Superb Hill Station of Saputara in Gujarat State in India

There are many hill stations in India in almost all the states due to various mountains located in them. However, there is only one hill station in the State of Gujarat in India. This hill station is popularly known as Saputara. The meaning of this hill station is the residence of snakes in local language. As this is the only hill station in the State of Gujarat, it attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the country and abroad.

Saputara is situated near the border of the Gujarat and Maharashtra States in Dang district. It is the highest summit of Sahyadri mountains range in Gujarat State. It is situated at the height of around 5000 feet from mean sea level. It is situated around 100 miles away from city of Surat, 72 miles away from city of Valsad, 48 miles from Nasik, and 250 miles from Ahmedabad. The best option to reach Saputara is by train up to Valsad and in hired car or taxi or State transport buses thereafter. The local tribes staying here pray snakes as their god. Saputara is full of beautiful site seeing spots that are loved by all tourists. The most famous places are the sunrise and sunset points. These points are around 4 miles away from the city center. The tourists can easily walk up to these points to enjoy the most scenic views of sunrise and sunset in the Sahyadri mountains range. The next spot is the echo point. At this point, if you shout once, your own voice is heard three times consecutively due to the natural layout of valleys. The view of entire nearby area from this point is also very impressive. The local museum is full of the ancient specimens pertaining to ancient tribes of Dang district. This museum helps all tourists to learn about the history of this lovely hill station. The river Sarpganga flows near this hill station. The entire area near by Saputara is covered with dense and thick forests. The places like Madhuvan, and valley view are also excellent picnic spots for one day outing from Saputara. The bee's centre that develops millions of bees is also worth visiting here. The pure natural honey is produced here in large quantity at this center. One bottle of half liter is sold at this center at the cost of around Rs.60 ($1.25). There is also a lake available here before around five years. There is a facility of boating at early morning and evening hours in this lake. The temple of goddess Ambaji is also very famous here amongst the tourists. The large fair is held every year at Saputara during Navratri days at this Ambaji temple that lasts for all nine days of Navratri.

There are many excellent hotels available at Saputara for the tourists like Hotel Madhuvan, Shilpi holiday resort, Hotel Hill Top, Hotel Sagar, and Hotel Ambika. All these hotels offer three star facilities at the rate of around Rs.2000 ($40) per day for a double room. We had stayed at Shilpi Holiday Resort that provides all inclusive facilities at the rate of around Rs.5000 ($110) for two nights and three days per couple including all vegetarian meals. The taxis are easily available at Saputara from city center for visiting all nearby site seeing spots. Such taxis charge around Rs.1200 ($25) per day for eight hours up to travel of around 120 miles. Almost all types of Indian food delicacies are available at Saputara for the tourists. There is a small market selling wooden handicrafts, woolen shawls, and beautiful wooden toys. The best time to visit this beautiful hill station is during the winter months from November to March. It would be better to book your hotel accommodation in advance as there is a heavy rush of tourists, particularly during Diwali and Christmas holidays.

I have visited this beautiful hill station twice in my life and would certainly recommend all my AC friends and readers to visit this hill station to enjoy the beauty of this virgin hill station of Gujarat State.