The Grand Monsoon Festival
The highlight of a monsoon trip to Saputara is undoubtedly the annual Monsoon Festival, a month-long event organised by Gujarat Tourism that typically runs from late July through August. This festival is designed to showcase the region's cultural richness
and stunning natural beauty. The streets come alive with a grand inaugural parade, daily cultural programs featuring folk dances from Gujarat and other states, live music concerts, and street magic shows. For families, the festival is packed with activities, including workshops for paper crafts, archery, and painting, as well as puppet shows and games. The festive atmosphere turns the entire town, especially the area around the serene Saputara Lake, into a lively carnival.
Nature's Spectacle in Full Flow
The monsoon breathes new life into Saputara’s landscape, turning the rolling hills of the Sahyadris a brilliant, lush green. The most dramatic transformation is seen at the Gira Waterfalls, located about 50 kilometres from the main town. During the rains, the Kapri River cascades down with tremendous force, creating a magnificent sight that draws visitors from all over. The misty weather adds a layer of mystique to the entire region. Viewpoints like Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, though perhaps not offering their namesake views on cloudy days, provide breathtaking panoramic scenes of valleys enveloped in fog. Even a simple walk through the Step Garden, with its unique terraced layout, becomes a refreshing experience amidst the vibrant flora.
Activities for a Rainy Day
Beyond the festival, Saputara offers a range of activities that are perfectly suited for the cool, misty weather. A boat ride on the man-made Saputara Lake is a must-do; gliding across the calm water as fog drifts over the surrounding hills is a tranquil experience. For a bird's-eye view of this spectacle, the ropeway ride from the lake to Sunset Point offers stunning perspectives of the entire valley cloaked in clouds. Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like zip-lining and trekking on trails that become even more scenic during this season. For a dose of local culture, a visit to the Saputara Tribal Museum provides insight into the life and customs of the native Dangi community. The Artist Village is another wonderful stop to see and buy authentic Warli paintings and bamboo crafts made by local artisans.
A Taste of the Dang District
Monsoon travel is incomplete without savouring hot, local delicacies. Saputara’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Gujarati vegetarian cuisine and the rustic flavours of the local Dang tribes. Around the lake, you'll find numerous stalls selling hot roasted corn on the cob (bhutta), crispy bhajiyas, and comforting Maggi, all perfect companions for the cool weather. For a more substantial meal, local restaurants serve authentic Gujarati thalis and dishes like Sev Tameta nu Shaak. Don’t miss trying the local Dangi cuisine, which includes hearty dishes made from millets and lentils. One such unique preparation is Bhujiyu, a dip-like accompaniment made from roasted urad dal flour, which is both filling and nutritious.
Planning Your Monsoon Getaway
Saputara is well-connected by road and makes for an excellent weekend trip from nearby cities. It is approximately 80 km from Nashik, 172 km from Surat, and about 250 km from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Bilimora, about 50 km away, from where you can easily find buses or taxis. The nearest airport is in Surat. When packing, be sure to include rain gear, sturdy footwear with good grip for walking on potentially slippery paths, and some light woollens, as the evenings can get quite chilly. While the festival is a major draw, visiting anytime between July and September will allow you to experience the region in its full monsoon glory.
