meals to suit all budgets.
Local Produce and Handicrafts
The region is known for:
- Fresh strawberries, blackberries, grapes, raisins
- Natural honey and jelly-jams
- Local snacks like jamrukh, cucumbers, bor, and spiced milk
- Ragi/nagli items and bamboo pickles
- Souvenirs: bamboo crafts, imitation jewelry, and fabric/terracotta jewelry made by local artisans
Boost to the Hotel and Tourism Industry
Saputara’s popularity has fueled the local tourism industry. From budget lodges to luxury hotels like Shilpi, Lake View, Lords Aakar, and Hotel Toran (run by Gujarat Tourism), visitors have ample accommodation options. During peak seasons, the Tent City is also set up for immersive nature stays. Local youth assist tourists with guide services, room bookings, and photography.
Weather in Saputara
Due to its high altitude, Saputara enjoys cool weather year-round:
- Winter: 8°C to 28°C
- Summer: 28°C to 38°C
Surprising hailstorms and frequent monsoon showers enhance the scenic beauty, especially from June to August. Nearly 1.5 million tourists visit Saputara annually.
Celebrations All Year Round
To make every trip memorable, the state government organizes festivals such as:
- Kite Festival
- Spring Festival (Vasantotsav)
- Monsoon Festival
- Summer Festival
- Diwali Festival
- Winter Festival
- Food & Paragliding Festivals
Saputara is also emerging as a shooting location for Gujarati and Hindi films and a preferred wedding destination due to its scenic gardens.
What the Locals Say
Jayashree Thakkar, a local market vendor, proudly shares how they craft fabric and terracotta jewelry themselves. “With Navratri approaching, fabric jewelry is in high demand,” she says.
Ram Adhar, a horse rider at Table Point, explains how the tourist season (June to August) brings good income, especially from Surat visitors.
Saltetia Pawar, a youth involved in boating at Sarpaganga Lake, says, “Now that the lake is open again, we’re back to work from 9 AM to 8 PM. It was tough when it was shut.”
What Visitors Are Saying
Akashbhai, a tourist from Surat, shared, “Boating at Sarpaganga Lake was a lot of fun. We were waiting for this to reopen and enjoyed it thoroughly with our family.”A group of senior women from Surat said, “We came to unwind from our daily routines. Shopping, cycling, and tasting the famous bhajiyas and local honey has been a refreshing break.”
