Saputara is the only hill station in Gujarat, nestled amidst the rolling mountains of the Sahyadri range. Boasting a mild climate, this hill town is a year-round destination that offers different things in different seasons. For example, the monsoon season is the best time to witness the lush green surroundings of this place, while winters are considered an ideal time for exploring every nook and corner of Saputara. Similarly, those wanting to avoid tourist crowds prefer planning a trip in the summer season.
Nestled in the scenic Western Ghats, Saputara is a charming hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Renowned for its pleasant weather and abundance of natural beauty, this town is slowly gaining popularity among tourists. Surrounded by lush green valleys and rolling mountains, Saputara offers an unforgettable experience away from the urban chaos. People from different parts of the country come here to spend some time amidst nature.
Apart from nature lovers, this hill town also makes an ideal destination for thrill seekers. From trekking to bungee jumping and paragliding, there are plenty of adventurous sports activities one can indulge in. Additionally, this town is also home to an awe-inspiring museum that enthrals a large number of history buffs. This place displays an extensive collection depicting the culture and history of local tribal communities. So no matter what your preferences are, you’ll always find several interesting things to do in Saputara.
How to Reach?
Being a popular tourist destination in Gujarat, Saputara is easily accessible from other parts of the country. Here’s how you can get there:
- By Air: The easiest way to reach Saputara is by flying to Surat International Airport, which is located at an approximate distance of 116 km. This airport is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, with regular flights operated by various airlines. After reaching Surat, you can hire a private taxi to get to Saputara.
- By Train: With an approximate distance of 112 km, Bilimora railway station is the nearest one to Saputara. You can find several trains to this railway station from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. Once you reach there, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Saputara.
- By Road: This hill town offers seamless connectivity to nearby cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, etc. through well-maintained roads. If you choose to travel by road, you can take a bus, book a taxi or drive yourself.
Best Time to Visit Saputara
With a mild climate, Saputara is one of those places that can be visited throughout the year. This idyllic hill town offers different things in different seasons. But if you’re wondering what the best season to visit Saputara is based on your preference, here is a detailed explanation for you.
Summer (March to June)
Weather Conditions:
Like most other hilly regions in the country, Saputara also experiences a moderate summer season. During these months, the average temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C. While it can get slightly hot and humid in the afternoon, mornings and evenings are relatively cooler. You can head out for sightseeing at any time of day without having to worry about uncomfortable weather conditions.
What to Expect?
If you’re planning for a relaxing vacation, this is the best time to visit Saputara, Gujarat. During these months, tourist crowds start thinning, so you can plan your visit at this time. While you can explore the gardens and vantage points of this beautiful hill town, this season is not suitable for extensive outdoor activities. You can go for early morning/late evening strolls around the town and keep the afternoons to explore indoor places. Additionally, you can also go for small hikes early in the morning to experience an adrenaline rush.
Things to Do:
- Explore the surroundings of Saputara Lake
- Visit the Sunset Point
- Go to the Saputara Tribal Museum
- Take a stroll in the Rose Garden
Monsoon (July to September)
Weather Conditions:
The hill station receives heavy rainfall in July and August, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 27°C. Additionally, strong winds are also present, especially after a downpour. In this season, the weather remains pleasant throughout the day, but overall humidity also increases.
What to Expect?
If you are someone who is fascinated with the rain-washed beauty of hilly areas, this is the best time to visit Saputara. During this time, you’ll get to see lush green valleys and mist-shrouded mountains with a groovy, refreshing breeze. You can enjoy sightseeing and witness the natural beauty of this place at the same time. The entire hill station comes alive with pleasant weather and an earthy aroma in the air.
Although monsoon season is best for a rejuvenating nature retreat, it comes with a few challenges of its own. Sometimes, it can get a little difficult to go from one place to another due to heavy rain. Roads can get extra slippery, leading to major traffic jams. Also, you need to be extra cautious while planning to indulge in some adventurous activity like hiking, trekking, etc.
Things to Do:
- Plan a day picnic at Gira Waterfall
- Attend the Saputara monsoon festival
- Visit the Saputara Tribal Museum
Winter (October to February)
Weather Conditions:
During the winter months, the average temperature can go as low as 8°C in Saputara. For those with a preference for a cooler climate, this season is considered the best time to visit Saputara hill station. In winters, days are relatively warmer with plenty of sunshine, but mornings and evenings can get foggy. Additionally, there is no humidity in this season, which further contributes to the overall comfort.
What to Expect?
Usually, winter is considered the best time to go to Saputara. No matter what kind of vacation you’re aiming for, you will not be disappointed if you plan a trip during these months. In this season, you can head out for sightseeing at any time of the day, as the weather conditions remain favourable. Apart from this, it is also considered the best time for Saputara if you are a thrill seeker. At this time, you can indulge in various activities like boating, trekking, hiking, paragliding, zorbing, etc.
Things to Do:
- Plan a picnic near the Saputara Lake
- Visit the Saputara Tribal Museum
- Explore the nearby Artists' Village
- Go for a trek on the Governor’s Mountain
- Explore the Saputara Ropeway
- Enjoy paragliding and zorbing
Saputara, the hidden gem of Gujarat, is a year-round destination. So, the best season to plan a visit to Saputara entirely depends on your personal preferences. This captivating hill town offers a myriad of experiences in every season. All you need to do is figure out the kind of holiday you’re aiming for and then the best month to visit Saputara according to that. To avoid the hassle of itinerary planning and making other arrangements, you can choose Veena World as your travel partner. We offer an extensive collection of well-crafted Gujarat tour packages that you can choose from and make your trip a memorable affair!
FAQs
Q1. Is there more to do at Saputara Lake than just boating?
Early mornings at the lake are perfect for birdwatching, especially in winter. You can also enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk or even join locals in light morning exercises - a hidden, calm side of the otherwise busy lake.
Q2. Are there any authentic tribal cultural experiences in Saputara?
Visit the Artist Village, a lesser-known spot where you can interact with Dang tribal artisans, try your hand at Warli painting, or buy handcrafted bamboo items and tribal jewellery. All of this supports the local community.
Q3. Are there any sacred or spiritual spots nearby that aren’t well-known?
Yes. The Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, nestled near the Echo Point, is a peaceful and relatively undiscovered hilltop temple. It offers panoramic views and a meditative environment, especially during sunrise.
Q4. Is there a secret garden or nature spot in Saputara?
The Step Garden and Rose Garden are relatively quiet and often overlooked. Best visited in monsoon or post-monsoon, they’re great for relaxing or having a small picnic amid blooms.
Q5. Can you experience local food beyond restaurants in Saputara?
Try the tribal haats (markets) held weekly in the surrounding Dang villages. You’ll find unique snacks, forest honey, mahua sweets, and seasonal fruits like jamun and karonda which are rarely available in city shops.
Q6. Is there any myth or legend associated with the name "Saputara"?
Yes. "Saputara" literally means "abode of serpents", and locals believe that Lord Shiva once lived here. The Shivling at Nageshwar Temple is said to be a site of ancient serpent worship.
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