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The Mahal region situated 60 km away from
Saputara is dominated by the Purna Sanctuary. The longish drive passes
through the most beautiful parts of Dangs with high wooded slopes of
bamboo. It is endowed with rivers & bamboo glades and is a must for
picnics, walks and treks.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS:
Purna Sanctuary: A vast and rich forest laced with the Purna and Gira
rivers. The hilly region with its cool interiors would tempt any tourist
to explore. You would need a pair of sturdy shoes and packed lunch to best
explore the cool interior of this hilly forest. Less strenuous and easy
walks are pleasurable. Picnic huts are also available for use. Permission
is required to enter the forest.
Girmal Falls: Easily the most marvellous sight during monsoons,
the Girmal Falls is a little off the Mahal-Singana Road. The approach
leads via a tribal village to a steep fall on the Gira River. The faint
hillside is rich with rare flora and is worth exploring by the more
adventurous trekkers. Provision for light refreshments are available.
Picnic huts are available for use.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Cultural Show At Ahwa: As the tourist heads back to Saputara, a
halt at Ahwa to enjoy the fast paced and acrobatic Dangi dance would be
the best way to say goodbye to Dangs. The dance had been performed at the
Festival of India in Paris and is one of the most entertaining dances of
this region. Held at the open-air theatre Rangupvan, the show is highly
recommended.
Dangs
Darbar: 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 a brisk buying and selling of tribal wares. The tourist can
participate and enjoy the festivities of this unique celebration.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Air: Nearest airport is
Mumbai
.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora - Waghai
narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat
via Surat or Ahmedabad or even tom Bombay, Billimora is the most
convenient rail head as direct bus service is available from there.
Road: State transport buses end private luxury coaches connects
various centres of Gujarat
and Maharashtra
. It is situated 409 kms from
Ahmedabad
and 51 kms from Waghai.
Local Transport: Hired jeeps from Ahwa; organised tours within and
outside Saputara in mini buses by Chitrakoot/ Vaity during peak seasons
(two buses). Organised tours by TCGL.
GENERAL INFORMATION
First Aid Help: available at Waghai, Mahal and Saputara.
STD Facilities: Saputara, Ahwa.
NEAR BY CITIES:
Bombay
: 255 km (via Nasik) & 345 km (via Chikli, Gujarat)
Nasik: 80 kms.
Surat: 135 kms.
Bilimora: 110 kms.
Valsad:135 km.
Ahmedabad
: 400 kms.
Chikli: 100 kms.
Tithal: 140 kms.
Baroda 300 kms.