Waghai (Distance: 79 km) is the second largest town of the Dangs. Although it does not have the infrastructure for tourism, Waghai is near several places of interest and has some accommodation possibilities. It is worth considering it as a base to explore Saputara and nearby towns. The town itself is a two-street town with shops and markets engaged in selling, hawking, bright sarees, small items, and handicrafts. Most importantly, Waghai has a petrol pump where you can get your tank filled. Besides, the town has nothing to attract rather the main attractions are off Waghai ... continued
Ahwa Distance: 42 km: The district headquarter of the Dangs, Ahwa has nothing much to see apart its villages and driveways. Traveling through the road to Ahwa gets you along a calmer and quaint roadside with all the more wilderness and forest. The villages and countryside are tiny with too less of stoppages. Ahwa hosts an annual fair know as Dang Darbar. Every year in the month of March and April, the place swells with the crowd and fair visitors.
Gira Falls: Though this site is under development, Gira Falls is 3 km off Waghai. Maintained under the surveillance of the Forest Department, the Falls can be approached from the Waghai-Saputara route, just 1 km descend from the main road. Water cascades from 30 m above into Ambica River and offers a great place to relax. Steps are being constructed near the falls in order to make it more approachable.
Vansda National Park (60 km): Spanning vast on 24 sq km, Vansda National Park extends to the border into Navsari district of the Dangs. Until 1975, this was the property of King of Vansda after which it was taken over by the Gujarat State Forest Department. Ambica River cuts and demarcates the National Park into two. Vansda National Park is still replete with leopard, hyena, Jungle Cat, macaques and barking deer and Great Indian Squirrel. With over 115 species of winged species, it also offers a great delight to the bird watchers. This park is host to a rich number of verdure and avifauna species than wild animals.
Note: No camping is allowed at Vansda National Park. Tourists must get the information in advance at Range Forest Officer
Shabari Dham: Shabari Dham is situated on Ahwa Road toward Navapura. It is a Hindu temple which was given final touches in 2006 with its complete construction is dedicated to Shabari, a woman belonging to the Bhil tribes who have a mention as Lord Rama’s ardent devotee in Ramayana ? the Hindu Holy book. As said and believed by the local tribesmen, Shabari Dham is the spot where Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Shabari sat together to feast on berries offered to them by Shabari. Nearby the temple is Pampa Lake — the new freshwater lake and resource associated with Rama’s bathing.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary (Distance: 40 km): Teak and Bamboo thickets envelope Purna wildlife sanctuary — the densest forest in the Dangs. A copious flora and fauna variety fill the place to the riches of nature on 160 sq km plateaus, valleys and idyllic charms. The rainfall Purna Wildlife Sanctuary receives, 2500 mm, is awarded highest in the region of Gujarat. Moreover, Purna is characterized as a tropical moist and deciduous forest. Tribes of Bhils, Warli, Konkona, Dubla, and Kolcha reside inside the sanctuary and enrich the area with their clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and folk dances.
Mahal (50 km ): The name is synonymous with that of a ‘Fort’ but Mahal is actually the name of the largest village on the boundary of Purna Forest Bungalow picturesquely situated on the Purna River fold. Best is to relax and enjoy the ambiance of nature in its two spacious suites. Cook and caretaker double up but the eating ingredients have to be brought by the suite resident himself.
Kiomoi TIP: Forest has trekking opportunities. Seek these with the help of a guide.
Girmal Falls: The trek up to Girmal Falls are rewarding as it is the ever-most scenic sight to behold! Located 1 km off the Mahal-Singana Road running parallel along the Gira River, Girmal Falls wears a pretty look during rains against the hill with rare flora and fauna.