If you are looking for a weekend getaway or holiday in Sahyadri Hills in Gujarat, then Saputara is a place to go. From Valsad Saputara is at a distance of 130 KMs, from Surat it is 155 KMs and from Nashik, it is 92 KMs. Saputara literally means snakes habitation and the local tribal people here worship snakes.

Bollywood’s Megastar Amitabh Bachchan who is also the Brand Ambassador of Gujarat Tourism shot for an Ad Film on Saputara here a decade ago highlighting the cultural and tourism significance of the place.

I went there on a road trip in February 2022 from Valsad. My friends say the route is truly beautiful and enchanting in rains and monsoons with amazing greenery and waterfall views on both sides. Saputara is an amazing destination for monsoon. Winters are good too. In summers you will find an escape from the heat and hot climate for a certain time here.

There are multiple hotels and lodges available in the main city center. We opted for a tent experience at a camping site. Strawberries are quite popular here. Saputara provides an array of food choices from Gujarati, Maharashtrian, Rajasthani, and Chinese and Punjabi cuisines.

After taking a nap in the tent we first visited Cable Ropeway. It connects the table point to the sunset point. They make the ropeway halt for a few minutes in the middle of the air. You can see the landscape of Saputara literally like a bird’s eye view. You can see the lake which is one of the prime attractions of the hill station. On the other point, there is a garden, food items stalls, and paid activities like biking, gun shooting, etc.

Image source: Travel Triangle

At the Table Point, there are activity options like Paragliding, Horse Riding, and Zip Lining. The place provides a view of the hills and valleys. Being a tourist spot food items like Maggie, poha, tea, and coffee are slightly hiked.
After Table Point, we visited Saputara Lake. It offers boating activities, and we spent an hour boating and appreciating the city and nature. From the lake, you can see the Rope Way connecting Table Point and Sunset Point.
After this, we went to the sunset point. The lakeside city area looks amazing from the hills. Climbing the hill from the parking spot is an exercise task but the view is worth the climb.

Saputara has a Tribal Museum, Waghai Botonical Garden, Lake Garden, and Step Garden which we didn’t visit on this trip. Artist Village will be a delight to the ones who admire Art, Culture, History, and Traditions. Nageshwar Mahadev Temple and Swami Narayan Temple are religious attractions, and you should visit with devotion.

Talking about Devotion, 70 KMs away on 2 hours of forest drive from Saputara is the ancient Shabari Dham. As per Ramayana legend, this is the spot where Lord Ram met Shabari Mata and here, she offered him the red dates filled with the highest emotions of love, care, and devotion.

Kaun kehte hai Bhagwan khate nahi
Ber Shabri ke jaise khilate nahi

35kms from Saputara on the way to Shabarai Dham is the ancient Pandava Gufa (Cave). Legend has it that the Mahabharata’s Pandava brothers Yudhishtir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahdev spent some time here during their exile period. There is a Shivling here where Pandavas offered prayers to Lord Shiva. Climbing this ancient cave is an adventure, especially in the rains.

Hathgadh Fort in the Hathgadh village 5 KMs away from Saputara at the Maharashtra Gujarat border is a scenic place to visit if you have time in hand. It is the pride of Marathas as it was built by the Father of the Indian Navy Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. Trekking is the way to explore and reach the fort from the parking base.

Gira Waterfall becomes a prime attraction in monsoon at Girmal village.

If you are an animal lover and wildlife fascinates you, there are options to visit Purna Sanctuary and Vansda National Park near Saputara.

Saputara can be visited with family, friends, or couples for a mini honeymoon. All months are great as it has its special charm in monsoon, a pleasant winter, and escapes from the heat in summers.