Gujarat might not come to our mind when we think of places to visit in India during the monsoon season. It is a rather comparatively hot and dry state, and no, we mean that literally! But when it does rain, Gujarat comes alive with a burst of colorful vegetation, and exploring the verdant roads is a joyful experience that allows you to appreciate the state’s natural beauty fully. If you’ve got the travel bug and want to explore an unusual monsoon destination, read on! We have created a list of some of the best places to visit in Gujarat in August for your next monsoon getaway.
8 Places to Visit In Gujarat In August
1. Saputara
Being the only hill station in Gujarat, Saputara is definitely on the top of our list. Located in the Dang forest of Western Ghats, it offers spectacular views of the valley. The lush greenery and tumbling waterfalls here starkly contrast with the rest of Gujarat and its arid towns. Apart from nature, Saputara has some mythological significance too. It is believed that Lord Rama stayed here for 11 years during his exile.
The climate at Saputara is cool throughout the year, but from August onwards, in particular, you may see several waterfalls. The Gira Waterfall is a popular destination near Saputara that is especially beautiful to visit during the monsoon season. If you’re an adrenaline junkie then there are a lot of adventure activities like paragliding, zip lining, zorbing, and many more to quench that thirst. Monsoon might not be the best time to enjoy them, but you can always come back for it later.
You can’t miss the annual monsoon festival held at Saputara Lake in August. The festival is a celebration of rich culture and heritage of Gujarat. You’ll be mesmerized by the vibrant traditions, dance to the rhythm of local folk performances, indulge in delectable regional cuisine, and witness the rich heritage of Gujarat on full display.
Accessibility: The Waghai Railway Station at Bilimora is the nearest railhead from Saputara (approximately 50 kilometers away). This railway station is well-connected with Mumbai, Gujarat and Ahmedabad. Once you reach the station, you can board a taxi or a bus which is the most economical option to get to the central city.
2. Zarwani Waterfall
Gujarat now holds the honor of having the world’s tallest statue, The Statue of Unity, which attracts tourists from all over India. If you plan to visit here, don’t forget to experience the nearby Zarwani Waterfall. It is exclusively a monsoon destination as the waterfall only comes to life from August to November.
The journey to the waterfall is accessible by bike and car. You must pay a nominal fee if you wish to drive your bike/car to the waterfall’s entrance gate. A motorcycle costs INR 200, compared to INR 500 for a car.
To reach the beautiful waterfall, you’ll need to take a short hike from the entrance. You’ll encounter picturesque landscapes, babbling streams, and lush greenery. Once you reach the cascade, the refreshing cold water is sure to vitalize your senses. If you feel your thirst for adventure hasn’t been quenched yet, you may also opt to hike to the breathtaking Tunga Hill nearby.
Accessibility: The closest railway station is Ekta Nagar Railway Station, just 15 km away. If traveling by air, the nearest major airport is also located in Vadodara, which is 90 km away. There are domestic flights available at Vadodara Airport that connect to other major cities within India.
3. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
If you love the rain and also wildlife, this is among the places to visit in Gujarat in August. Within Ratanmahal’s expansive and thick forest is the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Just by the name, you can guess which animal this sanctuary is well-known for in Gujarat – it has the largest population of sloth bears in the entire state.
Explore nature up close by taking a jungle safari, but keep in mind that dangerous animals roam freely in the forest. Ratanmahal has a variety of activities to offer such as trekking and viewing the majestic Naldha Waterfall. This popular waterfall is just a short 3-kilometer trek away.
If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, the Naldha Eco Campsite is the perfect place to stay. With so much to see and do, you’ll never run out of things to explore. Whether you’re planning to stay overnight or for more than one day, you’ll find everything you need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. So why not plan your stay today and experience all that this amazing sanctuary has to offer?
Accessibility: If you plan on traveling by road, the closest towns to Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary are Sagtala (15 km), Bariya (30 km), Kheda (45 km), and Dahod (60 km). The nearest bus station is located in Devgadh Baria, 42 km away. If you prefer to travel by train, the closest railway stations are Dahod (70 km) and Godhra (85 km).
4. Pandava Caves
Nestled in the vast Dang forest are the historic Pandava Caves. If you are familiar with the Mahabharata, you must have heard of their extended exile after the Draupadi Cheerharan. This location holds immense significance as it is believed that the Pandavas rested here for some time during their 11-year exile before continuing on their journey.
Apart from its history, you will witness breathtaking scenery. The abundance of hills and waterfalls will ensure that you put the stress of the city behind you. Take a 15-minute stroll via the thoughtfully laid-out steps to get to these stunning caves. Since it’s a cave, you should be prepared for some unexpected guests like snakes and bats. Aside from that, you may unwind in the caverns’ natural waterfall, which can be only experienced during the monsoon season.
Accessibility: It is located at a distance of 27 km from Ahwa and 35 km from Saputara Bus Station; Waghai is the nearest railway station.
5. Don Hill Station
Imagine yourself perched atop a hill with a panoramic view of Gujarat on one end and Maharashtra on the other. It sounds incredible, right? Well, such a location may be found at Don Hill Station alone. It is inhabited by a tribal community of approximately 1200 people, and despite its small size, Don Hill Station is rich in culture and heritage.
At a height of over 1,070 meters, Don Hill Station makes for a beautiful spot to visit and is the highest point in Dang. Don Hill Station is located near the border of Maharashtra, with this in mind, you have the opportunity to explore both Gujarat and Maharashtra during your trip.
During the monsoon season, you’ll have the opportunity to witness breathtaking waterfalls and lush green landscapes. As the misty clouds clear, you’ll be greeted with a stunning valley that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Explore further into the valley, and you’ll discover a pristine waterfall.
Accessibility: If you’re traveling to the area by train, the closest station is Waghai, which is located on the Bilimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. If you’re coming from Gujarat, Surat, Ahmedabad, or even Mumbai, Bilimora is the more convenient railway station. From here, there’s a direct bus service available to Don Hill Station.
6. Wilson Hills
Wilson Hills is yet another location to explore in Gujarat in August. The winding uphill road is nothing short of an experience in and of itself. According to local lore, Vijay Devji, the last king of Dharampur, a town in the Valsad district, named the area in honor of his close friend, Lord Wilson, who served as the Governor of Mumbai between 1923 and 1928. At the peak of the hill, there is a beautiful monument in his memory.
If you’re looking for a mesmerizing view to capture during your trip, you might want to check out the twin waterfalls of Bilpudi, also known as Mavali Mata Waterfalls. This stunning attraction is situated at a distance of around 10 km from Dharampur and is truly a sight to behold. With one waterfall dropping water from a height of around 30 feet and another one dropping water from 20 feet, it’s easy to see why this place is considered a must-visit destination in Gujarat.
You can explore many waterfalls and verdant slopes, submerging yourself as you go. Shankar Dhodh, a spectacular 150-foot waterfall, is also one of the well-known waterfalls in the area.
Accessibility: To reach Wilson Hills, take a train up to Valsad Railway Station. From there, you’ll need to take a cab to reach here.
7. Kadana Dam
Apart from Sardar Sarovar Dam which is the largest dam in Gujarat, Kadana Dam will provide you with the peace you are looking for as it is one of the offbeat locations in Gujarat. Built on the Mahi River, this dam offers a breathtaking view.
If you’re looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Nadinath Temple which is located on the route to Kadana Dam is a must-visit place. It is an age-old temple that exudes peace and tranquility. Make sure to take a break and soak in the calming aura of this sacred place.
Around Kadana Dam, you’ll find a number of restaurants that specialize in freshwater fish. The fishing activity around the dam is quite popular, so you can expect to see some of the freshest fish in the area. It’s not a spot to be missed by lovers of aquatic cuisine.
Accessibility: There’s no railway station in Kadana. The nearest railway station is Godhra Junction, which is 50 km away. State Highway 63 connects Godhra to Kadana.
8. Adalaj Stepwell
If you’re looking to satisfy your love for art and history, make sure to visit the Adalaj Stepwell in Gujarat. It’s widely considered the most fascinating structure in the state and for good reason. Despite being a functional well, it’s an underground palace boasting five stories.
Adalaj Stepwell is a historic stepwell that was constructed by Queen Rudadevi in honor of her husband Rana Veer Singh. It was constructed to give spiritual sustenance and serve as a haven for residents and travelers. The Adalaj Stepwell is open all year round, yet, the peak monsoon season is when it is most picturesque since the stepwell is filled with rainfall.
The visiting hours for this location are from 6 am to 6 pm. If you visit right before sunrise, you’ll get the unique experience of the stepwell by witnessing the sun like a pearl upon the ocean. Yeah, exactly like that Atif Aslam song.
Accessibility: Adalaj Stepwell is situated 18 km away from Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station. The former capital of Gujarat can be easily accessed by train, road, and air from various parts of the country. The Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad is located just 15 km away from this famous stepwell.
Summing Up
We are sure that this article has changed your perspective toward Gujarat as the monsoon destination with all these places to offer you peace. We hope you’ve included a few of these locations to your itinerary for your upcoming trip to Gujarat in August now that you’re aware of them. Happy monsoon, travelers!
FAQs
Which Place Is Best To Visit In August In India?
Here are some of the places you can visit in August in India:
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Wayanad, Kerala
- Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Is Rann Of Kutch Open In August?
August can be a fascinating time to explore Kutch, even though it is not a popular season for visitors. During this time, the Little Rann of Kutch may have excess water, making it challenging to access, while the Great Rann of Kutch could also be partially submerged, making it difficult to witness the salt formations.
Can We Visit Saputara In The Monsoon?
Saputara is beautiful in the monsoon, with low-hanging wisps of clouds and mists. The temperature drops but the humidity of the place increases. If you wish to enjoy the romanticism of the Indian monsoon, Saputara is a great destination to visit.
What Is The Entry Fee For The Rann Of Kutch Festival?
The main traveler has to upload their ID proof for verification. Free entry for children up to 5 years. INR 50 per child (Between 6 to 12 years.) INR 100 per person (Above 12 years.)
How Many Days Are Sufficient For Saputara?
Two days are enough for the Saputara trip. On the first day, you can visit Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, Step Garden, Sunrise Point, and Rose Garden. On the second day, you can visit the Honey Bees Center and the Saputara Museum.
Which Is The Biggest Stepwell In Gujarat?
Rani-ki-Vav, located in Patan, Gujarat, is considered the oldest and most impressive stepwell in India. It is a valuable relic from the once-powerful Chaulukya kingdom that ruled over large areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan in the 11th century AD.
How Far Is Wilson Hills From Vadodara?
The distance from Vadodara to Wilson Hills is about 200 km. If you’re up for a road trip, that’s one way to go. But if you’re looking for another option, you can take a train from Vadodara to Valsad and then grab a cab from there. The ride from Valsad to Wilson Hills should take about 50 minutes.
