Saputara

Saputara sits at about a thousand metres in the Dangs, the forested hill district in the far south of Gujarat, and it is the state's only hill station. Unlike most Indian hill towns, which empty in the rains, Saputara markets itself for the monsoon, when the Sahyadri hills turn green, waterfalls run and mist fills the valleys; a Meghmalhar festival runs through those months. A small lake with boating, a ropeway to a sunset point, a tribal museum covering the Dangi communities and viewpoints over the Sahyadris make up the town. Gira waterfall lies down the road toward Waghai.

What you actually see

• The monsoon green - the Sahyadri hills at their fullest in the rains.
• The lake and ropeway - boating and a lift to the sunset viewpoint.
• The tribal museum - Dangi community material and crafts.
• Gira waterfall - a broad fall on the road below the town.

When to go

July to November is the promoted season, with the monsoon festival running through it; winter is pleasant and drier. April to June is hot even at this altitude and the hills are brown.

Honest expectations

Monsoon means genuine heavy rain, leeches and limited visibility, which is the point but not to everyone's taste. The town is small and quickly seen. Gujarat's alcohol prohibition applies.

Nearby

Waghai lies below; Nashik is east in Maharashtra.