Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Dang for Nature, Culture & Adventure

1. Don Hill Station

An early winter exercise leads tourists from Gandhi Shikhar during dawn to see beautiful sunlight illuminate streams and mist-covered mountains and birds perform enchanting aerial movements of awakening.

The picturesque hills of Saputara emerge as a sight to behold in monsoon when they transform into a paradise of flowering plants and forested terrain. The sloping leaves gather raindrops as they observe their movements through prayers towards the dynamic wilderness.

Summer walks on Governor’s Hill area allow you to gaze at Saputara Lake sunset while watching the stars twinkle across the sky.

The bus climbs a coiled path toward the Ambika River before crossing into the region where Dangi tribal people reside. The village of Saputara lies within the Sahyadri range at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level while receiving its name from the Snake God which the local people worship. The name Saputara means it serves as the dwelling place for snakes.

The status as Gujarat’s sole hill station preserves Saputara’s natural authenticity since developers have avoided turning it into an overcommercial destination.

Tribal Culture and Involved Tourism

Saputara reveals its entire tribal heritage through a deep exploration of its cultural traditions.

Mrs. Poornima Pakvasa established the Ritambhara Vishva Vidyapeeth near Ahwa where visitors can learn about her mission to empower tribal women since the beginning of her five-decade commitment.

Ghelubhai Naik along with Chhotubhai Naik runs an Ashram in Ahwa where they operate several welfare programs to support tribal communities.

Visit Saputara

• Investigate the flourishing forest landscapes and multiple cascading waterfalls and atmospheric peaks.
• Take the opportunity to both understand tribal heritage and make crafts in their traditional methods.
• Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over scenic valleys.
• The only hill station in Gujarat offers visitors to experience its untainted wild beauty.

2. Girmal Waterfalls

Located within the state of Gujarat stands the Girmal Waterfalls which establishes itself as the tallest waterfall reaching 100 feet into the air. Located within the Dang region dense forest environment this breathtaking natural destination should definitely be explored by nature enthusiasts along with photography lovers and adventure seekers.

People have made Girmal Waterfalls famous for its attractive natural appeal and its invigorating setting. The waterfall descends from great heights at this spot and produces a foggy mist which enhances the beautiful mystical feel of the setting. Decadent vegetation and relaxing atmosphere meet at this location to create perfect peaceful sanctuary.

Visit

People should visit Girmal Waterfalls during the monsoon period from June to September for the best experience. Visitors find a spectacular natural scene when they visit at this time since the water reaches its maximum volume while the forest is at its most vibrant.

The Gujarat administration has initiated multiple projects which aim to improve Girmal Waterfalls for increased tourist interest. Organizations now strive to improve facilities at this location which has turned into the ideal location for tourist picnics.

The following are compelling reasons for visiting Girmal Waterfalls.

• The Highest Waterfall in Gujarat – A spectacular sight for nature lovers.
• A restful and unspoiled environment exists here as a spiritual retreat from urban existence.
• The location provides ideal spots for photography as visitors can take incredible pictures of waterfalls combined with lush greenery.
• A Great Picnic Spot – Enjoy a relaxing day in nature with family and friends.

3. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of 160.84 square kilometers within the Dang district of Gujarat. The sanctuary received official sanctuary status in July 1990 and it stands today as one of the most compact forest covers in Gujarat while providing an ecological haven for both lovers of nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

The west and northern locations of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary at the Western Ghats boundaries create a landscape with dense forests combined with hills and valleys while plateaus add to its ecosystem diversity and green vegetation mimics the tropical moist deciduous forests typical of this region. Seasonal rainfall within the sanctuary measures 2500 mm thus making it a part of Gujarat’s most productive rainfall region. The sanctuary contains numerous watercourses which include the Purna River and its tributaries.

The tropical moist deciduous forests in the sanctuary contain gigantic teak trees as their dominant species along with numerous additional plant life including:

• Sadad
• Timru
• Bamboos
• Khair
• Kalam
• Haldu
• Sisham (Rosewood)
• Salai
• Kadaya
• Sevan
• Tanachh

A wide range of habitat types supported by this diverse ecosystem enables visitors to observe abundant wildlife which makes the area suitable for wildlife observation and photographic opportunities.

The tribal population within Purna Wildlife Sanctuary includes five groups namely Bhil and Warli and Konkana and Dubda and Kolcha. Traditional housing along with unique jewelry and distinct fishing methods, agricultural methods and folk dances combined with musical instruments such as Pavry and drums encompass the cultural identity of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. Nighttime visitors will likely be able to hear the distant tribal songs while their ears follow the repetitive dance beats of their music because of an actual and inclusive encounter.

Mahal: The Heart of Purna Sanctuary

Mahal serves as the principal settlement within Purna Sanctuary while situated on the riverbank of Purna River. The old forest rest house located in the site makes it the preferred spot for Nature Education Camps. People visiting the place can unwind next to the river alongside exploring nature and supporting local conservation initiatives.

4. Gira Waterfalls

Approximately 3 kilometers from Waghai town stands the Gira Waterfalls which is known as Gujarat’s most beautiful seasonal waterfall. Nature lovers and adventure seekers frequently visit these falls because monsoon water supplies a dramatic visual experience.

The Gira Waterfalls plunges 30 meters into the Ambica River where the resulting waterfall has powerful beauty during both the rainy season and its aftermath. The waterfall displays its most beautiful state solely during the monsoon season and its immediate aftermath.

Gira Waterfalls

• Location: 3 km from Waghai town, Gujarat
• Visitors reach the falls without difficulty since the location provides easy jeep accessibility.
• Among the several attractions in Gira Waterfalls one should definitely experience the site for these specific reasons.
• During the monsoon months Gira Waterfalls deliver their most captivating appearance to visitors.
• The site stays perfect for nature enthusiasts together with photographers as they can capture breathtaking nature views and waterfall movements.
• Visitors can access this getaway easily because it lies a brief drive away from Waghai town.
• A Great Picnic Spot – Enjoy a refreshing retreat in the lap of nature.

5. Waghai Botanical Garden

Situated 2 km beyond Waghai town, the Waghai Botanical Garden functions as a Bio-Diversity Conservation Centre making the trekker an experience to interchange and discern the vicinity affluent plant life. This chamber garden with huge space has native and exotic plant species assortment which is aimed to attract nature lovers, students, and research scholars.

The Waghai Botanical Garden possesses numerous types of plant species that offers visitor the worthwhile knowledge of:

Garden also has Nature Education Trail that takes visitors to and fro Vansda National Park, offers the interactive learning experience. While there are no interpreters available on-site, the garden features labels and graphic sign-posts of most plants and what their ecological functions are.

• Location: 2 km past Waghai town, Gujarat
• Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• Why Visit Waghai Botanical Garden
• Enjoy a wide selection of house plants – Discover a tidy assortment of various plants.
• A peaceful retreat into nature – Ideal for those seeking serenity and a break from urban life.
• A perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and researchers – Gain insights into botanical and environmental sciences.

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