Saputara Hill Station situated in the Sahyadri range of Western Ghats is one such hidden gem you should visit next. A well-known hill station that is famous for its scenic views, lush landscapes, and of course cool temperature makes it one the best escapes from daily busy life. Whatever you are — an adventure soul, nature lover, or a pilgrim seeking solace in the shackles of the materialistic world Saputara has something for all.
Why Saputara is a Hidden Gem
Saputara, the ‘Abode of Serpents’, is no doubt one among several hill stations in India yet its charm remains untouched. With 1,000 meters of altitude, Saputara maintains a pleasant climate all year round offering perfect conditions for you to take some days off.
Rather than less, Saputara is more famous for its pristine surroundings. Unlike any other tourist place, Saputara is not overcrowded so you can step into nature without hustle. Every inch and corner of Saputara has something different from lush green forests, and picturesque lakes to beautiful tribal villages. Minner points.
Top Places to Visit in Saputara Hill Station
1. Saputara Lake
The center of the hill station serves boating and a beautiful view of surrounding hills 3 km away from the Bus Stand. Perfect for an evening walk or a family picnic, with manicured gardens around the lake
2. Sunrise Point or Valley View Point
Romance in the air at Sunrise Point to catch a sight of sunrise over Sahyadri mountains Valley view of the round is heart taking, early morning mist makes the atmosphere magic.
3. Echo Point
As its name, Echo Point allows visitors to shout out loud and then hear their voices turning back from across hills. One of the favorite places for visitors young and old to see what kind of acoustics this cave provides!
4. Gira Waterfalls
Gira Waterfalls | Distance: 52 km If you are a nature seeker, the striking Gira Falls is an ideal spot for your thirsty eyes. During the monsoon, water would fall from a height of approximately 30 meters into a nice pool; this waterfall is located in a central colony.
5. Artist Village
The vibrant tribal identity of Saputara comes alive in Artist Village, showcasing the arts and crafts skills of local tribe artisans. Here you can see them in action and purchase a hand-crafted piece as a souvenir.
6. Saputara Tribal Museum
Saputara Tribal Museum: Know the rich tribal history of the region The museum also contains many traditional artifacts, clothing, jewelry, and tools of the local tribes that help to give visitors an understanding of how these people lived.
7. Hatgadh Fort
Bordering the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Hatgadh Fort is yet another ancient fort overlooking miles of rolling terrain. An ideal place to visit for trekkers and history lovers, this fort was built by the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji.
8. Step Garden
Step Garden of Saputara is a beautifully landscaped garden with various levels containing thousands of flowering plants surrounded by tranquility. Fringed with a dense cover of tall trees the lake may be no more than one and a half kilometers long, but its surroundings offer refreshing air to take that stroll in this hill station.
Best Time To Visit Saputara
The most conducive time to visit Saputara Hill station is from October to February when the weather here remains cool and pleasing which is prominent for sightseeing or other outdoor activities. Monsoon season (June — Sept) is equally a good time to visit where you will notice the mountains in lush green colors and flow of Gira Waterfalls. The summer is a bit hot (It ranges from March to May), but compared with the plains, you can see that even when it does, this hill station starts to offer cooler.
Things You Can Do in Saputara
Boating: Take a laid-back boat trip on the Saputara Lake which rests placidly in between picturesque hills covered with verdant grass.
Trekking: You can opt for one of the trekking trails in Saputara which will traverse through thick forests and hilly regions, a delight for adventure lovers.
Paragliding: Adventure seekers can also indulge in paragliding here, to make their experience more thrilling and see the landscape from different aerial views.
Nature Walks: Enjoy the serenity of nature and walk amongst forests & gardens at Saputara.
Camping: Pitch a tent around the lake or drop it in amidst woods for an overnight stay under the star-lit sky.
How to Reach Saputara
Saputara is accessible by road from the main cities of Gujarat & Maharashtra.
By Road: Fully 250 km from Pune and roughly 172km/105 mi west of Surat, it is on the edge of State Highway DANG06. Saputara on the other is a scenic drive with fantastic views of Western Ghats.
By train: The nearest railway station is Waghai which is located at a distance of around 50 km from Saputara. You can hire a taxi from there or you may even opt to take the bus that will drop you at Goa.
The nearest airport is Surat International Airport, 156km away. A bus or a cab can be taken from the airport to reach Saputara.
Where to Stay in Saputara
Accommodation: Several options for accommodation including budget hotels and luxury resorts are located in Saputara. Some popular options include:
Hotel Lake View: Overlooking Saputara Lake from its heart, Hotel Lake View provides luxurious accommodations with contemporary facilities.
Aakar Lords Inn: This is a popular luxury resort that has top-notch services and amenities, such as a pool & spa.
Savshanti Lake Resort: Located in the vicinity of Saputara Lake, this is another resort for people who want to relax amidst nature.
Final Thoughts
This unexplored gem of Gujarat is Saputara Hill Station, which coordinates the perfect amalgam of nature experiences, adventure, and cultural brilliance. Be it a weekend or a longer holiday – Saputara has just about everything to offer and will rejuvenate you. So, pack your bags and head to Munnar for a memorable rendezvous in this picturesque hill station.