Behind the wheel & Contributor

Saputara is a small hillstation located in the Dang forest area of the Western ghats in Gujarat, around 4 kms from the Maharashtra border. It is around 170kms from Surat.

In Hatgad, just below the fort is Club Mahindra Hatgad, a new property earlier known as Anando palms. Its a small resort with good views. BSNL works, the other networks have problems here. There are 75 rooms, most of them with a panoramic view of the sublime Saputara hills. The rooms are big, with huge balconies. Food is standard, with a mix of local maharashtra cusine. There is a spa and gym too. The parking area is too cramped, and in season time gets full.

Entry to Club Mahindra Hatgad


Rooms


Hatgad can be accessed from Nasik (75kms) and Vadodhara(293kms). The roads were good, since we started early morning, not much traffic. The last stretch has no eating joints, so do plan in advance. Some pics enroute.





The day we take rest. The next day, we drive to Hatgad fort. It is just behind the hotel. There is an entry fee to the fort, and once you climb up the mountain the rest of the fort is accessed by stairs. The stairs are steep, carry water with you and preferably try to make it in the morning as days will be hot.

Hatgad fort






Stairs to the top of fort








As we climb up, a feel of a neglected place fills you. There are small caves with bats, and a small Shiv temple, the flight of stairs take you to the top of the fort, in ruins, and hardly anything remains. The views from the top are awesome. There is a pond, tank and a few standing walls of the ruins.

Views from top of fort








We return back and drive to Saputara. The entry fee to the hill station is Rs 35/-. Unlike Hatgad, there are lots of hotels and restaurants in Saputara.









We drive to the Governers hill, its a huge table top land where one can hire bikes, and drive around or enjoy horse, camel rides, etc. There are many eating outlets and good washroom facilities. The views from top are also good, and on your right you can see a railing demarking the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. Drive to the top, there is lots of parking space. Hire a bike and drive around.

Governer's hill






Just below the hill, at walking distance is the ropeway to the Sunset point. Its open from 9-1 and 2-7pm. The cost is Rs 62/- per person. This point provides a breath taking view of the surrounding tribal villages in their natural splendour and also an aerial view of wide spans of Dang Forest. There are some small shops serving maggi and snacks.

Parking


Ropeway entry and timings








It takes you to another mountain. There are games, activities, stalls, camel rides etc there.






The other points that can be enjoyed are Echo point which is a picnic point with the view of the city, and in monsoons waterfalls can be seen. The Step Garden and Waghai Botanical Garden are well maintained. The Artist Village, where you can make a purchase for tribal artefacts. We skip the Saputara Tribal Museum, which has on display the costumes, artefacts and other items of the local tribe - Dangs. Insterd we make it to the man made Saputara lake and do boating.







paragliding point


Back in hotel, the next day we continue our journety to LRK.