| Location: 160 kms from Surat, Gujarat.
Altitude: 1000m Above Sea Level.
Main Attractions: Saputara Lake, Ropeway.
Best Season: April To Early July.  Gujarat's picturesque hill station is perched on a plateau at an altitude of about 1000m in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadari Range. It has a cool bracing climate, the highest temperature even in the summer months not exceeding 28 degrees Centigrade. Saputara is situated 160 kms from Surat. Legend has it that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests.
'Saputara' means the 'abode of serpents' and a snake image on the banks of the river Sarpagana is worshipped by the 'adivasis' (tribals) on festivals like Holi.
Saputara has been developed as a planned hill resort with hotels, parks, swimming pools theatres and a museum. It has several gardens, picturesque locations and a cool bracing climate even in the hot summer months making it an ideal getaway. The resort is equipped with adventure sports facilities like paragliding.
The thick forest around Saputara is dotted with Adivasi tribal, villages and heir unique dance is great interest to visitors.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Saputara Lake: Right in the heart of the valley is the extremely calm Saputara Lake where row and paddleboats are available on hire.
Valley View Point: A bird's eye view of the valley, a somewhat adventurous climb (1-1.5 km).
Sunset View Point: A lovely view of the sunset over the entire valley. Visitors can climb or use the ropeway to approach the point.
Gardens In Saputara: The Lake Garden, the Step Garden and the Rose Garden offer scenic places for the tourist to laze in, while walking around Saputara.
The Ropeway: A ten-minute ride straddles the valley to the Sunset Point. The comfortable coupe is safe and ideal for a family. The view from the halt midway is truly breathtaking. Sunrise Point should also not be missed.
Gandharvapur Artist Village: Visitors can pick up pretty pieces of pottery, jewellery, vases, paintings, pen stands, key chains all made from bamboo chips and other locally found material. Children can learn to make simple items in the workshop organized by the craftsmen.
Museum: A small museum with a tribal theme displaying the lifestyle, ornaments and musical instruments of the tribes of Dangs. There is also a workshop making some of the traditional displays.
Other places of interest in Saputara include the Honey Centre, Forest Nursery, Horse Riding, Log Hut, Governor Hill and Echo point.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions from Saputara can be made to the wild life sanctuary in the Mahal Bardipara Forest, 60 kms from the resort and the Gira Waterfalls 52 kms away. |
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