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At the Southern tip of Gujarat, folded into the densely wooded hills
of the Sahayadris, lies the abode of serpents- Saputara. In the
picturesque Dangs district, this is a hill station with a difference,
where you can immerse yourself in a timeless land that’s still
pretty much the way God made it. After all legend has it that Lord
Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests.
The Tribals of Dangs
Tribes like Bhils, Kunbis, Warlis, and Gamits inhabit Dangs. They
are known for their dances, which are performed wearing masks made
out of Bamboo and Wood.
The Dangs
Demograhics and Climate Area:
1,725 sq. km. Population: 1.5 lacs with 94%
population as Tribals Location: Southeast of Gujarat.
Climate
Summers
32’ to 27’ C Winters
22’ to l7’ C Rains
Mid June to end Oct. Variation in temp
9.2’ C (Min.) to 36.416 (Max.)
Visitors can
cover Dangs in the following three circuits.
Saputara Town
Long walks along
the beautiful lake are some of the treats of this uncluttered and
simple hill station. The more adventurous can trek down to nearby
villages, the Hatgadh Fort or the legendary Pandava Caves.The hill
station does not require any local transport and is best covered
on foot. Some of its highlights are:
The
Ropewar
A ten-minute ride straddles the valley to the Sunset Point. The
comfortable coupe is safe and ideal for a family. The view from
the halt midway is breathtaking, unforgettable on a moonlit night.
Refreshments are also available at Sunset Point and at the Vaity
restaurant.
Boating
Right in the heart of the valley is the extremely calm Saputara
Lake. Row and paddleboats are available for hire.
Valley
View Point
A bird’s eye view of the valley, a somewhat adventurous climb
(1-1.5 km)
Sunset
Point
There's picturesque view of the sunset over the entire valley. Visitors
can climb or use the ropeway to approach the point.
Artist
Village
Visitors can pick up fine pieces of pottery, jewellery, vases, paintings,
pen stands, key chains, all made from bamboo chips and other locally
found material. Children can learn to make simple items in the workshop
organised by the craftsmen.
Museum
There is a small museum with a tribal theme displaying the lifestyle,
ornaments and musical instruments of the tribes of Dangs. There
is also a workshop making some of the traditional displays.
Gardens
The Lake garden, Step Garden and the Rose Garden offers scenic places
for the tourist to laze in, while walking around Saputara.
WAGHAI 49 km from
Saputara begins the town of Waghai around which many delightful
tourist spots are situated. The drive itself is scenic and the air
pure and refreshing. Highlights of this circuit are:
Gira Falls
A km. off the Saputara-Waghai Road leads to a vast clearing where
the picturesque Gira Falls emerging from the Kapri tributary can
be viewed. An absolute must from June to November. Visitors can
get refreshments from a small tea and snack stall. Picnic Huts make
it an ideal spot for relaxing and picnicking.
Botanical Garden
It's a large (24-hectare) garden with 1,400 varieties of plants
from all over India. The amateur nature lover can marvel at different
varieties of bamboo like the Chinese Bamboo, Golden Bamboo, Beer
Bottle Bamboo etc. and enjoy strolling along the beautiful walkways
each lined with different species of tree. Visitors can also pick
up cactus plants and enjoy a picnic at the picnic spot in the garden.
Permission is required to enter. Drinking water and toilet facilities
are available.
Shopging
A small private outlet selling locally crafted items fashioned
out of Bamboo roots and chips. Unique items like the big sized
bamboo lamps, kangaroos, deer are available only here and not
elsewhere in the region.
Unnai
Mata tempte and Hot Springs
A drive of about 19 kms. from Waghai brings one to the Unnai Mata
temple. Visitors can bathe in the hoc spring attached to this
famous temple of considerable historical significance.
Vanil
Udyog
A sprawling sawmill cum woodworking unit, which also sells furniture
that, the tourist can book and get delivered by paying an advance.
The visitor can enjoy a guided tour and watch the transformation
of logs of wood into tasteful furniture. Permission is required
to enter. Vanil Udyog provides employees to assist as tour guides.
Drinking water facilities are available.
Vansda National Park
A rich and old forest predominantly covered by very tall teak trees,
mango groves and gigantic creepers. The forest is extremely dense
and some parts are dark even during normal daytime. The forest is
a habitat of Monkeys, Deer, a few Leopards and a wide species of
birds. Permission is required to enter the Park.
Ambapada
A typical Dangi Village located about 1 km off the Saputara-Waghai
Road, near the Gira Falls. The route to it is somewhat tricky but
very scenic as it is surrounded on all sides by lush and tall bamboo.
The tourist can take a walk in and around the village and also see
some tribals engaged in the making of toys and lamps out of bamboo
roots.
Mahal The Mahal Region situated 60 km away from Saputara is dominated
by the Purna Sanctuary. The longish drive passes through the most
beautiful parts of Dangs with high wooded slopes of bamboo. It is
endowed with rivers & bamboo glades and is a must for picnics
walks and treks.
Purna Sanctuary
A vast and rich forest laced with the Purna and Gira rivers. The
hilly region with its cool interiors would tempt any tourist to
explore. You would need a pair of sturdy shoes and packed lunch
to best explore the cool interior of this hilly forest. Less strenuous
ang easy walks are pleasurable. Picnic huts are also available for
use. Permission is required to enter the forest.
Girmal Falls
Easily the most marvelous sight during monsoons, the Girmal Falls
is a little off the Mahal-Singana Road. The approach leads via a
tribal village to a steep fall on the Gira River. The facing hillside
is rich with rare flora and is worth exploring by the more adventurous
trekkers. Provision for light refreshments are available. Picnic
huts are available for use.
Cultural Show at Ahwa
As the tourist heads back to Saputara, a halt at Ahwa to enjoy the
fast paced and acrobatic Dangi Dance would be the best way to say
goodbye to Dangs. The dance had been performed at the Festival of
India in Paris and is one of the most entertaining dances of this
region. Held at the open-air theatre Rangupvan, it's worth giving
a visit.
Dangs Darbar
An annual colourful tribal festival held prior to Holi (generally
March/April), at Ahwa. its a five day fun filled colourful affair
where the tribals congregate to celebrate an old custom of political
pensions given to the tribal kings. There is merry making, dance
and music, colour and a brisk buying and selling of tribal wares.
The tourist can participate and enjoy the festivities of this unique
celebration.
Places to See
By Road: From Bombay - Private
Luxury bus on alternate days during season (Modern Travels)
From Surat/Ahmedabad/Baroda -ST buses.
If you are driving down in your own car, be sure to fill petrol
near Waghai (51 Kms. from Saputara) or at a petrol pump 40 Kms.
towards Nasik before you enter Saputara as there are no petrol pumps
in Saputara,
Distances By Road: Bombay 255km
(via Nasik, Mah.) 345km (via Chikli, Guj.)
Surat 135km
Ahmedabad 400km
By Railway: The
nearest railway station is 49 km from Saputara. You can get trains
for Bilimora, Nasik, Valsad, Waghai (narrow gauge)
By Air:
Nearest Airport Surat and Bombay
Local
Transport
Hired jeeps from Ahwa are available.
