While everything outdoors steadily turns clean and green, the call of Mother Nature becomes simply impossible to ignore. The din is growing louder and louder at Saputara, the quaint and picturesque hill station nestled in the plateaus of the Dang region in South Gujarat.
Saputara which literally means ‘Abode of the Snakes’, is the venue for the month long ‘Monsoon Festival’ commencing from the 3rd of August, 2013. Droves of tourists numbering around 60,000 from neighboring states and other parts of Gujarat visited Saputara during the Monsoon Festival last year according to Gujarat Tourism Corporation officials.
This year’s Monsoon Festival promises to be bigger and better with a plethora of activities lined up for adventure junkies, culture aficionados and ofcourse nature lovers. Kids are bound to have a great time with excitement packed games like Bamboo balancing, Jelly Jump, Bamboo Ball, Balloon blowing, Skip Master, Musical Chairs, Bamboo Ball, Brick Walk, Tug of war, etc. Parents and adults can chose from a wide range of Cultural Programs, Film Shows, Food and Craft bazaars. The entire family can enjoy Lazer shows and associated programs highlighting the culture of the Dangs.
Adrenaline rush for adventure lovers is guaranteed with more than 13 adventure sports, including the 450 meters long Zip Line passing atop the Gira water fall, zorbing, ground obstacle and high rope obstacle, tree walk, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, ATV tours, tracking, etc.
Visitors are delighted to learn about the historical and mythological significance of Saputara. ‘Sitavan’ is the place where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent years of their exile. The ‘Pandav Gufa’ is rumoured to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile. It is from this hideout that Arjun began his appeasement of Lord Shiva for acquiring the celestial weapons. The ancient Arvalem cave complex stand witness to the rich cultural heritage of India.
The thundering waterfalls, undulating meadows, sparkling fountains and crisp clean air of Saputara assume an ethereal aura in the monsoons with the clouds descending from the hills and engulfing everything around in tiny droplets of rain.
The arts and crafts of the locals from the Dang region are to be seen to be believed. The Artist Village at Saputara gives tourists a great opportunity to explore and experience the Warli paintings and crafts associated with this region. The Tribal museum introduces visitors to the lifestyle, costumes, heritage and ecology of the Vanbandhu culture of the Dangs.
The tourism department of Gujarat organizes customized tours like the ‘Dang Tribal Tour’ and ‘Monsoon Dang Tour’ that cover exotic locales and promise an unforgettable experience to tourists.
Amitabh Bachchan calls Saputara the “Aankhon ka Taara” of Gujarat and no amount of words can truly justify the spellbinding beauty and pristine environs of Saputara. For a detailed list of activities, tourist spots and details about how to reach Saputara, click here
So if you find yourself being drawn to the enchanting environs of Saputara, you are not alone. Join the lakhs of revelers from across the country heading for the Monsoon Festival. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat is waiting with open arms and first rate amenities to welcome you to soak in the splendid natural brilliance of Gujarat.
For complete details of the Monsoon Festival click here
