Explore the serene hill stations of Gujarat, India's westernmost state, nestled amidst diverse topography. Escape the urban hustle and bustle in these enchanting retreats, a hidden gem celebrated for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and surprising hilly landscapes.
Discover a refreshing contrast with cool climates, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes, offering a peaceful getaway for nature enthusiasts. Gujarat's lesser-known hill stations promise a rejuvenating experience, inviting you to immerse yourself in the unique charm and tranquility amid the hills. Plan your escape to the lap of nature and experience the unparalleled beauty of Gujarat's hill stations.
What is a hill station by the way?
In essence, a hill station serves as a tranquil haven, providing relief from the sweltering temperatures experienced in the lowlands.
Curious about the allure of hill stations? Technically, a hill station is a town situated at an elevation higher than the surrounding plains or valleys, offering a cooler temperature and a refreshing atmosphere a perfect refuge from the scorching summer heat.
Hill Stations in Gujarat
1. Saputara Hill Station
Saputara, aptly named the 'abode of serpents,' stands as Gujarat's premier hill station. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 1000 meters, Saputara boasts a delightful climate and offers panoramic views of the lush green Dang forest. Perched on a plateau within the Dangs forest area, amid the Sahyadri range of mountains, this idyllic destination provides breathtaking vistas of both sunrise and sunset.
Saputara holds the distinction of being the most developed and extensively promoted tourist destination by the Gujarat Tourism Department. Visitors are greeted with a comprehensive range of amenities, including hotels, parks, swimming pools, paragliding facilities, restaurants, a boat club, theaters, ropeways, and even a museum ensuring a fulfilling weekend retreat.
The hill station is a year-round destination, promising an enjoyable experience at any time. However, the monsoon season accentuates Saputara's natural beauty, offering a captivating spectacle. Conveniently located 170 km from Surat and 280 km from Mumbai, Saputara is easily accessible, with state transport buses available from Bilimora.
Embark on a journey to Saputara Hill Station for a rejuvenating escape, where nature's splendor and modern amenities converge seamlessly.
2. Don Hill Station, Ahwa near Saputara
Introducing the lesser-known Don Hill Station, a scenic village nestled near Saputara on the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. Despite its relative obscurity, this picturesque destination is gaining recognition for its breathtaking beauty.
Situated at an elevation of 1100 meters and surrounded by verdant mountains, Don Hill Station promises a heavenly experience for those seeking tranquility. What adds to its allure is the active involvement of the Dang district administration in tourism development projects, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the natural splendor of the region.
The best time to explore Don Hill Station is during the monsoon season, when the landscape is adorned with lush greenery. Personal experience during an August visit affirmed the five-star quality of the trip.
Accessing Don is convenient, with it being 50 km from Saputara and 175 km from Surat. The journey itself becomes a memorable part of the adventure, with picturesque roads and a serene environment that resonates with the sentiment, "The path is important; the destination isn't," making the drive a cherished experience.
Currently lacking accommodation facilities, Don Hill Station recommends staying in Saputara, a mere 50 km away.
3. Wilson Hills, Dharampur
Nestled within an impenetrable forest near Dharampur in the Valsad district of Gujarat, Wilson Hills emerges as a serene hill station. With an average elevation of 750m, it becomes a sought-after destination, particularly during the summer months. Its allure lies in the cooler and less humid climate it offers compared to the surrounding areas.
Wilson Hills boasts six mesmerizing points, each offering panoramic views. Despite its natural charm, this hill station has not garnered as much government attention as Saputara. Consequently, while reveling in the scenic beauty and oxygen-rich air, visitors may find limited activities to engage in.
The journey to Wilson Hills is an enjoyable drive, with the station located 25 km from Dharampur and 120 km from Surat. A restaurant is available for those seeking refreshment along the way. For those inclined to spend the night at the peak, a tent resort provides a unique accommodation option.
Embark on a journey to Wilson Hills for a tranquil escape into nature, where scenic vistas and a refreshing climate await.
As we conclude our exploration of Gujarat's offerings, let's shift our focus to hill stations located in close proximity to this enchanting state.
Hill Stations Near Gujarat
1. Lonavla, Maharashtra
Situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Lonavla is a captivating destination renowned for its production of the iconic hard candy, Chikki. It holds significant importance as a major stop on the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune, with both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Chennai highway passing through its scenic landscape.
Nestled in the Sahyadri ranges, Lonavla and its twin counterpart, Khandala, are perched at an elevation of 622 meters above sea level. These twin hill stations offer a mesmerizing retreat, with tourism reaching its peak during the monsoon season.
Embarking on a sightseeing tour of Lonavla reveals breathtaking views of forts, caves, lakes, hills, and various vantage points. The lush landscapes and diverse attractions make Lonavla a compelling destination for those seeking a delightful escape into the natural wonders of the Sahyadri ranges.
2. Matheran, Maharashtra
Nestled in the Karjat Tahsil, Matheran stands as the smallest hill station in India, adding to its allure as a unique destination. Perched on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, Matheran is strategically located around 90 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune. This geographical advantage positions Matheran as a favored weekend getaway for urban residents seeking respite from city life.
What sets Matheran apart is its status as an eco-sensitive region, proudly holding the distinction of being Asia's sole automobile-free hill station. This characteristic enhances the serenity of the surroundings and offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature.
Matheran is a paradise for enthusiasts of panoramic views, boasting approximately 38 designated lookout points. Among them, the Panorama Point stands out, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the Neral town. The sunset and sunrise views from this point are nothing short of dramatic.
For those wishing to prolong their stay, Matheran offers a range of accommodations, including hotels and villas, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience in this quaint hill retreat. Explore Matheran for a refreshing blend of natural beauty and eco-conscious tranquility.
3. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu, nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, has long been a cherished retreat for those seeking respite from the scorching heat of both Rajasthan and its neighboring state, Gujarat. Aptly referred to as 'an oasis in the desert,' Mount Abu's elevated heights are adorned with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and evergreen forests, creating a serene escape.
This mountainous terrain boasts a distinctive rocky plateau, spanning 22 km in length and 9 km in width. The highest pinnacle gracing Mount Abu is Guru Shikhar, standing proudly at an elevation of 1,722 meters above sea level. This elevated summit not only offers a spectacular vantage point but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Mount Abu as a timeless haven amid the arid landscapes of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Visiting six hill stations should be sufficient to escape the heat, in my opinion! If there are any additional suggestions that I may have overlooked, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.