Hill Station & Nature Retreats

Best Hill Stations

While Gujarat is known for its heritage sites, vibrant festivals, and beaches, it also offers stunning hill stations, lush green forests, waterfalls, and eco-tourism destinations. These nature getaways provide cool retreats, adventure opportunities, and serene landscapes, making them perfect for weekend escapes and monsoon vacations.

Here’s a list of the best hill stations & nature destinations in Gujarat that every traveler must explore!

 1. Saputara – The Only Hill Station in Gujarat

 Location: Dang District, near Maharashtra border
 Best For: Scenic Views, Adventure, Tribal Culture

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Gujarat’s only official hill station, located in the Sahyadri Hills.
✔️ Cool climate throughout the year, with lush greenery in monsoon.
✔️ Ideal for trekking, boating, and experiencing local tribal culture.

 Top Attractions in Saputara:
✔️ Sunset Point & Table Point – Breathtaking valley views.
✔️ Gira Waterfalls – Best monsoon attraction.
✔️ Saputara Lake – Boating and picnic spot.
✔️ Ropeway Ride – Enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the hills.
✔️ Echo Point & Artist Village – Explore tribal art & handicrafts.

 Best Time to Visit: June – February (Best in monsoon & winter).

 Tip: Visit in August for the Saputara Monsoon Festival!

 2. Polo Forest – Gujarat’s Hidden Green Paradise

 Location: Sabarkantha District, near Rajasthan border
 Best For: Eco-Tourism, Trekking, Ancient Temples

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ A dense forest reserve with rich biodiversity, rivers, and ancient ruins.
✔️ Perfect for monsoon & winter trekking.
✔️ Home to 10th-century Jain and Hindu temples.

 Top Attractions in Polo Forest:
✔️ Sharneshwar Shiva Temple – A hidden 10th-century temple.
✔️ Polo Campsite & River Trekking – Best for nature lovers.
✔️ Harnav Dam & Reservoir – Scenic picnic spot.

 Best Time to Visit: July – February.

 Tip: Book a stay at Polo Forest Eco Campsite for an authentic jungle experience.

 3. Dang Forest – The Green Heart of Gujarat

 Location: Dang District, near Saputara
 Best For: Wildlife, Waterfalls, Tribal Culture

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of Gujarat’s densest forests, home to rich flora & fauna.
✔️ Known for its serene environment, perfect for nature lovers.
✔️ Best in monsoon, with flowing waterfalls & misty landscapes.

 Top Attractions in Dang Forest:
✔️ Gira Waterfalls – 75-feet waterfall, best in monsoon.
✔️ Don Hill Station – A lesser-known nature retreat.
✔️ Waghai Botanical Garden – Explore rare plant species.
✔️ Purna Wildlife Sanctuary – Best for birdwatching & tribal experiences.

 Best Time to Visit: July – February.

 Tip: Visit during monsoon for lush green scenery & flowing waterfalls.

 4. Wilson Hills – The Mini Saputara of Gujarat

 Location: Valsad District, near Dharampur
 Best For: Scenic Views, Cloudy Weather, Monsoon Drives

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of Gujarat’s least explored but most beautiful hill stations.
✔️ Known for misty views, lush greenery, and waterfalls in monsoon.
✔️ Perfect for short road trips & weekend getaways.

 Top Attractions in Wilson Hills:
✔️ Marble Chatri Point – Stunning views of the valleys.
✔️ Sunrise & Sunset Points – Best for photography.
✔️ Bilpudi Waterfalls – Hidden monsoon beauty.
✔️ Barumal Temple & Stepwell – Cultural & historic site.

 Best Time to Visit: July – February.

 Tip: Drive up early in the morning to enjoy mist-covered roads!

 5. Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary – A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise

 Location: Banaskantha District, near Rajasthan border
 Best For: Wildlife Safaris, Eco-Tourism

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Home to the rare Sloth Bear & diverse wildlife.
✔️ Dense green landscapes, perfect for nature walks.
✔️ Ideal for wildlife photography & eco-tourism.

 Wildlife to Spot:
✔️ Sloth Bears, Leopards, Hyenas, Jackals.
✔️ Indian Peafowl, Grey Junglefowl, & migratory birds.

 Best Time to Visit: November – March.

 Tip: Stay at an eco-lodge for an immersive jungle experience!

 6. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary – Gujarat’s Birdwatching Paradise

 Location: Near Ahmedabad
 Best For: Birdwatching, Photography, Boating

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Home to 250+ species of migratory birds.
✔️ Best visited in winter for flamingos, pelicans, and cranes.
✔️ Serene lake with boat safaris for birdwatchers.

 Top Attractions:
✔️ Boat Safari on Nal Sarovar Lake.
✔️ Spot Flamingos, Pelicans & Siberian Cranes.
✔️ Birdwatching Trails & Photography Points.

 Best Time to Visit: November – February.

 Tip: Arrive early morning (5 AM – 7 AM) for the best bird sightings!

 Summary – Best Hill Stations & Nature Destinations in Gujarat