Major city · India
Saputaraસાપુતારા
Give Saputara one night, two at most: a small hill town at 1,000 m where the lake, ropeway and viewpoints fill a quiet weekend, not a week.
Saputara is Gujarat's only hill station, on a plateau in the Dang district of South Gujarat, about 156 km from Surat and 79 km from Nashik in Maharashtra. It sits at roughly 1,000 m, so summer stays under about 28°C while the plains bake. The town is small and walkable, the sights are a lake, two viewpoints, a ropeway and a tribal museum, and the surrounding forest holds Adivasi villages. It suits a one- or two-night break, not a long stay.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Mid-Mar–mid-Nov; Oct–Feb for the coolest, clearest days
- avoid Late Jun–Sep for heavy monsoon rain and leeches on trails; May for pre-monsoon haze
- Airports
- STV · BDQ · BOM
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Saputara112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Saputara, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetySaputara is a small, calm hill town and generally safe for tourists, including solo and family travellers.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 108 ambulance · 1363 Tourist helpline (Incredible India, 24 h) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSTV Surat Airport (About 163 km (101 mi) by road; the nearest airport, roughly 4 h by car).STV Surat Airport (About 101 mi (163 km) by road; the nearest airport, roughly 4 h by car).
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (adult / foreigner)₹2 (≈ under US$1)₹50 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedGovernment dormitory bed, a night, per person₹100 (≈ US$2)
- Mid-range bedBudget double room, a night, per room₹900 (≈ US$11)
- High-end bedBudget double room, a night, per room₹2,000 (≈ US$25)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,000 (≈ US$12) · Mid ₹2,200 (≈ US$25) · High ₹4,500 (≈ US$55)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- STV Surat Airport (About 163 km (101 mi) by road; the nearest airport, roughly 4 h by car) · BDQ Vadodara Airport (About 309 km (192 mi); a longer road transfer) · BOM Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (The nearest international gateway; onward by train or road via Nashik or Surat)STV Surat Airport (About 101 mi (163 km) by road; the nearest airport, roughly 4 h by car) · BDQ Vadodara Airport (About 192 mi (309 km); a longer road transfer) · BOM Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (The nearest international gateway; onward by train or road via Nashik or Surat)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Avoid*
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Oct–Mar. Avoid: May–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (20 rain days), driest Jan (0). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Saputara: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
20 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
19 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The town centre, lake, gardens and museum are within about 2 km of each other. Local jeeps and cars can be hired for a half-day loop of the viewpoints; shared jeeps on fixed routes cost roughly ₹5–15 per hop. The ropeway boarding point is about 2 km from the main roundabout.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Gira Falls, Waghai
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Car or jeep via Waghai, about 52 km (32 mi)Car or jeep via Waghai, about 32 mi (52 km)
Best flow is Jul–Sep after rain; the road and falls can be closed or thin in the dry season.
Vansda National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Car via Waghai and the park approach road
Small park with leopard, pangolin and giant squirrel; prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden (Gandhinagar) or DFO Ahwa is required before you go.
Hatgadh Fort
goDoor to door: Under 1 h
Car or jeep, short hop east of town
Old hill fort; go early, carry water, no facilities.
Purna Sanctuary and Mahal
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Car, about 60 km (37 mi) through the DangsCar, about 37 mi (60 km) through the Dangs
Bamboo slopes and forest; too far for a comfortable return day.
Nashik
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Car or bus on NH 360, about 79 km (49 mi)Car or bus on NH 360, about 49 mi (79 km)
Useful for onward trains and flights; the road is narrow and winding but in good shape.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lake and bus-stand core
Walk to the lake, boat house, museum and gardens; most budget lodges and the Gujarat Tourism office sit here.
Sunset Road and ropeway side
Quieter, closer to Sunset Point and the cable-car boarding area; a short walk or jeep ride from the centre.
Nashik road edge
Highway-side hotels and the Artist Village; convenient if you arrive by car from Maharashtra.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹800–1,500 (≈ US$10–18) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹1,500–3,000 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- High
- ₹3,000–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget double room1 × 1 night × ₹900 | ₹900 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹2,200 | ₹4,400 |
| Ropeway ride, one way2 × ₹80 | ₹150 |
| Pedal boat, 30 min2 × ₹20 | ₹40 |
| Gujarati thali, unlimited2 × ₹60 | ₹120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹700 | ₹1,400 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹700 |
| Trip total≈ ₹3,860 per person per day, bed included | ₹7,710≈ US$90 |
2026 estimate in rupees; travel to Saputara excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Museum entry (adult / foreigner) | ₹2 (≈ under US$1) / ₹50 (≈ under US$1) |
| Ropeway ride | ₹77 (≈ under US$1) |
| Pedal boat / rowboat, 30 min | ₹20 (≈ under US$1) / ₹5 (≈ under US$1) per person |
| Gujarati thali (limited / unlimited) | ₹45 (≈ under US$1) / ₹60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Shared jeep hop | ₹5–15 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Gujarat is a dry state: no alcohol in Saputara. The Maharashtra border is a short drive or walk away, where it is legal.
- The ropeway runs only with a minimum of about 12 passengers, so off-season waits can run long.
- Mobile signal is patchy in this remote district; download maps and tickets before you arrive.
- Monsoon brings slippery trails, leeches and closed forest roads; check conditions before walking.
- For anything beyond minor medical care, the nearest centres are Surat (about 160 km (99 mi)) and Nashik (about 85 km (53 mi)).For anything beyond minor medical care, the nearest centres are Surat (about 99 mi (160 km)) and Nashik (about 53 mi (85 km)).
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Ambulance
- 108
- Tourist helpline (Incredible India, 24 h)
- 1363
Pocket card
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Saputaraસાપુતારા
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
આ સરનામે લઈ જાઓTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Ambulance108
- Tourist helpline (24 h)1363
Embassy
No embassies in Saputara; consulates and embassies are in Mumbai and New Delhi.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Surat → Saputara, road: about 163 km (101 mi), roughly 4 h by carabout 101 mi (163 km), roughly 4 h by car
- Nashik → Saputara, NH 360: about 79 km (49 mi), roughly 2 habout 49 mi (79 km), roughly 2 h
- Ropeway ride: about ₹77 (≈ under US$1), 10–15 min
Say or show
- નમસ્તે — Hello / Namaste (namaste)
- આભાર — Thank you (aabhar)
- કેટલા રૂપિયા? — How much is it? (ketla rupiya)
- તળાવ ક્યાં છે? — Where is the lake? (talav kya chhe)
- અહીં ઊભા રહો — Please stop here (ahi ubha raho)
- મને નથી જોઈતું — I don't want it (mane nathi joitu)
Gujarat is a dry state: no alcohol in Saputara. The Maharashtra border is a short drive away, where it is legal.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Saputara. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mid-Mar–mid-Nov; Oct–Feb for the coolest, clearest days · avoid Late Jun–Sep for heavy monsoon rain and leeches on trails; May for pre-monsoon haze · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for STV: last road departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: lake and boat house, museum and gardens, ropeway and Sunset Point, Sunrise Point.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (museum, ropeway, boat house, Artist Village) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialSaputara official site
- officialGujarat Tourism
- secondaryWikivoyage: Saputara, revision 5300581 (CC BY-SA 4.0)