The incredible geographical diversity of the state of Gujarat is a wealth in itself. Scenic beauty, richness of history, culture and traditions, technological growth in the state are factors that have influenced the tourism industry most positively. The long, unending coastline of Gujarat is studded with many small and big hillocks. Though there are not many hill stations in the state of Gujarat, the ones that are there are densely crowded with tourists during the travel season. The hill stations in Gujarat have a unique character of their own. The terrain of the hill stations range from partly arid and rocky patches to lush green zones to grassy lands atop the hills.
If you are planning to explore the hill stations of Gujarat, here are the ones you shouldn’t miss:
List of the 3 Most Popular Hills Stations of Gujarat
1. Saputara
Nestled in the heart of the Sahydris or Western Ghats, Saputara is a gorgeous hill station known for its lush green beauty and panoramic views of the rising and setting sun. Views of gushing streams, pellucid lakes, mist-covered mountain slopes, colorful orchards and gardens add to the beauty of Saputara rising to about 1000 meters in elevation. This is just a perfect location to unwind and relax during a short weekend getaway…
Location:
Saputara Hill Station of Gujarat is cradled amid the folds of the Sahaydris atop a plateau within the verdant green Dang forest belts. Surat, 172 kms away is the nearest city to Saputara hill station.
How to Reach:
You can reach Saputara by road, rail and air routes. If you are traveling by road, you could avail private bus or state bus services from the cities of Ahmedabad and Waghai to reach Saputara. Those coming by private cab may take the course of National Highway to reach Saputara. Bilimora is the nearest railway station falling in close proximity to Saputara. Bilimora rail head lies on the narrow gauge track of Bilimora-Waghai railway network of Western Indian railways. Trains to Saputara can be boarded from this station and the rest of the journey can be completed by means of direct buses to Saputara. Vadodara, the airport lying nearest to Saputara.
When to Visit:
Saputara can be visited all year round. In the summertime temperatures will be nearly 28 degree centigrade. If you visit Saputara during the summers you’ll feel relaxed due to the cool climate and pleasant breeze. Rains lash the hill station in the months of July, August and with the torrential downpours, Saputara turns verdant green, fresh and pleasing. In the winters, temperatures may dip down to 10 degree centigrade but the weather, on the whole, remains pleasant enough for the travelers.
Places to See:
There are innumerable places to see in and around Saputara and a sightseeing tour of Saputara can keep you busy all day long. The major places to see are- Gira Waterfalls, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Saputara Lakes, Hatgadh fort, Sunrise and Sunset Point, Saptashrungi Devi Mandir, Mahal forest, Ambapada, Botanical Garden etc.
Other Activities:
The other activities that you could undertake while at Saputara include Pedal boating in the lakes, exploring the gardens around, taking a cable car ride to get a bird’s eye view of the hill station, taking a cultural walk through the tribal villages of Saputara.
Accommodation:
From cheap, budget hotels to posh, luxury resorts, Saputara has almost all types of accommodations to suit the requirements of travelers.
2. Wilson Hills; Dharampur
Wilson Hills is a picturesque hill station in the state of Gujarat. It rises to an altitude of 750 meter above the sea level. The hill station got its name from Lord Wilson who had been Mumbai’s governor from 1923-28. The chief highlight of this hill station is that this is perhaps the only hill station in the whole of India offering a glimpse of the deep blue Arabian Sea from the hill summit.
Location:
Wilson Hills comes within Gujarat’s Valsad district in vicinity to the Dharampur Tehsil and also to the city of Surat. The hill station stands amid the dense, impenetrable forests of Pangarbari Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach:
You could reach Wilson Hills by means of the following modes of transportation: by road, by rail and by air. Buses and taxis from all major cities of Gujarat such as Valsad, Surat, Navsari, and Dharampur etc can convey you to Wilson Hills without any hassle. Those coming by train have to board a train to Valsad railway station lying on the Railway network running between Surat and Mumbai. From Valsad station you can book a cab to reach Wilson Hills. Those traveling by flight, need to fly to Surat airport; the airport falling nearest to Wilson Hills and then complete the rest of the journey by means of road transport.
When to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Wilson Hills is during the Monsoon Season; i.e. between mid-June and end of September.
During the monsoons, Wilson hills come to life. Lush deep greenery cloaks the entire region. Fresh saplings sprout out when the seeds buried deep in earth get drizzled by the rain water. Many dead streams get transformed to dancing, gushing rivulets. The sky above remains covered with dark clouds heaving with rain drop. The beauty of nature at Wilson Hills during that time is simply unparalleled!.
Places to see:
There are 5 viewpoints in Wilson Hills offering one with panoramic views of scenic vistas from hilltop. Those viewpoints are as follows: Steep Valley Point, Marble Chatri Point, Sunset and Sunrise Points, Ozone Valley Point. The other places to see include Shankar Waterfalls, Barumal temple, Lady Wilson Museum, Twin Waterfalls of Bilpudi.
Other Activities:
Nature gazing, lazing in the meadows, taking cultural walks across the Adivasi villages and sampling freshly cooked Adivasi delicacies, clicking as many photos as you can are some of the activities you could undertake at Wilson Hills.
Accommodation:
There is decent home stay facility at Wilson Hills. Feel at home by staying in a home stay and enjoy the Adivasi hospitality, yummy food and get to explore the local culture.
3. Don Hills Station
In the village of Dang, a new hill station has emerged; the Don hill station. It is perched at an elevation of 1000 meters above the sea level. The scenic landscapes of Don Hill station can be a great crowd puller for the nature loving tourists. The serenity of ambiance at Don is truly enthralling. ‘Don’ hill station got its name from Sage Dronacharya who, as per myths, used to dwell in this place.
Location:
Don Hill Station is located in vicinity to Saputara in the Ahwa Dang region of the Don Village of Gujarat which comes under Gujarat Dang district.
How to reach:
Book a private car or taxi to reach the Don hill station. In fact that’s the most convenient way to reach Don hill station. Taxis may be hired from Ahwa or Saputara.
When to visit:
The ideal time to visit Don hill station is between months June and September. Torrential downpours, heaving dark clouds and the lush green rain swept meadows and grooves make the hill station a place of enchanting scenic beauty.
Places to see:
The Anjani Mata Mandir, 6 sided clock tower or Ghanta Ghar are the two major sightseeing destinations in the Don Hill station.
Other Activities:
Undertaking a cultural walk through the tribal villages, tasting Adivasi food, taking photographs to your heart’s content, soaking feet in the waters of the streams and brooks, nature gazing are some of the activities you could undertake at the Don Hill station.
Accommodation:
You cannot put up at Don hill station for the night as there are no overnight stay facilities at Don hill station. So, the only option left for you is to stay at the hotels of Saputara or Ahwa.
So, these are the complete details about the 3 most famous hill stations in Gujarat.
