Saputara: The “Abode of Serpents”

If you think hill stations are only in the Himalayas or the Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, think again. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Gujarat, nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri range, lies Dang district – home to Gujarat’s only hill station: Saputara. This place feels like a dream world – misty mountains in winter, lush green forests echoing with peacock calls in the monsoon, and cool, pleasant breezes even in summer. Let’s dive into the story of this extraordinary land.

Saputara: The “Abode of Serpents”

The name Saputara literally means “home of serpents” (from sap = snake, tara = abode). Near the Sarpagana River, there is a small shrine dedicated to the Snake God, still worshipped by the local tribal community. During the Holi festival, special snake worship is performed here – a testament to the ancient, deep‑rooted tribal beliefs of this land.

Historical Importance & Fascinating Stories

· Lord Rama’s Blessings: According to local legend, Lord Rama spent 11 of his 14 years of exile in the dense forests of Dang. It is believed that this is the very land where he met Shabari, the devout tribal woman who offered him berries. Today, Shabari Dham stands as a major pilgrimage site, keeping the timeless tale of devotion alive.

· The Dang Darbar and Pensioned Kings: During British rule, a grand Dang Darbar (royal assembly) was held here, lasting 15 days. Even after independence, some of the region’s erstwhile kings continue to receive government pensions – a unique historical curiosity.

· Maratha Influence: In the 14th century, the kings of Dang broke away from the Mughals and established independent rule. Later, this region also came under the influence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, adding another layer to its rich history.

Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

· Gujarat’s Only “Un‑spoiled” Hill Station: Yes, Saputara is Gujarat’s only hill station, but its biggest charm is that it remains un‑spoiled by commercialisation. It feels refreshingly authentic.

· Second Highest Peak in the Sahyadris: Saputara sits at an altitude of approximately 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), making it the second highest peak in the Sahyadri range.

· A Symbol of Women Empowerment: Purnima Pakvasa, lovingly called “Dang ki Didi”, established the Ritambhara Vishwa Vidyapeeth here, working for over five decades to empower tribal women through education and skill development.

· Gujarat’s Best Forest Stay: Dang offers some of the finest forest stay experiences in the state – you can actually spend a night inside the jungle, surrounded by nature.

What to See and Do in Dang

· Saputara Lake – Boating, horse riding, and a peaceful promenade.

· Echo Point – Shout out, and your voice echoes back from the hills.

· Sunrise & Sunset Points – Breathtaking views of the entire valley.

· Gira Waterfall – At its roaring best during the monsoon.

· Hatgadh Fort – A rewarding trek for adventure lovers.

· Nageshwar Mahadev Temple – Ancient and serene.

· Botanical Museum – Learn about the region’s flora and fauna.

· Artist Village – Showcases local tribal art and crafts.

Best Time to Visit

Saputara is beautiful all year round, but the best time is October to February (winter), when the weather is cool, crisp and perfect for sightseeing. The monsoon (July to September) transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise with cascading waterfalls. Even summer (March to June) is pleasant, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C – making it a great escape from the scorching heat of the plains.

How to Reach

· By Air: The nearest airport is Surat (approx. 120 km). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Saputara.

· By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Bilimora (50 km) and Waghai (51 km). Bilimora is well‑connected and has regular buses/taxis to Saputara.

· By Road: Saputara is well connected by road to major cities:

· Ahmedabad – 409 km

· Surat – 164 km

· Vadodara – 309 km

· Mumbai – 250 km

State transport buses and private taxis are readily available.

Where to Stay

Saputara offers accommodation for every budget. The Gujarat Tourism Department’s Toran House is a reliable, well‑maintained option. There are also several private hotels and resorts offering good amenities. For a unique experience, try one of the forest stays – you can stay in eco‑cottages deep inside the jungle, falling asleep to the sounds of nature.

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So, the next time you plan a hill station getaway, don’t just think of Shimla or Manali. Give Dang’s Saputara a chance – a place where history, spirituality, adventure and nature come together in a beautiful, unspoiled symphony. It will steal your heart.