Weekend getaway from Nashik · #4 of 10
Saputara
Gujarat's only hill station, a lakeside resort on a Sahyadri plateau over the border. Boating, a ropeway to Sunset Point, Dang tribal culture and cool air year-round; the ghat road from Nashik is narrow but scenic.
Perched high on the Dang plateau just 80 km from Nashik via NH953, Saputara ('abode of serpents') is Gujarat's only hill station. It is built for easygoing weekend escapes with pedal boats, ropeways, tribal craft and leafy forest drives into Vansda National Park.
Getting there
The final ghat climb is smooth but full of sharp twists - give yourself extra time if monsoon fog rolls in.
Day 1 - Saturday
Lake vibes, tribal roots and golden hour views- 17:00 AMDrive
Drive Nashik to Saputara
Cruise north-west along NH953 past sweeping vineyards and onion patches before tackling the twisty, scenic Dang ghat up to the cool plateau.
Tip · Keep in mind Gujarat is a dry state, so you won't find any alcohol for sale in Saputara.
- 29:30 AMActivity
Boating on Saputara Lake
Grab a pedal or row boat from the boat-house and glide across the green waters right in the heart of town. It is super calm, kid-friendly, and best enjoyed in the crisp morning air.
📍 Saputara Lake, Saputara
- 311:30 AMSight
Lake Garden
Stroll through lush waterfront gardens with manicured lawns and a play zone for kids. It is the go-to spot on the lakeshore to lounge under the trees.
📍 Lake Garden, Saputara
- 41:00 PMFood
Gujarati thali lunch
Tuck into an endless Gujarati thali or hearty Marathi spread near the lake, loaded with sweet-tinged dal, piping-hot rotla, and delicious local flavours.
📍 Saputara, Gujarat
- 52:30 PMSight
Saputara Tribal Museum
Step into this neat 1970s museum showcasing indigenous Dang Adivasi heritage, packed with Warli-style artifacts, tribal jewelry, musical gear, and ceremonial masks.
📍 Saputara Tribal Museum, Saputara
- 64:00 PMActivity
Artist Village craft stop
Watch local tribal artisans weave bamboo, throw pottery, and paint intricate Warli designs. Kids can even get their hands dirty and try making a piece!
📍 Artist Village, Saputara
- 75:30 PMActivity
Ropeway to Sunset Point
Hop on the cable car to soar above the lake valley up to Sunset Point, the ultimate vantage spot to catch the golden hour over Saputara's rolling hills.
📍 Sunset Point, Saputara
Tip · During off-peak months, cable cars wait to fill up before running; you can also drive up via the jeep road.
- 88:00 PMStay
Hill resort stay
Settle in at one of the cozy hotels or state-run resorts clustered by the water. Rooms sell out fast during summer and Diwali, so reserve in advance!
📍 Saputara, Gujarat
Day 2 - Sunday
Dawn lookouts, wildlife trails and misty forest drives- 96:15 AMSight
Sunrise Point walk
Take a brisk 1.5 km morning stroll toward Waghai to hit the plateau edge, rewarded with a stunning dawn vista over Saputara and the vast Malegaon valley below.
📍 Sunrise Point, Saputara
- 108:00 AMFood
Breakfast at the hotel
Fuel up on crunchy fafda-jalebi, steaming poha, and masala chai. Most lakefront hotels start breakfast early to feed the morning walkers.
- 119:30 AMDrive
Drive into the Dang forest
Wind down the ghat toward Waghai through thick canopies of teak and bamboo - easily one of the most picturesque drives in the entire Dang region.
- 1210:30 AMSight
Vansda National Park
Explore a lush deciduous haven home to leopards, pythons, giant squirrels, and vivid birdlife. Grab entry tickets and friendly local guides right at the gate.
📍 Vansda National Park, Gujarat
Tip · Heavy monsoon rains usually shut the park, so double-check current timings and seasonal openings before you head out.
- 131:30 PMFood
Dhaba lunch on NH953
Stop at a rustic veg dhaba along the Waghai-Saputara stretch for hot, homestyle food. If it is raining, hit the ghat-top stalls for piping chai and roasted corn.
- 143:00 PMActivity
Last lakeside stroll
Take one last relaxed spin around the lake loop and stock up on wild Dang honey and handmade bamboo souvenirs before heading down.
📍 Saputara Lake, Saputara
- 154:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Nashik
Head down the ghat and back onto NH953 for the 2.5-hour journey home. Aim to wrap it up before dark, especially if the seasonal mist sets in.
Where to eat
Bottomless plates piled with sweet-sour kadhi, warm rotla, and creamy shrikhand are absolute must-eats in town.
Nothing beats biting into spicy, coal-roasted bhutta at the misty ghat viewpoints - an essential monsoon ritual.
Grab jars of raw forest honey and crunchy peanut chikki from the lakeside stalls to bring a taste of the hills home.
When to go
The classic hill getaway: temperatures hover under 30 C, giving you sweet relief while the plains sizzle.
Pure magic with vibrant green slopes and gushing ghat waterfalls, though you will encounter thick fog and closed park trails.
Crisp blue skies by day and chilly nights. It is the peaceful, uncrowded season, so pack cozy woolens!
Good to know
- Saputara is in dry Gujarat, but the Maharashtra border and its liquor shops are just a short drive down the road.
- Pack motion-sickness meds if you or the kids are prone to car sickness on the windy ghat roads.
- Prefer leaving the car behind? Frequent MSRTC and GSRTC buses connect Nashik directly to Saputara.
