A local sports club in Valsad had conducted a cycling activity event at Waghai in Dang district on 24th July 2022. They named it as Tour De Dang. Cars and tempos were arranged to carry the cycles of the participants. I didn’t carry my bicycle as due to power specs I face problems like vision and vapor accumulation on specs glasses (due to rain) and nor did I have the mental strength to do almost 70 KMs of cycling in the rain. But I enjoyed in the car looking at others.

It was an experience of Rural Tourism and Forest tourism for me on this particular trip.

We left around 6.15 am in the morning. Valsad to Waghai is around 90 KMs by road. On the way I made two friends, Yatin Bhai and Tarun Bhai in their car on the rainy Sunday morning. When we reached Waghai, Organizer had made arrangements for breakfast at a local canteen, Nahari canteen. We had yummy poha and having tea in such rains makes it special. Cyclists from Navsari, Surat and other places had also joined the cycling tour. It was great to see Harish Bhai, Ashwin Sir, Utpal Bhai and Dr. Prerna Desai, my friends from Valsad.

The cyclists were ready with their bicycles, gloves, gadgets and endurance. Approximately 50 cyclists participated. I am highly inspired by Dr. Prerna who is a 73-year young cyclist. I wish I have health, fitness, mental health, endurance and charm like her.

I was in a car with a sweet group of Jash Bhai. It was raining on the way. The route was Waghai, Zavda Forest, Chikar, Bhenskatri and Maya Devi Temple. It was a good experience to see the cyclist enjoying and we (in the car) were clicking snaps and videos and providing aid in whatever possible manner.

I observed the homes and shops had a gable roof of red bricks across the hinterlands. It was a scenic hilly greenery route with a forest landscape. At times there were small creeks. You will face internet connectivity issues throughout the route. At places there were wooden blocks arranged in an organized manner which makes me assume that wood selling is a local business. There were male and female local farmers doing some farming activity at certain spots.

Our relaxation and brunch spot was Maya Devi Temple at Bhenskatri. This spot has a historic and religious significance as per Hindu texts. Behind the temple flows the Purna river elegantly. On the other bank is a forest. There were other folks in varying groups. While on return, we were stuck in slight traffic jam due to narrow streets. There were folks coming in group carrying sticks and trekking accessories on the way.

The return route was Bhenskarti, Kalibel, Pimpari and Waghai. Again, it was a beautiful landscape with similar pattern homes. It didn’t rain much on the return. There are local stalls for tea, bhuta and pakodas. On the way travelling next to the flowing river charming landscape was an experience to forget office stress for some time.

Wooden handicrafts made of bamboo are popular local handicrafts items in the Waghai and nearby areas in Dang district.

Glad I visited this in monsoon which is ideally one of the best times to visit.
You can consider Home Stay options in the Dang district for a rural and tribal experience. Google the options and talk to the hosts directly.
Dang district as a whole is a great place to plan picnics, cycling and bike riding activities, trekkings, campings, weekend gateways, campsite visits, rural tourism and heritage tourism.

The event was very well micromanaged from start to end. There was an ambulance with medical staff for the backup aid in case of emergency. On route hydration with chocolates, dates, water and other items was well- arranged so that no participant faces any problem. There was one Cycle technician on the trip as an aid in case if any cycle faces any problem.

On return we had local Dangi food at Nahari canteen. The local lunch consisted of Dangi sabji with nagli roti, and dal- bhat with onion chutney and bhujiyu chutney.

Other places to visit in Dang and nearby Dang are Gira waterfalls, Shabri Dham, Anjan Kund, Pandav Gufa, Mahal campsite, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Saputara and Waghai Botonical Garden. It’s a place to connect yourself with nature and get an escape from city life. It is well connected by road with major cities.

About Devesh Purohit:

Devesh Purohit is a Mumbai-based PR Expert who likes travelling & exploring and sharing his navigation experiences.