Gujarat’s Emerald Crown
Nestled in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Saputara is a unique destination in an otherwise largely arid state. Its name, meaning 'Abode of Serpents', hints at its mystical connection to nature. While pleasant year-round, it's the monsoon season,
from July to September, that truly brings Saputara to life. The entire plateau, situated at an altitude of about 1,000 metres, gets enveloped in a thick blanket of fog and mist, and the rolling hills are painted in countless shades of green. This transformation makes it a refreshing and romantic escape from the heat and humidity of the plains, offering a cool, bracing climate that is a world away from the rest of the state.
The Festive Monsoon Atmosphere
To celebrate this seasonal transformation, Gujarat Tourism often organises the Saputara Monsoon Festival, a month-long extravaganza typically held around August. This festival is designed to showcase the region's vibrant culture and natural beauty. Visitors can expect a plethora of activities, from cultural evenings featuring traditional Dangi tribal dances to boat races on the lake. Streets come alive with parades, street magic, and food stalls offering local delicacies. For the more adventurous, the forest department organises special trekking routes. The festival is a celebration for all ages, with workshops, craft displays, and various adventure sports like ziplining and rock climbing adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Sights Bathed in Rain
Many of Saputara's key attractions become even more spectacular during the monsoon. The man-made Saputara Lake, a central feature of the town, offers serene boating experiences with paddle and row boats, all while surrounded by misty hills. Nearby, the Gira Waterfalls, located about 50 km away, become a roaring cascade during this season, tumbling from a height of 75 feet. It’s a powerful and mesmerising sight that is a highlight for many visitors. Viewpoints like Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, though sometimes obscured by clouds, offer dramatic and ethereal vistas of the fog-covered valleys when the skies clear, making the short treks to reach them well worth the effort.
Adventure Amidst the Clouds
For thrill-seekers, Saputara's monsoon landscape provides a stunning backdrop for adventure. The Ropeway, a cable car that glides from one end of the valley to the other, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the town below, often cutting through the clouds for a truly unique experience. Trekking to historic sites like Hatgadh Fort, located on the Gujarat-Maharashtra border, becomes a more challenging and rewarding experience with the lush greenery and cool weather. Governor's Hill, also known as Table Point, is another popular spot for not just its views but also for a variety of activities often available there, including horse riding and zip-lining.
A Deep Dive into Dangi Culture
A trip to Saputara is incomplete without experiencing the rich culture of the local Dangi tribe. The Saputara Tribal Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life, traditions, and art of the indigenous communities of the Dang district. You can see their musical instruments, traditional costumes, utensils, and weapons. Just as captivating is the Artist Village, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase authentic Warli paintings and handicrafts made from bamboo. This provides a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and take home a unique souvenir that truly represents the spirit of the region.
