Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Botanical Garden at Waghai, Dangs, Gujarat

The Botanical Garden is situated 2 km away from Waghai village on Waghai-Saputara road. Established in 1966, the 24 hectares garden is the largest garden in Gujarat. Besides ex-situ conservation of rare, endangered and endemic species; the Garden 
Botanical Garden, Waghai
nurtures a diverse array of 1400 plant species and 1077 genera representing 100 families. The Garden has systemic network of internal roads spreading over 7 km in length. Each avenue is named after species that are planted there on both sides e.g. Neem road, Ashok road, Anacardium road etc. There is a collection of about 8000 Herbarium sheets of 1000 species. The Garden is divided into several plots representing different forest types such as evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, scrub and thorn, arid zone etc. as classified by Hutchison and Seth. Besides these, the garden has other separate plots like taxonomy plot, medicinal plot, bamboo plot, palm plot, Dangs plot, orchid plot and rose plot. Apart from excellent collection of cactus, the garden contains variety of bamboo species such as Chinese bamboo, Golden bamboo, Beer bottle bamboo etc.
Locomotive Steam Engine, Botanical Garden, Waghai
Attracting more than one lakh tourists each year, the Garden is equipped with interpretation center, library, research and demonstration center, meeting hall, drinking water and sanitation, canteen and a rest house. The garden is open from 8am-6pm and entry is free.

Gira Waterfalls in Dangs, Gujarat

Located at a distance of 5 km from Waghai off Waghai-Saputara road, the Gira waterfall is a 30 m natural plunge into the Ambika river. Breathtakingly beautiful, this seasonal waterfall (June-December) is among the most picturesque sights in the district.

Rising in the Kem hills situated near Bondarmal (Dangs) and Shribhuvan (Maharashtra) villages, the river Ambika flows past Rambhas and Waghai villages of the District and finally meets the Arabian Sea near Bilimora in Valsad district.
 There are some tea and snacks stalls along with view huts for relaxing and picnicking. Some make-shift shacks selling various local handicrafts from bamboo. A typical Dangi village named Ambapada is located near Gira falls. The route is soothingly scenic as it is surrounded by lush and tall bamboos. The tourist can take a walk in and around the village and visit some tribal 
artists making various handicrafts from bamboo stem and roots.


Mahal Eco-tourism Campsite, Dangs, Gujarat

There are four eco-tourism camp sites in the Dangs District which include Mahal Forest Camp Site, Girli Lodges, Kilad Nature Education Centre and Devinamal Eco Campsite. The first two are run by the North Forest Division and the latter are run by the South Forest Division of Dangs Forest Department.

Mahal Forest and Camp Site
Mahal is a village located 28 km from Ahwa on the Ahwa-Songadh road on the boundary of the Purna Sanctuary and has the thickest bamboo forest cover in Gujarat. A forest rest house is built on promontory jutting out over the Purna river on the Ahwa-Songadh main road. Facilities at the rest house include three rooms with attached bath and toilet, an interpretation centre, a projected roof top sitting arrangement looking over to river Purna, a kitchen and a dining hall.

Way towards Mahal Village
Mahal Forest Rest House
Interpretation Centre at Mahal Forest Rest House
Bridge on river Purna near Mahal Forest Rest House
Driving 3 km off the main road amidst the immense bamboo landscapes, one reaches a beautiful forest camp site with facilities for night stay in bamboo huts and tree houses. Located on the banks of the Purna river, camp site is a starting node for the recently developed Wild Woods Trail by the Forest Department. A 3 km trek from the Camp site leads to village Chikhla inhabited largely by the Warli tribe and exhibiting a specimen of the typical tribal culture of Dangs. Camp site is an ideal location for nature education camps. The tranquility of the woods and the nearby river is amazing. You get to know what it means ‘being in the lap of nature’.

Tents with Fire Place in the Center
Tourist Cottage
Interpretation Centre
Bamboo Machan
Facilities:
Interpretation/Orientation Centre
4 cottages with attached bath and toilet facilities
11 Tented Accommodations with separate bathing and toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Nature Trail
Separate area for Campfire
Beautiful two storey bamboo machans for landscape and wildlife viewing
Can also have a night trail accompanied with a guide
Mahal Camp Site from opposite side of the river Purna

Girmal Waterfalls and Girli Lodges, Dangs, Gujarat

Girmal Waterfalls

Located 8 km off village Nishana on Ahwa-Nawapur road near village Girmal and gushing down from a height of more than 100 feet, the Girmal waterfall – the highest waterfall in the State, creates silvery cobwebs of fog from which a rainbow often shines through. Rising from Mangaldev Ota situated in Maharashtra State, the river Gira on its way touches Singana, Girmal, Bardipada and Diwadiavan villages of the District and finally meets the river Mindhola in the Songadh taluka of the Surat district.

Girmal Waterfalls, Dangs, Gujarat
Best time to visit is July-December. The waterfalls gets almost dried up generally by the end of January. Forest department has made reasonably good sitting arrangements and view points and a paved pathway leading towards the tip of the falls. There are some make shift stalls selling tea and snacks during the season. 

Driving Directions from Ahwa: Arrive at Subir village from Ahwa (30 km); Go straight and arrive at Nishana check-post (12 km); Take a left turn and Arrive at village Girmal (8 km); Take a left turn and arrive at Girmal waterfalls (2 km).

Gavdahad View Point and Girli Lodges – en route Girmal waterfalls
On way to Girmal from Nishana, there is a beautiful view point developed by the Forest department near village Gavdahad. The view point is exactly above the point where river Gira takes a U-turn. Watching a massive green patch of Purna Sanctuary surrounded by U-shaped Gira is a spectacular experience. Eco-Development Committee (EDC) of the Forest department runs a restaurant named as ‘U-turn restaurant’ at this juncture. With four Girli Lodges with attached bathrooms and an Interpretation/Orientation Centre, the place is a nice refreshing spot.

River Gira takes a U-turn

Girli Lodges en route Girmal Waterfalls

Saputara – Gujarat’s own hill station

Saputara, the only hill station in Gujarat is located in Dangs, on its border with Maharashtra. With an altitude of around 800 meters, Saputara is the second highest plateau in the Sahyadri range running through the Gujarat State. The plateau overlooks the green valley stretched over a length of about 24 km. Contrasting any other colonial fashioned hill stations; Saputara has no majestic colonial buildings or view points named after former British rulers.


The name Saputara, i.e. abode of serpents is derived from the snake deity of the local tribals. A small stone idol of the serpent is located on the banks of Sarpganga lake where the locals congregate during the festivals of Holi and Nagpanchmi to worship the deity.
Saputara is an excellent get-away for the pollution hit and heat-scorched lives of the plains and the metros. It is a hill that heals. With stunning sunset, vibrant sunrise, cool winds and quiet solitude; Saputara is an ideal spot to chill out. Monsoon is the month of magic. Clouds clap hands with the surrounding hills and a strange mist and fog engulfs the area.
Getting There and Away
The nearest airport is Nasik, 80 km and another at Mumbai is 265 km away. Nasik road (80 km) is the nearest railhead on the Central Railway; Bilimora (110 km), Valsad (135 km) and Surat (160 km) are the rail links on the Western Railway in Gujarat. From Mumbai, a tourist can drive by NH3 to Nasik and take the state highway over the Sahyadris via Dindori, Vani and Borgaon. Mumbai-Nasik-Vani-Saputara is 255 km. From Ahmedabad, a tourist can reach up to Kharel cross-roads (15 km from Navsari) on NH-8, take a left turn and reach Saputara via Rankuva cross-roads, Vansda and Waghai.
Getting Around
Saputara is a very small town, so you won’t find auto rickshaws or taxis here. Most hotels arrange for pick and drop from Nasik or within the town. You can easily cover the town on foot.
Places of interest across Saputara

Lying on the religious Surat-Shirdi route, Saputara has enough attractions to make a night halt amidst the hills. It gives one a feel of rural and tinge of urban surrounding. Swagat Circle, situated right at the entrance of Saputara, is the geographical hub of this place.                       .
Sarpganga Lake
Located right at the centre of the Saputara valley, this is a 70 feet deep perennial lake flanked by picturesque hills. There are paddle and row boats available for boating. A long walk along the lake-side pathway is a pleasure trip.

Sarpganga Lake, Saputara
Boat Riding at Sarpganga Lake, Saputara
 Governor Hill (Sunset point – Hill No. 1)
 At a distance of around 1.5 km from the Swagat circle, the Governor hill is a place to capture the sun going down the valley. It is called Governor’s hill because there was a plan to have Governor’s holiday residence over here. However the plan did not materialize. One can have a panoramic view of the Saputara down the valley. Apart from facilities for horse and camel riding and amusement facilities for children, the spot has some sweet-corn and tea stalls for refreshments. A steep hike to the hill does not give the idea of the vast table land here. Big vehicles like buses and low powered two wheelers find it difficult to reach the point. In monsoon, the hill gets covered with mist and fog after the rains – a spirit of bonhomie floats in the air with the clouds.

Sunset View Point at Governor Hill, Saputara

Governor Hill, Saputara
Camel Riding at Governor Hill, Saputara
Governor Hill, Saputara
Sunset Point (Hill No. 2)
Also known as ‘Gandhi Shikhar’, the sunset point lies opposite to the Governor hill. Apart from the vivid sunset, a traveler can have a breath-taking view of the surrounding tribal villages down the valley. A 10 minute tour across the valley through ropeway brings you to the Governor Hill.
Sunset Point, Saputara
Sunset Point, Sapautara
The Ropeway
Operated and maintained by the Vaity Hill Resorts, the ropeway starts at the Governor Hill, reaches the sunset point across the valley, takes a mid-way halt and then takes a U-turn and proceeds back to the starting point.



Sunrise Point (Valley View Point)
Sunrise point is around 1.5 km away from the Swagat Circle. One has to leave the vehicle near the Jain temple and has to trek the remaining hill to reach the sunrise point. Tourist can have a spectacular view of the sun spreading its beautiful soft-morning-rays and can spend a leisurely morning.


Sunrise, Saputara
Sunrise, Saputara
Museum
Anthropological museum at Saputara is located at a walking distance from the Swagat Circle. The museum gives an introduction to the lifestyle, costumes, heritage and ecology of the tribal Dangs. Established in 1970, the museum exhibits Dangi tribal art, culture, clothes, musical instruments, ornaments, paintings, agriculture implements, proto-typehouses, grass ornaments, stuffed birds, masks used in dance-dramas and objects of day-to-day use by the native Dangis. The famous snake sculpture of Saputara is housed in the museum campus. A small and beautiful aquarium is located near the museum within the same campus. 




Gardens
There are several gardens across Saputara. Lake garden, Step garden and rose garden are some of the scenic spots for tourists to catch a breath. Step garden is a garden set up in steps. Developed and maintained by the Forest Department, the garden has a forest hut for tourists to stay in. Tourists can have an excellent valley view from the garden.
View Points
Important view points worth a visit include Echo point and Valley View point. Echo point is located en route Navagam. Amidst the cool natural ambience with a hill in the background, one can hear the echo of what one says through resonance.

Echo Point, Saputara
Temples
The three important temples across Saputara include Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, Jain Temple and Ganesha Temple. The Nageshwar Mahadev temple lies on the Sarpganga lake. The old rock cut snake deity of Saputara lies near the temple on the banks of the lake. The Jain temple houses 508 years old idol of Shri Chintamani Gajabhishek Parshwanath. Temple has marvelous carving on the gates and the temple. Ganesha temple is situated at village Navagam, around 1.5 km from the Swagat circle. This is a beautiful Ahtavinayak Ganesha temple with eight different forms of Lord Ganesha.
Ayurvedic Garden
The garden lies en route Governor hill at a distance of around 1 km from the Swagat circle. Established in 1966 on the recommendation of famous Ayurvedacharya Shri Rasiklal Parikh, the garden contains various ayurvedic medicinal plants, shrubs and trees.

Loghut
Built in 1977 from Valsadi teak, the Loghut is based on the design of loghuts in Scandinavian countries. Ground floor is an RCC structure whereas the top two floors are entirely made up of teak wood. It is a Rest House run by the Forest Department.

Loghut, Saputara
Honey Bee Centre
Located opposite to the Lake View garden, the Honey Bee Centre (apiary) is place where honeybees are reared and pure honey is extracted and sold at the market price. One can watch the process of domesticating wild bees (apiculture) in artificial movable hives made from hollow logs, wooden boxes, pottery vessels and woven straw baskets.

Honey Bee Center, Saputara
Honey Bee Center, Saputara
Excursions in Maharashtra
Hathgadh Fort
Located 6 km from Saputara on the Saputara-Nasik highway, Hathgadh Fort is based on Hathgad Hills commanding spectacular views of surrounding areas. An antiquated fort of Mulher area in the Nasik district, this fort enriches the beauty of Sahyadri Hills. It is believed to be constructed by the great warrior and King of Marathas Chattrapati Shivaji way back during his reign. At the top point is located a beautiful idol of lord Ganesha. The best way to sample out this archaic architecture is to walk down with a guide.
Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Vani
Located 50 kms from Saputara off Saputara-Nasik road near Vani, a village in Maharashtra, Saptashrungi is a site of pilgrimage where goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini (Durga Devi) dwells within seven mountain peaks. This place is one of the 51 shakti peeths (power centers) where goddess made her presence felt. The other three peeths in Maharashtra include Tulja Bhavani at Tuljapur, Amba Bhavani or Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur and Renuka Devi at village Mahur.
The devi is carved on a rock cliff on top of the mountain Saptashrung at an altitude of 1230 meters above sea level. The carving is eight feet tall and is carved on a single rock face. Devi holds a weapon in each of her eighteen arms. The temple is located at N 20° 23’ 28.6” and E 73°54’25.1”. There is a road, which goes up to and altitude of 1150 meters, from here there is flight of 470 stairs, which goes right up to the shrine. Two fairs are organized every year: one on Chaitri Full Moon Day which runs for 15 days and the other on Navratri which runs for 9 days. The temple is well connected with the city of Nashik and Saputara.
Fairs and Festivals
On 15th October every year, a cultural mela is organized by Bhasha Research and Publication Center, Vadodara. On this occasion the tribal artists gather to present their theatre, songs, folk epics, dance and music.
Shopping
Shopping complex situated near museum off the Nasik road and numerous sidewalk shops surrounding museum entrance are the primary shopping locations in Saputara. Bamboo artifacts, curios, seasonal fruits and dry fruits, toys, several confectionary products including the famous Lonavala Chiki and usual array of knick-knacks typical of tourist haunts are on display. For crafts and finer metal artifacts, a visit to Chacha Emporium situated on the corner of the road towards Sarpganga Lake is recommended.
Medical Services and other facilities
A Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) and a chemist shop near Swagat Circle are the only medical services at Saputara. Across the Border in Maharashtra, two Private Clinics operate at Borgav, 10 km from Saputara. A PHC at Shamagahan, 10 kms down the hill on Gujarat side from Saputara, does have certain basic medical facilities. However, it is advisable to carry a small stock of essential medicines during the journey.
This apart, the only petrol pump in Saputara is located near the Maharashtra border on the Saputara-Nasik highway. 


Kilad Eco-tourism Campsite, Dangs, Gujarat

Located 1.5 km off Vansda-Waghai road near Waghai on the banks of the river Ambika, Kilad Eco-tourism Centre is a part of Vansda National Park. With comfortable log huts and tree huts, the camp site is an ideal location for nature camps. The site, having an all season access, is a home to riverine woodlands and aquatic eco-systems and is administered by the Forest Department.
Entrance to Kilad Eco-tourism Campsite, Waghai, Dangs, Gujarat
Facilities:
Orientation Centre
2 Concrete Cottages on water
4 Bamboo Cottages
4 Concrete Cottages in two houses (two in one house)
16 Tented Accommodations with separate bathing and toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen and Dining places
Nature Education Camp
Separate area for Campfire
Bamboo machans for landscape and wildlife viewing
Tree House at Kilad Eco-tourism Campsite
Tents at Kilad Eco-tourism Campsite
The Campsite has a Solar Electricity supply; hence the tourists are requested to use the electricity only when and where it is required. Food is available with the help of ETC (Eco Tourism Committee). One can also have a night trail accompanied with a guide.

Devinamal Eco-tourism Campsite, Dangs, Gujarat

Close to Ahwa and 3 kms off the Ahwa-Saputara road lies the Devinamal Eco Campsite. Surrounded on all sides by lush green forest, the campsite lies near the banks of the River Khapri. It provides excellent walking and trekking options. It gets its name from the various shrines, each housing a Hindu deity (Vinayak, Hanuman, Rama, Kali, and Shiva). Best time to visit the campsite is from October to March.

Entrance to Devinamal Campsite from Ahwa-Saputara Road
Facilities:
Interpretation/Orientation Centre
5 Cottages
3 Tented Accommodations with separate bathing and toilet facilities
Separate Kitchen and Dining places
Nature Education Camp
Separate area for Campfire
Bamboo machan for landscape and wildlife viewing

The Campsite has a Solar Electricity supply; hence the tourists are requested to use the electricity only when and where it is required. Food is available with the help of ETC (Eco Tourism Committee). One can also have a night trail accompanied with a guide.