Saputara, the only hill station in Gujarat, provides you with a perfect getaway from your mundane life with the cool breezes of the mountain and eye-soothing greenery. If you’re planning to escape the commotion of the city, this is one of the weekend getaways near Surat that has just what it takes for families, couples and adventure seekers.
You can explore stunning natural wonders that represent the region’s unspoiled beauty, including cascading waterfalls and serene lakes set among gently rolling hills. For the adventure seekers, there’s an array of exhilarating outdoor activities such as boat rides, cable cars, and nature walks through lush jungles. Once you’ve had your fill of the peace at the places to visit in Saputara, a famous hill station, you can go back to relaxing at Treebo Hotels in a city not too far off, ensuring that every part of your trip is exactly what they always say – ” Travel should always be hassle-free”.
Natural Attractions That Will Take Your Breath Away
Saputara Lake
You’d be attracted by the calm waters of Saputara Lake, the star of this enchanting hill station. This artificial gem in the backdrop of lush Western Ghats shines as a perfect retreat from everyday chaos. The lake is big, and you feel so calm the second you set foot there. It’s a magical boating experience here, gliding over smooth waters beneath rolling hills and thick woodland. For adventurous souls, paddle boats and speedboats are easy to rent, so you can explore at your leisure.
As you stroll along the meticulously maintained walkways that wrap around the lake, there are several photo opportunities and a series of spots to capture. For couples, there are cosy benches at the boulevard where you can relax and see how nature cradles around you. Early morning and late afternoon visits are rewarded with the most spectacular lighting, when shimmering golden light dances across the surface of the water.
Sunset Point
The road to Sunset Point is one of the highlights in Saputara. Snuggled high above the Dang forest, an old thicket tree stands at attention as dusk begins to turn into nature’s theatre. You will need to get there at least 30 minutes before sunset in order to get the best viewing spot and observe the landscape change colours over a period of time. The view is panoramic, the land curling out indefinitely before you and hills stacked up to form an attractive skyline.
In the monsoon season, you might see clouds on their way through the valley below, lending an ethereal, nearly mystical atmosphere. There’s a cold mountain breeze that comes along with it, and is sure to cool you off on the visit. Local vendors will sometimes have small stalls that set up near the top, where you can be served some hot tea and snacks to enjoy as you wait for the evening’s grand finale. If you are staying at one of the hotels in Surat, you can plan a quick trip to these beautiful places to visit in Saputara.
Rose Garden
You’re senses come to life the second you step into Saputara’s breath-taking Rose Garden, where thousands of roses take form in every shade and fragrance your heart can desire. The garden is immaculately kept and features many rose varieties from traditional red blooms to more delicate pink, white, and coloured variants that bloom at different times. The design of the garden lets us wander the winding paths, with new and breathtaking varieties around every corner.
The most optimal time to visit is during its flowering season, which tends to run from October to March, when roses are in full bloom. Morning is the best time, as the cool air will disperse their fragrance more generously around the garden. The kids will love the fresh air and bright colours, so it’s perfect for families. After visiting other attractions in and around Saputara, visitors can come back to comfortable accommodations at quality hotels in Mumbai and other nearby cities.
Adventure Activities for Thrill Seekers
Rope Way Cable Car
Begin your journey to the clouds by taking a ride in the breathtaking ropeway cable car of Saputara, where you will get a view of the Western Ghats that will awe you. You fly effortlessly through the air and see rolling hills that are a carpet of lush green, with mist playing out between valleys. This cable car extends to around 1.2 km long by travelling from the base station up the hill, which takes about 7-8 minutes of sheer visual bliss.
You’ll be swaying 100 feet above the ground, watching the scenery unfold like a living postcard. All the more magical in monsoon season when clouds literally ride through the window of the cable car. Be sure to have a camera handy; the sweeping panoramas of the Sahyadri range are Instagram gold. The ride opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 6:30 PM, so be sure to make reservations early, especially during peak times, when lines can get long.
Paragliding
Just picture yourself leaping off a mountain and darting through the air like an eagle as you indulge in the scenery of Saputara; that’s precisely what paragliding here enables you to do. The sport has become increasingly popular with adrenaline junkies, and you’ll soon see why, once you’re taking off from the ground. Trained pilots will put you at ease and keep you safe, and Tandem flights are also available for beginners.
You will spend 15 to 20 minutes on your paragliding adventure, gliding over dense forests and sparkling lakes throughout the landscape. The best launch sites are situated on the hills surrounding Saputara Lake, providing you with optimal wind conditions and stunning aerial views. You’ll need to check weather conditions before booking, as flights depend heavily on wind patterns and visibility. The season from October to March offers you the most reliable flying conditions.
Hiking Paths
Saputara’s expansive trekking routes will lure you to explore its wild core, with each route opening out to surprise your heart. You’ll journey through dense forests of sal and teak to discover hidden waterfalls, exotic wildlife and tribal villages that have gone unchanged for thousands of years. Sunrise Overlooking the spectacular Sahyadri peaks, watch as the sun colours the morning sky with its dazzling rays from dawn till dusk. Popular trail leading to Sunrise Point.
The walking trips can be a 2-hour walk for family walkers or a challenging full-day walk for the more serious hikers. The Hatgad Fort trek gives you a mix of history and nature as it trails to the ruined fortress along lush valleys. The surrounding trails boast a mix of flora and fauna. Be sure to look out for spotted deer, different species of birds, and if you’re lucky, the odd leopard paw print in the mud. To enrich your visit with stories of the area’s colourful tribal culture and natural history, local guides are on hand. Ensure you’re carrying ample water and wearing sturdy trekking shoes, as some of the routes could be slushy during monsoon months.
Cultural and Spiritual Experience
Hatgadh Fort
You will be walking into centuries of history when you ascend the Hatgadh Fort, regally sitting on a hilltop among dense Dang forest. A 16th-century fort, once a stronghold of the Maratha empire, invokes goosebumps as you walk through its chipped-stone hallways, imagining the fierce battles that took place here. This 45-minute hike to the summit is steep and through dense woodland, but the panoramic views of the surrounding valley floors more than make up for it.
The architecture of the fort speaks volumes about the Marathas’ engineering prowess. You can explore the ancient water cisterns, storage chambers, worn ramparts, and hidden passageways that once protected soldiers during prolonged sieges. Local guides entertain you with fascinating stories about fearless warriors and tactical wins that influenced the history of the area. The history behind this place easily makes it one of the important places to visit in Saputara.
Saputara Tribal Museum
Your cultural expedition will get more interesting once you enter the Saputara Tribal Museum, which showcases the wealth of culture of the Dangi tribes through some well-thought-out displays. Here you can find folk crafts, farming tools and musical instruments as well as colourful tribal costumes that illustrate the community’s exquisite artistry. The museum has a beautiful collection of bamboo/wooden products reflecting the tribe’s amazing craftsmanship over generations.
You can lose hours analysing the intricate exhibits of tribal lifestyles, including a form of house building that is unique to them and their methods of sustainable farming. The museum is one of the unmissable places to visit near Surat as it houses tribal traditional weapons, jewellery and religious artefacts. While on a visit, you can have a good look at their spiritual beliefs and social customs. There are interactive displays that help you to comprehend how the Dangi people have preserved their traditional ways of life, but integrated them into today’s world.
Step Garden
Your attention will be captivated by the beautiful Step Garden, where formal terraces stand in startling contrast against a succession of rolling hills. These ingeniously built tiers reveal historic farming methods that communities have applied for generations, enabling them to create the most growing space from some of the steepest slopes. There are high-elevation meadows where you can wander in varying stages of bloom and diversity.
The garden is both a botanical showplace and an affirmation of indigenous knowledge of agriculture. You will see how antique water management systems sluice rainwater through each layer of terraces. Quietly sitting on one of the hill stations near Surat, the design principles followed show the gentle and productive balance between human aesthetics and nature. This makes it on the list of places to visit in Saputara purely due to its cultural appeal.
Family-Friendly Entertainment Options
Mini Train Ride
Your family will definitely enjoy the cute little train that’ll take you around the beautiful hills of Saputara. This joyous ride boasts stunning valley views and is sure to keep all families entertained. It’s one of the ideal picnic spots near Surat for kids of all ages on a family trip to this lush Saputara hill station in Gujarat.
Boating Club Events
The boating club offers great water activities that are suitable for all ages. You will have wonderful memories as you partake in peaceful boat rides through the calm waters of the lake alongside your friends and relatives. These family-friendly places to visit in Saputara are what make this hill station so special for weekend escapes.
Children’s Park
Your little ones will have a whale of a time at the kids’ paddock with safe play equipment and acres to run around in. The safe play area provides parents much-needed mental comfort as kids can go on swings, slides and enjoy other playground activities in this lovely hill station.
Best Times to Visit Saputara
June to September
The best time to visit Saputara is during the monsoon. The blast of rain turns the entire hill station into a beautiful green heaven, which is the right time to walk among nature. The showers bring waterfalls over cliffs, and you’ll see nature at its best. Waterproof gear is a must as unexpected showers are frequent, but misty mountain views make every drop worth it.
December to February
These months provide an ideal climate for sightseeing the attractions in Saputara, as the temperature is around 10 to 25°C, and you have clear views of the mountains and enjoy trekking. Families will also be here for a relaxing weekend break , and you’ll want to book early if you’re travelling in this peak season.
Travel Tips for Your Visit
- There are accommodations of all types in this Saputara hill station, right from luxurious hotels to pocket-friendly options. Well-known chains like Treebo Hotels offer good services and modern amenities.
- For longer stays, consider booking directly through the Treebo App or Website to get the best discounts and enjoy the perks of the Treebo Club Loyalty program.
- If you are staying at one of the hotels in Mumbai, make sure to check for package deals, including transportation to this charming mountain retreat.
- If you are travelling during peak season, make sure to book in advance and get a confirmation. Hotels in Surat run out of rooms quickly during travel season.
Your tour of Saputara is filled with unforgettable experiences, from stunning views of the natural landscapes at Sunrise Point to exhilarating activities such as paragliding across green valleys. Whether it’s spiritual solace at age-old temples or family-friendly fun at the ropeway and boating lake, or just want to soak in nature’s magic in all her glory, Saputara has something for everyone. Cultural experiences and outdoor thrills come together to make this Gujarati gem one of the ideal places to visit in Surat for couples. You will leave Saputara reinvigorated and already plotting to go back.
