Saputara hill station is Gujarat’s only hill retreat—and one of the most underrated weekend escapes in western India. Perched 1,000m above sea level in the Dang district, it offers misty valleys, cool breezes, and just enough calm to make you forget the chaos of nearby cities.
But there’s more to Saputara than its lake, ropeway, and tourist stalls. The real charm lies in its tribal culture, hidden waterfalls, and quiet sunrise spots you won’t find on Google Maps.
This guide tells you exactly how to plan your trip to Saputara hill station—whether you’re going solo, with friends, or as a couple. No fluff, just the stuff that matters.
Why Saputara Hill Station Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List
While most travellers run to Himachal or Kerala, Saputara hill station offers something rare—quiet trails, tribal culture, and monsoon mist that looks straight out of a painting. It’s not polished, but that’s part of the charm.
Here’s why it deserves a weekend on your calendar this year:
✅ It’s Still Under the Radar
Saputara doesn’t come with traffic jams and tour buses. The trails are quieter, the lake isn’t overrun, and you can still find peace without a reservation.
Local tip: Visit Gira Falls on a weekday – you might just have it all to yourself.
✅ Real Tribal Culture, Not Stage-Managed
The Dang tribes are native to this region. You’ll see it in the Warli art, local food, and the way life moves here. Skip the souvenir shops and visit Artist Village for something authentic.
✅ Easy Weekend Escape
Just 2 hours from Nashik, 6 hours from Mumbai, and 3 from Surat, Saputara is well within reach for a quick break – without the usual hill station crowd or pricing drama.
✅ Monsoon Is Pure Magic
From June to September, Saputara turns lush, green, and fog-kissed.
(Heads up: it can get slippery—check our [Best Time to Visit] section for tips.)
⏳ Best Time to Visit Saputara Hill Station (2025)
Saputara hill station shifts its mood with the seasons. Some months are misty and green, others are bright and breezy. Here’s how the year looks, so you can pick the right time to go:
🌧️ Monsoon (June to September)
Saputara turns lush and foggy, perfect if you want cool weather and emerald hills.
- Pros: 20°C average, dramatic views, waterfalls in full flow
- Cons: Ropeway may shut; some roads get risky during heavy rain
Local Tip: Pack waterproof shoes—the trails do get squishy.
☀️ Winter (October to February)
The most popular season at Saputara hill station. Great weather, festive vibes, and plenty of sunshine.
- Pros: 15–25°C, clear skies, ideal for boating and hiking
- Cons: Gets crowded on weekends and holidays
2025 Alert: Book your hotel early for New Year’s Eve—it sells out fast.
🔥 Summer (March to May)
Hot, but manageable if you plan early mornings and laze through afternoons.
- Pros: Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels
- Cons: Temps can cross 35°C by noon
| Month | Weather | Crowd | Best for |
| July | Heavy Rain | Low | Waterfalls / Mist |
| September | Lush & Breezy | Medium | Couples / Hikes |
| December | Cool & Sunny | High | Family Trips |
| February | Wintry Cold | Low | Solo Escapes |
🚉 How to Reach Saputara Hill Station in 2025
Getting to Saputara hill station is fairly simple by road, but trains and buses are also available depending on where you’re coming from. Here’s a breakdown of all major options.
🛤️ By Train: Nearest Railway Station to Saputara Hill Station
There’s no direct railway station in Saputara. The nearest railway stations are:
- Bilimora Junction (BL) – 80 km, approx. 2.5 to 3 hours by taxi
This is the most convenient station with frequent trains from Surat, Mumbai, and Vadodara.
Pro Tip: Pre-book a taxi from Bilimora to avoid delays or overcharging. Expect fares around ₹1,500–2,000. - Waghai Station – 50 km away but fewer train options
This is a smaller station closer to Saputara, but it connects mostly with narrow gauge or local routes. - Chikhli Road – 70 km, limited connectivity
Useful only if you’re connecting via smaller towns or alternate routes.
🛣️ By Road: Best Option for Most Travellers
Saputara is well-connected by highways from major cities in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- From Mumbai: 250 km via NH48 – takes 5 to 6 hours
- From Pune: 320 km via NH60 and NH48 – takes around 6.5 hours
- From Nashik: Just 85 km – the shortest and most scenic route (under 2.5 hours)
- From Surat: 160 km – approx. 3 to 3.5 hours by car or taxi
Pro Tip: Roads are well-maintained, but can get foggy or slippery during monsoon. Drive with caution.
🚌 By Bus: Budget-Friendly Option
- MSRTC and private buses run regularly between Nashik and Saputara – journey takes around 4 hours
- You can also find limited buses from Surat and Ahmedabad, but availability may vary
Note: Saputara has a basic GSRTC bus stand, but with limited services. The bus stand is located near Saputara Circle close to the lake.
🚗 Parking Info in Saputara
- Free parking available near Saputara Lake
- Ropeway parking: ₹50 per day (limited spots on weekends)
🧭 Things to Do in Saputara Hill Station
🛶 Boating in Saputara Lake
Saputara Lake isn’t just a checkbox for visitors, it’s where the soul of this hill station comes alive. As the first morning mist lifts, you’ll see paddle boats gliding across glassy waters, framed by emerald hills that seem to lean closer as if sharing a secret.
By afternoon, the lakeside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of families picnicking under ancient banyans, their laughter mingling with the calls of parakeets darting between branches. What makes this experience special isn’t just the scenery, but witnessing daily life unfold, fishermen checking their nets at dawn, local artists sketching by the promenade, and the golden-hour ritual when everyone pauses to watch the sun dip behind Table Land.
🌊 Gira Waterfall: Don’t Go Just for the Photo
Gira Waterfall isn’t exactly in Saputara—it’s about 50 km away, near Waghai—but worth the detour if the season’s right. During peak monsoon, it roars like a giant. In shoulder months, it trickles gently. The walk up isn’t difficult, but it can get slippery. Go early, wear decent shoes, and don’t rely on the snack stalls for much.
🎨 Artist Village: Warli Walls and Quiet Stories
Tucked away behind the main market, this isn’t a loud tourist trap—it’s quiet, raw, and real. The mud huts wear Warli art like second skin, and if you’re lucky, a local artist might walk you through their work. Don’t expect a full-blown museum. This is more like stepping into someone’s creative backyard. You’ll find souvenirs, yes, but also stories painted in dots and lines.
🌄 Sunrise Point: Mist, Silence, and That First Light
If you wake early, Sunrise Point rewards you with that quiet only found at 6 a.m. There’s no fanfare, just fog, wind, and the slow orange reveal behind the trees. It’s not just about the view, it’s about the stillness before Saputara wakes up. Bring tea, not expectations.
🥾 Hike to Table Land (aka Townview Point)
If you’re in Saputara during monsoon, a hike to Table Land Point—also known as Townview Point—is a great way to stretch your legs and soak in the views. It’s a wide, flat plateau that overlooks the lake, the hills, and the winding roads below. The open landscape and breeze make it a good hangout spot, especially for photographers or couples looking for quiet corners.
That said, weather plays a big role here. During or after heavy rain, the trail can get slippery and fog may obscure the view. So it’s best to hike up when the sky’s clear.
From Table Land, you can also hop on the Saputara Ropeway, which takes you across to Sunset Point—if it’s running that day.
🌅 Ropeway Ride & Paragliding: A View Worth the Sway
The Saputara Ropeway isn’t the longest or the flashiest but it gives you something no viewpoint can: a floating view of the town’s curve, the lake’s shimmer, and the distant Dangs melting into clouds.
Also known as Pushpak Ropeway, each cable car swings just enough to feel real, but stays steady for even the nervous traveller. At the top, Table Point waits with hawkers, selfie spots, and a patch of peace if you walk past the noise.
Note: While the Saputara Ropeway runs year-round, it may shut temporarily during heavy rain or strong winds. It’s best to check the weather forecast before planning your ride.
🌿 Explore the Lesser-Known Lakes Around Saputara
Beyond the main Saputara Lake, the region hides a few quiet lakes and streams that rarely make it to the tourist brochures. If you’re someone who enjoys slow travel, light treks, or just wandering into nature without an agenda, this is where Saputara surprises you.
These smaller water bodies aren’t marked attractions—but that’s what makes them special. Some are tucked behind forest patches, others near tribal hamlets. They’re perfect for a short walk, quiet conversations, or even a simple picnic with your person.
Just carry a bottle of water, a few snacks, and a fully charged phone (because Google Maps won’t always help). These unscripted moments often become the most memorable part of your trip.
🌸 Stroll Through the Forest Nursery
If you’re someone who slows down for flowers, plants, and green corners, Saputara’s Forest Nursery is a quiet little spot worth visiting. Maintained by the local Forest Department, it’s home to a variety of native herbs, flowering plants, creepers, and decorative greens that feel right at home in the Sahyadris.
You can walk through at your own pace, breathe in the earthy smells, and even pick up a plant or two if you’re looking for a living souvenir. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and a nice break from the usual viewpoints.
If you’re on a garden trail, you might also want to check out Step Garden, Rose Garden, and Lake Garden—each with its own charm, depending on the season.
🌳 Explore Vansda National Park
About 50 km from Saputara, Vansda National Park is one of the best day trips for nature lovers looking to go beyond the usual viewpoints. You’ll need a private vehicle and a permit to enter, but once inside, you’re in one of the densest forest patches in the Western Ghats.
This park is a biodiversity goldmine—home to over 400 species of flowering plants, 150 types of birds, and 100+ mammals. But here’s what most don’t know: Vansda is also a haven for arachnophiles, with more than 120 documented spider species weaving their way through the undergrowth.
It’s not a commercial safari park, so don’t expect jeeps and fixed trails. What you get instead is raw, untouched forest—and if you’re lucky, a few quiet wildlife sightings.
🐾 Traverse the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’re up for a day trip, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary—about two hours north of Saputara—is another underrated gem in the region. Often overshadowed by Vansda, it offers a deeper dive into the Western Ghats’ wild, wet, and wonderfully green side.
Purna isn’t just about wildlife (though you’ll find your fair share of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects). It’s also home to a thriving tribal population, and that makes the experience feel more rooted. Some eco-stays and homestays in and around the sanctuary blend local architecture, art, and hospitality—giving you a window into Dang tribal culture, not just a forest.
It’s quiet, raw, and better suited for travellers who prefer exploring at their own pace rather than ticking off tourist spots.
🧭 Final Word: Let Saputara Set the Pace
Saputara isn’t packed with high-adrenaline attractions or shiny tourist traps and that’s exactly why it works. Whether you’re gliding across the lake at sunrise, hiking through misty trails, or just sitting under a tree in the Forest Nursery, the best experiences here happen when you slow down.
While Saputara hill station might not be as popular as Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar it still has a lot to offer. While you are here you can also visit various temples and religious sites like Nageshwar Mahadev Temple.
If you are into art and culture, you can visit the Tribal Museum showcasing tribal jewellery, handicrafts, and artefacts of the local Dang tribe.
When you are heading to Saputara hill station during the monsoon you can also in the Saputara Monsoon Festival (Megh Malhar Parv Saputara), an annual festival to celebrate monsoon.
🏔️ Saputara vs Mahabaleshwar: A Quick Comparison for 2025
Still deciding between Saputara and Mahabaleshwar for your next hill getaway? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose:
| Feature | Saputara | Mahabaleshwar |
| 🌊 Boating | Saputara Lake | Venna Lake |
| 🌿 Natural Attractions | Gira Waterfall | Lingmala Waterfall |
| 🛕 Temples | Nageshwar Mahadev Mandir | Shri Panchganga Mandir |
| 🏡 Stay Options | Limited, Often Overpriced | Plenty for All Budgets |
| 🧭 Nearby Spots | Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Don Hill Station, Tribal Villages | Panchgani, Wai, Mapro Gardens and various points like Arthur’s Seat & Needle Point |
| 🎨 Cultural Flavour | Tribal Arts, Dang Traditions | Colonial Charm, Strawberry Farms |
| 🍓 Local Highlights | Warli Art, Pots & Tribal Handicrafts | Strawberry Products at Factory Outlets |
🧭 Editor’s Pick: Mahabaleshwar for the Win (But It’s Close!)
If you’re choosing between Saputara and Mahabaleshwar for your next weekend getaway, here’s the blunt truth:
- Choose Mahabaleshwar if you want a full-fledged holiday with better hotels, food options, iconic viewpoints, and side trips to Panchgani or Wai. It’s touristy – yes – but also fun, flexible, and festive.
- Choose Saputara if you’re chasing quiet trails, tribal culture, and monsoon magic without the Lonavala-level chaos. It’s soulful, raw, and still under the radar — but expect limited stay options and modest infrastructure.
👉 For most travellers, Mahabaleshwar wins on variety and convenience. But if you’re done with the usual, Saputara will surprise you — especially during the rains.
🌄 Places to Visit Near Saputara
If you’ve got more than two days in Saputara hill station or want to explore the surrounding region, here are some offbeat destinations near Saputara that are worth a detour:
1. Don Hill Station (33 km | 1 hr)
Gujarat’s hidden twin hill station — almost completely untouched by tourism. With no hotels or major infrastructure, Don is a paradise for off-grid lovers and panoramic views. Think picnic vibes with peace and wind.
Pro Tip: Carry your own snacks and water — there’s nothing here but views and silence.
2. Waghai Botanical Garden (52 km | 1 hr 20 min)
A peaceful stop en route to or from Saputara, this government-run garden is a haven for nature lovers. Features 1,400+ plant varieties and quiet walking trails.
3. Unai Hot Springs (77 km | 2 hr)
A holy site tucked near Navsari, the natural sulphur springs here are believed to have medicinal properties. Pilgrims visit the temple adjacent to the springs year-round.
4. Ahwa Village (39 km | 1 hr)
The administrative headquarters of Dang district, Ahwa offers a peek into rural Gujarati life. Stop here for local eats, tribal handicrafts, or a quiet coffee before heading further into the hills.
5. Chikhli Town (90 km | 2 hr 15 min)
Though not a tourist hotspot, Chikhli is a useful railway link for travellers. It also makes a good pit stop for food or fuel on the way to or from the south Gujarat belt.
🧳 Final Thoughts: Is Saputara Worth Visiting?
Saputara hill station might not have the gloss of Mahabaleshwar or the scale of Ooty, but it does offer something rare, raw, untouched nature, slow-paced charm, and a peek into Gujarat’s tribal heartland.
It’s not a luxury escape, but for those seeking misty mornings, waterfall trails, and offbeat vibes, Saputara delivers, if you know where to look.
That said, the town is still catching up on hospitality standards. Accommodations are limited and often overpriced, so it pays to plan ahead (or splurge on a trusted brand like Radisson or Fern).
Come here with the right expectations – quiet nature, basic comforts, and local culture, and Saputara hill station won’t disappoint.
❓ Saputara FAQs
Saputara is in the Dang district of Gujarat, perched on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. It’s about 6 hours from Mumbai and 3 hours from Surat.
Saputara sits at approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.
The closest major station is Bilimora Junction (80 km). You can also consider Waghai (50 km), but it has fewer trains. From either station, pre-book a taxi to Saputara.
Absolutely. From June to September, Saputara turns into a misty green wonderland. Just watch out for landslide-prone roads and keep rain gear handy.
2 to 3 days are ideal. You can cover the lake, ropeway, local viewpoints, and maybe squeeze in a trip to Gira Falls or Vansda National Park.
Yes. If you love peace, nature, and long drives, Saputara makes a perfect quiet getaway. Just don’t expect candlelight dinners on the lakefront.
Yes, but it’s trickier. You’ll need to rely on local autos or private taxis. MSRTC buses connect Nashik and Saputara, but schedules can be erratic.
Depends on your vibe. Mahabaleshwar is more developed, has better hotels, and a wider variety of attractions. Saputara is slower, quieter, and great for offbeat travelers.
