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Gujarat is home to 11 native tribes in the state, Bhil accounting for the majority with 47.8% of the tribal population. With such a diverse range of tribes, it’s quintessential to learn about their history, culture and their way of living too. Saputara Museum, also known as the Saputara Tribal Museum, is one such place where you get a fascinating glimpse into the lives, traditions, and customs of the tribal communities that have inhabited the Dang district for centuries. To ensure that you have a productive time exploring the Saputara Museum and the exhibits inside, being aware of all the specifics will come in handy.
Quick Details
Saputara Museum Address: Saputara Hill Station, Dang District, Gujarat, India
Saputara Museum Timings: 10:30 AM to 5 PM
Saputara Museum Ticket Price: ₹5 per person
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
About Saputara Museum
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Being aware of the background of the Saputara Museum, Gujarat will help you explore each exhibit with ease and get a better rundown of the associated history, culture and traditions. The Saputara Museum was established in 1970 to showcase the art, culture, and lifestyle of the tribal communities of the Dang district. Exploring the museum allows the visitors to get a glimpse into the customs, rituals and everyday life of the tribes that exist in the district, including the Bhils, Kunbis, and Warlis.
From traditional clothing to household items, each exhibit inside the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the tribes and the rich history associated with their existence. Beyond the basic galleries, some intricate models and dioramas depict various tribal rituals and ceremonies, allowing the visitors to get a closer look into the rich cultural heritage of the local tribal population. You can also learn about the traditional arts and crafts of the Dang tribes, especially with the display of bamboo artefacts, pottery, and Warli paintings. Getting to witness the skill of these tribal artisans is truly quite enamouring.
How To Reach Saputara Museum
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Saputara is easily accessible via road and rail, making it accessible from major cities in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
By Air: If you are flying from any of the nearby states or cities, Surat International Airport (160 km) is the nearest airport. From there, you will need to hire a taxi to reach Saputara and then to the museum.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from Saputara is Waghai Railway Station (52 km), which is accessible via nearby cities like Bilimora and Surat. From the station, you can take public buses or taxis to Saputara.
By Road: Saputara is well-connected by road, with regular bus services from major cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, and Nashik. If that isn’t something to your liking, you can hire a private taxi to get to the museum.
Things To Do In Saputara Museum
The charm of Saputara Museum keeps you immersed from the get-go. So, if you are planning a visit sometime soon, ensure that you have a solid plan of the exhibits to explore and the artefacts to witness.
1. Explore Tribal Artefacts And Exhibits
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One of the main attractions at the museum is the tribal artefacts and exhibits. Some multiple galleries and exhibits showcase traditional clothing, jewellery, tools, and musical instruments, which you have to take your sweet time exploring. Each piece of item has a history and a functional significance to it, which explains why it is such a popular element to witness in the first place. Also, don’t miss out on checking out the detailed dioramas and models that give you a glimpse into the lives of the Dang tribes.
2. Visit The Handicraft Section
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If there’s one thing that will truly enchant you, it has to be the skills and craftsmanship of the local tribal artisans. And, the only way for you to experience that is by visiting the handicraft section. There are beautifully crafted bamboo items, pottery, and Warli paintings, which are undoubtedly the main attractions, aka the star of the show. Some of the similar artefacts are also up for sale in the adjoining gift shop, which enables you to not just take home unique items but also support the local tribes.
3. Take A Guided Tour
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Given how expansive the museum is and the number of exhibits and galleries inside the museum, you have to take your time to embark on a guided tour around the museum. There are local guides available, who can provide you with all the details regarding the tribes, their way of living and also the kind of historical context that exists with these exhibits. Getting a rundown of the Dang tribes’ heritage from these tours is also a fascinating experience you can’t miss out on.
4. Attend Cultural Programs
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Although not regularly now and then, the Saputara Museum hosts cultural programs, which you can attend too. These enable you to witness the local dance performances, music recitals, and traditional ceremonies. These events provide an opportunity to witness the vibrant culture of the tribal communities firsthand. You can check out the schedule at the museum ahead of your visit to plan things accordingly.
5. Explore The Nearby Tribal Village
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It is one thing to learn about the local tribes from the museum and it is an entirely different experience getting to interact with them in real time. One of the best ways of making that happen is by visiting the nearby tribal village. There is an artist village that houses some of the best Saputara Artists and local artisans, enabling you to witness them being at work on their arts and crafts. You can also purchase authentic and handcrafted items directly from the artisans, supporting them in the process.
Places To Visit Around Saputara Museum
While one of the main attractions in Saputara is the museum, there is a lot more than you have to witness and explore while you are there.
1. Saputara Lake
Photo: ritesh169O / Wikimedia Commons
One of the nearest tourist attractions to the Saputara Museum is the Saputara Lake. The serene views and the peaceful environment are surrounded by lush greenery, which makes it a great spot for you to relax. There are bird-watching opportunities around as well. The lake is also a great place for picnics and strolls along its banks.
Distance From Museum: 900 metres
Timings: 24*7
2. Sunset Point
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As the name suggests, Sunset Point offers one of the most beautiful sunset views that you might have experienced in your life. It is also known as Gandhi Shikhar and the viewpoint allows you to witness the sunsets over the Sahyadri mountain range. It’s a popular spot for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty of Saputara.
Distance From Museum: 1.9 km
Timings: 24*7
3. Echo Point
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Another one of the must-visit destinations around Saputara is the Echo Point, renowned for its unique acoustic properties. As the name suggests, any sound made at this point is echoed back multiple times, creating a fun and engaging experience for visitors. It is a great spot for families and to visit with your friends too.
Distance From Museum: 1.8 km
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit Saputara Museum
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Since Saputara is a hill station, the weather is quite pleasant compared to the rest of Gujarat. So, you can plan your visit anytime that you deem comfortable. However, the peak season to visit is between October and February, when the temperature ranges from 10°C and 25°C. Not just the museum, you can also explore the surrounding sightseeing spots with ease.
Where To Stay & Eat
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Saputara offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Since the hill station is a popular tourist destination, you can find hotels, resorts and guest houses around. You can consider booking your stay at Hotel Hilltop, Uday Hill Resort, Saputara and Sunotel Resort.
There are also numerous restaurants around Saputara, including fine-dining restaurants and multi-cuisine restaurants to cater to your taste and liking. Some of the must-visit restaurants around the vicinity of the museum include Lake View Restaurant, Hotel Purohit and Sugar ‘N Spice.
Visiting the Saputara Museum is an enriching cultural experience that enables you to get a closer look into the lives and traditions of the Dang tribes in the region. With the surrounding tourist attractions, planning a weekend getaway to Saputara, makes for an ideal vacation for your family or even with your friends. Plan your trip with TripXL for a hassle-free trip.
Cover Photo: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
