Travelers who travel between Maharashtra and Rajasthan often overlook the relaxed and alternative tourist routes of Gujarat, which has impressive nature reserves. Although my journey may have started in Ahmedabad, the city is rich in culture and architecture, but the real treasure is the countryside. The leisurely voyage from Ahmedabad to Saputara lasted for nearly ten hours and let me know the real Gujarat. During this journey, I wade through the wild animals of the sanctuary, the country craftsmen weaving home handicrafts, the sacred temples that rise on the cliffs, and the amazingly large and eternal valleys.
In the evening, we arrived at the mountain city of Saputara, where you can trace the heritage of the local tribe and have the opportunity to see and buy tribal handicrafts. This is a perfect holiday destination for eco-lovers, and here is a list of all the best activities to do at this carefully planned Saputara mountain station.
Gajabhishek Jain Tirth
Gajabhishek Jain Tirth is one of the only “Girimathak Dang” in Gujarat. It breathes through the charming forests and hills of Saputara and enjoys the magnificent view of the flowing stream. It is located at the top of the natural treasure Chintamani Parshvanath Dada ka Bhavya Jinalaya, where two Gajrajs once painted the statue of Chintamani Parshvanath Dada.
The name Gajabhisheka is derived from him. Chintamani Parshvanath Dada belongs to the “Saptsar Garvase Khetse” in Karnataka. This magnificent Jinalaya is a tribute to his contribution to the Jain community. This temple is a must visit place in Saputara.
Saputara Rose Garden
Another great place for Saputara holidaymakers is its delightful rose garden located near the Saputara bus station and museum. The Rose Garden was originally named “Smriti Gulab” when it was established. The program authorizes individuals/guests to grow roses and grow roses in their names. The town adopted a creative pathway for this park, and today it is one of Saputara’s three well-manicured gardens in addition to the lake and terraced gardens. The Saputara Rose Garden even has a pond with a flamingo statue and attracts countless nature lovers with its variety of rose varieties in different colors, shapes and sizes. Visit in the spring between 9 am and 6 pm, when the flowers here are in full bloom.
Nagshwar Mahadev Temple
“If you call me, I will answer. If you want to take me into deeper waters, I can’t refuse. Pull me closer, lift me higher—take me into a greater goal. I come, I surrender, everything is for your glory.” Such an atmosphere Nagshwar Mahadev Temple, One of the oldest Shiva temples in Saputara. Walkable from the lake: in fact, the beauty of this modest building is one of the best Shivlinga shrines in the area.
It constitutes a humble building, a smart round ceiling and a stunning black granite Shivlinga, in its “sanctuary”, only a few people enter. In the outer hall of the temple, you will see a statue of Nandi facing Lord Shiva. Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is considered one of the holiest places in Gujarat. The shrine of Lord Shiva is located in the basement. The Hindu temple of Nageshwar (Snake God) Mahadev is located on the south bank of Saputara Lake, and it actively inspires a calm and spiritual atmosphere.
Table point and ropeway
When you finish your day’s trip here, you can admire the magnificent scenery around you. The Table Point in Saputara will bring you a perfect relaxing trip. From the top of this mountain, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Saputara from all directions.
To explore the infinite aerial view of Sunset Point and Saputara, take a 10-minute ropeway ride, enjoy the magnificent sunset and return to Table point. I took a private car to Table Point and they have plenty of parking spaces at the top. Most tourists arrive at the top of this mountain to try paragliding, biking, camel or horse riding, or just to hang out by the stalls on site and taste the local tidbits.
Saputara boating and sunset
In addition to exploring high places, you may also want to go boating in the sparkling Saputara Lake. Jump on the duck boat and sail with real ducks. It was raining when I went, so I had to “really” rain to check the boating! However, you must not miss it, because some places in Saputara are “best to visit by boat”.
Shiva Ghat
10 or 15 minutes away from Awayo, the headquarters of the Dang district in Gujarat, is Shiv Ghat, a waterfall pouring down gracefully along the Ava-Wagai Road. This is unprecedented, because the stream gushing from the wooded cliff looks like a pouring down diamond.
Ghat means mountain pass, and the mountain pass here is named after the nearest temple. Although Shiv Ghat is mainly a sparse water stream, it is a famous tourist station because passers-by and pilgrims often stop here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and pray to Shiv Temple. After praying at the temple, immerse your feet in the pool of spiritual inspiration drawn from the temple.
Maiden Falls
On the way, the Gila River in the Dang District of Gujarat passes through Badipada, Diwadiawan villages, Gilmar and Singana, and finally meets Mindhora at Songard. The Jimar Waterfall near Subir Village spouts water from the Gila River, which extends to a height of 100 feet, making it the highest waterfall in Gujarat. A steep road takes you to this place, where you will see the sacred water drop rapidly falling from more than 100 feet, creating a striking mist. The beautiful pictures surrounding the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary make this place popular with locals and tourists. If you ask me, a refreshing retreat and a perfect picnic spot.
Shabridham
Another charming place near Girmal waterfall and Subir village is famous Shabridham Temple Surrounded by dense forests of Dand Karanya. The chronicles indicate that it was here that Lord Ram met Shabari, an elderly villager who shared her berries with him during his 14 years in exile in the forest. This temple in Subir Village marks Shabari’s immortal dedication, and it was built where Ram met Shabari in his quest to find Sita.
Shabari was a great devotee of Lord Ram and waited for him for many years under the advice of her guru. As soon as she saw him, she would collect wild berries (Ber) for him and look for the best in the parade: she would take a bite first, and then devote to God with a high degree of piety. Her impeccable worship pleased Lord Ram. Even today, the three rocks where Ram, Laxman and Chabri sat are still worshiped here. Although it is surrounded by forests and mountains, there are accommodation and food here.
Maha Eco Tourism Camp
Located in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary in Dang, Mahal Eco-Tourism is a campsite surrounded by mountains in a rural environment. Mahal Eco Campsite leaves behind the pouring bamboo forest of the Puna River, a place that can tolerate the gentle embrace of natural trails and forests. In addition to the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, this campground is also surrounded by dense woods surrounded by the Pune River and the Gila River.
This is one of the best places in Gujarat for ecotourists eager to watch birds in the drizzle broad-leaved forest. Purna’s protected forest is home to various animal species, including tigers. The location is close to the breathtaking Girmar waterfall, and the best time to visit is from October to March. Bring your family, live in a tree house, enjoy a campfire, and connect with nature.
Gila Falls
With a special place in my mind, this breathtakingly beautiful 99-foot waterfall easily becomes the most spectacular monsoon waterfall in Gujarat. The Gila Falls, about 3 kilometers away from the small town of Vagay, is a natural waterfall that flows to the Ambika River, which showcases the most beautiful sights in the region. However, given its remote location deep in the wild and majestic countryside of Devipada and Waghai, you must win your visit. To reach this beautiful hidden gem in Gujarat, you can take the road or train from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai or Saputara.
Wagga Botanical Garden
The bright side of the pandemic is that we all walked out of it with more plants than we came in. From garden inspiration to forest destination bookings after vaccination, the pandemic has become the perfect souvenir of the coordinator’s bond with nature. Therefore, the world is experiencing a wave of interest in outdoor activities: this is the best time to see some of the amazing botanical gardens in the country that can take great photos with reliable facts and our cameras.
One such rare plant library is Wagga Botanical Garden, Located at the foot of Dang District in Gujarat, where a large collection of domestic and exotic plants used for cooking and medicinal purposes. The Waghai Botanical Garden covers an area of 24 hectares and is divided into several plots, each plot depicting India’s Champion or Seth forest type; the kind of place where you will find 100 feet high and 100 feet old trees. In addition, the Waghai Botanical Garden has 25 unique plant species that only exist in Gujarat.
From cacti to tubers, rare, endangered and sacred plants, WBC’s collection will surprise you. Here, be sure to check out Pragvad, a tree that can inspire meditation and spiritual resonance, and the mysterious plant Halund. Whenever you are on the road again, you can visit this fantastic botanical garden. Using their Floral Safari app, you can get accurate scientific details of the use of plants and their consumables.
where to live: Toran Hotel and Toran Mountain Resort in Saputara
PS: I was invited to Saputara by the Ministry of Tourism of India and Gujarat Tourism Bureau.
