After a lot of speculating about the place to visit for a short vacation, we nailed down to Saputara since it was not very far and was an apt destination for 3 to 4 days. Ideally its a scenic place to be there in the monsoons as its largely in the Dang forest area in the Sahyadri range.

The drive to Saputara is a good 250km via Nasik. It is basically a plateau and at an atitude of abt 100om from sea level. We put up at Hotel Patang, which is bang opposite the lake. There are other attractions like boating and games etc around the lake. That apart, it has good scenic views around like the Sunset and Sunrise points. There is a 10 minute Ropeway drive which is an attraction for the kids and other locals around. Saputara means an abode of serpentsand is on the banks of the river Sarpganga which is worshiped the adivasis.

Personally if i think about the place it was a let down firstly coz we had estimated it to be too cold but it turned out to be otherwise. the night sure was cold on the day we reached… but overall the weather got hot and sunny across India. Also, the topography had turned dry and yellow as the monsoon was well over 2 months.. therefore we saw less greens. But had a great relaxed break away from phones, computers etc and just enjoyed as i remembered my young days.

We also visited a place called Waghai which is like 50 kms from Saputara and has a few tourist attractions. The route is very scnenic with largely tall, lush bamboo trees. The main attractions being the Gira falls which is very famous in the monsoons. There is a Botanical Garden which has lots of varieties of plants from all over India. Ambapada is a typical Dangi village where we can see the tribals making toys, lamps etc from the bamboo. Then there is also a Unnai Mata Temple which is of great significance. The Vansda National Park is an old and rich forest originally belonging to the Maharajah of Vansda. It requires permission from the forest authority to visit it and also your vehicle needs to be of the condition ot move around it. An SUV/similar type vehicle only can get into it due to the under developed roads and non maintenance of the park. The Purna Sanctuary is situated in the Mahal region and is for the hardcore trekkers.

Ideally we enjoyed the swimming, playing and eating in the hotel. Its a decent hotel and the staff is very helpful. The garden and the swimming pool are well maintained and the rooms are clean. The place must be magical in the monsoons and i must say i would visit it again but during that season to enjoy it the most ! While getting back we halted at Nasik, went to the ever famous Muktidham and roamed around the Deolali camp ! This sure was a great relaxed trip.

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