Overview of the destination
Saputara is a quaint old holiday area or should I say new because it really isn't that old. In the middle of nowhere, it is a one-horse town that won't suit the adventurous but is a haven for the peace-seekers.
Where to stay: Lots of hotels in Saputara, all of them around the lake. Occupancy seemed low even in May which is supposed to be high season. But I understood from my hotel manager that occupancy is generally high in the peak season, so booking in advance is a good idea.Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Saputara is in the Dang district of Gujarat. It used to be the village of the Dang adivasis, who were re-located to another area (quite close by actually) and an artificial lake created in that area. The lake is the hotspot in Saputara. A huge lake, it nestles next to a lovely garden, all enclosed by a fence. Next to one end of the lake is a small 'market' consisting of a number of roadside stalls selling strawberries, nimbu pani and snacks. That's it. That's Saputara. Nothing to do except boating or wandering around the quasi market, no real sights to see and no activity of any kind. But I believe I had one of the most peaceful holidays in Saputara. If you like to sit around doing nothing, watching the lake and wandering around in beautiful greenery when the temperature goes down, then do visit this place. But definitely not for the adventurous-minded.
Shopping: The only thing I could see worth shopping for was dried raisins which are cheaper here than elsewhere. There is a 'shopping' area in the main market area which sells brick-bracks that one might want to waste one's money on.
Advice: The jeep drivers will offer to show you the 'sights' of Saputara. Don't go unless you are thoroughly bored with the day. Or the Rs.300 you earned illegally is burning a hole in your pocket.
Another advice: Carry plenty of cash. There are no ATMs in Saputara nor are credit cards accepted, so cash is necessary. Additionally, the jeep drivers charge you Rs.50 for a minute's ride from your hotel to the bus stand and an exorbitant Rs.1000 for travel from Saputara to Nashik. Activities & things to do
Sunset point: Lovely. You will need transport as it is up an incline. This is one of the 'sights' included in the sight-seeing tour that cost us Rs.300 (per jeep not per person thank goodness!).
Ropeway: Not for the weak-hearted. There was a throng when we went there and we skipped it but as it is close to Sunset point, you could do both together.
Boating: Great fun although you do nothing but get rowed around a lake that looks rather similar whichever way the boat turns. Rs.20 per person for half an hour I think.
Temples: There are a few around there which are included in the sight-seeing tour. Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
We went from Nashik - a two hour taxi journey. Taxi journey costs around Rs.800 to Rs.1200 depending on your negotiating skills and the other opportunities on the taxi drivers' horizon at that point of time. The taxi stand is near the bus stand. If you are going to go to Nashik by train, ensure you let the rikshaw-driver know that you want to go to the taxi stand near the bus-stop - CBD it is called I think. There are three taxi-stands in Nashik, so make sure you identify the right one. You can also go to Saputara by road from Surat. There's a bus stand from Saputara from where you can get a bus to different places including Nashik.
Tip: Although there are a number of buses from Saputara to whatever destination you want to get to, the buses are jam-packed and additionally, get delayed like nobody's business. So, go well in advance if you have a connecting bus/train to catch and if you have some spare dough, share a cab with other passengers to get to your destination. |
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