Located at a distance of 5 km from Waghai off Waghai-Saputara road, the Gira waterfall is a 30 m natural plunge into the Ambika river. Breathtakingly beautiful, this seasonal waterfall (June-December) is among the most picturesque sights in the district.
About Gira waterfalls in Saputara, Gujarat :
A beautiful and a densely wooded hill station town situated in the Dang district of southern tip of Gujarat, Saputara is best known for its wildlife excursion tours and rich wildlife resources and scenic beauty. It derives its name from the customary snake worship of the resident tribes. Though still under development for easy access, Gira Falls is already a hit with the tourists. Just 3 km. from Waghai, and maintained under the surveillance of forest department, the falls can be approached from the Waghai-Saputara route. The clearing on the road provides a good view of this beautiful waterfall and the enchanting beauty of this place is unmatched. Water cascades from 30 m. above into the Ambica river and present a breath-taking site. The snack stalls and picnic huts nearby make it an ideal relaxation and picnic spot. An ideal time to visit would be from June to October. Nearest airport is Mumbai, 250 km. away and nearest railway station Billimora.
Other Attractiorn in Saputara, Gujarat :
Artists Village:
In the Dangs of Saputara there exist more than 300 villages out of which 94% are of tribal communities. The Bhils, the Gamits, the Kunbis, the Warlis and are the members of the local tribal communities who depend on the forest for their livelihood obtaining timber, collecting honey and lacs. The artist’s village is formed with such people from tribal communities. Artist village is a wonderful place to interact with the local timber and pick up bamboo-made artifacts crafts persons who are from aforesaid tribal communities. Artists village is situated on the Saputara – Nashik main road. This place displays handicrafts made by the locals. Visitors can pick up pieces of jewelry, key chains, paintings, pen stands, pottery, vases, and maid from bamboo and other local materials. Kids can learn the art of craftsmanship in the workshops organized by the artists.
Boating Club:
In the heart of the valley of Saputara there exist extremely tranquil lakes named Saputara Lake which will make you feel complete peace of mind. It is about 21 meters deep and is extended in the vast valley encircled by the hilly terrain. You can hire rowing and paddle boats to have a boating experience in the lake. Various types of fun-game & entertainment facilities for children are available near the lake.
Echo Point:
As the name indicates Echo Point is the place which bring into being the echo through resonance. Echo point is placed near Matheran, Saputara. Here one can hear the echo of what he says. Its one of the main places of interest among a host of tourist destination in Saputara. In this point there one can find picturesque environment with many waterfalls enriching the fascinating beauty of the location. The atmosphere is mind tranquilizing and cool in weather. Some of the many tourist spots are Louisa point, King George Point and Charlotte Lake
Botanical garden
The Botanical garden (49 kms. from Saputara) is a large 24-hectare garden with 1,400 varieties of plant from all over India. The amateur nature lover can marvel at different varieties of bamboo like the Chinese Bamboo, Golden Bamboo, and Beer Bottle Bamboo etc. and enjoy strolling along the beautiful walkways each lined with different species of tree.
Forest Nursery
Forest Nursery offers varieties of vegetation. This nursery is managed by the forest department. Flowered plants. Saplings of fruit trees, creepers and many others are showcased here and one can buy these saplings for a minimum price. The nursery is developed in picturesque surroundings.
Gira waterfalls
The Gira waterfalls (49 kms. from Saputara) is located off the Saputara-Waghai road which emerges from the Kapri tributary. It is a breathtakingly beautiful view around monsoon. The seasonal (only after rains) falls are among the most picturesque sights in the district. Located about 3 km from Waghai town, the waterfall has a 30 meters natural drop into the Ambika river. It is open to public and accessible by jeeps on hire. It is an absolutely must-see from June to November.
Forest Log huts
Saputara forest log huts of are very famous. The main enticement of these log huts are its singularity in construction. The constructional beauty of these log huts are worth watching. Visitors are given permission to spend the day and night in forest log huts in wilderness for giving an real experience of merging with nature and enjoying all gifts of nature.
Mahal Forest
The Mahal Forest (68 kms. from Saputara) is one of the dense forests in Gujarat and has rich wild life. Tourists require special permission from forest department to visit Mahal Forest, which is open for the tourist during specific time during the year. The main attractions of this region are Purna sanctuary and Girmal falls.
Ambapada
Ambapada (48 kms. from the Saputara) is a typical Dangi traditional village located near the Gira Falls. It is surrounded on all sides by lush and tall bamboo. The village tribal is engaged in making of toys and lamps out of bamboo roots.
Hatgadh Fort
This is an excellent and protruding architectural beauty at an altitude of about 3,500 feet. It is one of the most archaic forts situated in Mulher which is in Nasik district of Maharastra. This is situated close to Saputara and in Gujarat-Maharashtra border. It is located in a majestic location in the Sahyadri range.
Vansda National park
The Vansda National park was originally a private forest of maharaja of Vansada. It is now a park which covers an area of 24 km?. Despite its small size the park harbours tiger, leopard, pangolin, rusty-spotted cat, python, giant squirrel, four-horned antelope etc. Prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, of Gandhinagar or DFO, Ahwa, is required before visiting the park.
Honey Bees Centre
This is a place where honeybees are nurtured and where you can see how the pure honey are extracted from the honeycomb. It is situated in a place facing the garden. It also perceives the tourists about the honey industry operational data i.e. how the industrial production of honey are made. Tourists can buy purest honey from here, though bit costly.
Lake View Garden
A this garden is situated at the banks of Saputara lake. Lake Garden is a very beautiful as well as a well- maintained garden and an excellent picnic spot. This garden is build up in lush green environment. Many amenities are available for mainly children which includes a playground. This is a nice site for an evening walk or a hasty evening trip. Other attractions nearby are Artist Village, Mini Aquarium, Rose Garden and also sunset point.
Purna Sanctuary
The Purna Sanctuary, covering an area of 160 km?, is a part of a dense moist deciduous forest in the Western Ghat of Gujarat. Situated at Mahal (60 kms. north of Dangs), the sanctuary is crossed by Purna and Gira rivers. There are bamboo-lined pathways for trekkers. Prior permission is necessary for visiting.
Dang Darbar
The Dang Darbar (40 kms. from Saputara) is an annual colourful tribal festival held prior to Holi (generally March / April), at Ahwa. It’s a five day fun filled colourful affair where the tribals congregate to celebrate an old custom of political pensions given to the tribal kings. There is merry making dance, music, colour and brisk buying and selling of tribal wares. The tourist can participate and enjoy the festivities of this unique celebration.
Museum
Saputara Museum is a nice museum situated at the center of the Saputara city close to the main market. It exhibits the variation in culture and lifestyles of the tribal population. Saputara museum exhibits spectacular exhibition of diversity of clothes, traditional artifacts, utensils, lifestyles, house objects, ornaments, musical instruments, and many other objects which the native tribes called Dangis uses.
Saptashringi Devi Mandir
The Saptashringi Devi Mandir (Vani) (50 kms. from Saputara) is that of one of the sisters of Goddess Kali. Sapta means seven and shring means pinnacle and therefore Saptashringi means the mountain having seven peaks. This temple is visited by devotees throughout the year, the rush period being the Dassera festival. Lacs of devotees visit the place during Navaratra.