Surat: With rain-soaked hills wrapped in mist and the Monsoon Festival in full swing, Saputara is drawing packed crowds this weekend, with officials expecting visitor numbers this year to cross 2.90 lakh and set a new festival record.Saputara, Gujarat’s only hill station, is witnessing a heavy rush as tourists make the most of a two-day weekend break. Steady monsoon showers have transformed the forests into a lush green landscape, adding to the appeal for visitors from Gujarat and Maharashtra.Officials expect 2.90 lakh visitors to attend the Saputara Monsoon Festival this year, 10% more than last year’s 2.61 lakh. The festival will continue until Aug 29, and additional holidays in the final week of the month are expected to keep visitor numbers high.Demand for accommodation has surged across Saputara and nearby areas. Most hotel rooms have already been booked, while tent stays are also reporting strong occupancy as tourists seek nature-focused experiences during the monsoon season.The festival continues to provide a boost to the local economy. In 2025, more than 1.43 lakh visitors enjoyed boating activities. Nearly 290 stalls selling local handicrafts and traditional products generated estimated sales of about Rs 1.57 crore, benefiting local traders and artisans. Saputara recorded around 14.67 lakh visitors in 2025, underlining its growing appeal as a year-round destination.Launched in 2009 under the guidance of then chief minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Saputara Monsoon Festival has evolved into a major showcase for the Dang region’s tribal culture, folk arts and handicrafts.The festival includes indoor events at the main dome such as talent shows, musical chairs, Warli workshops, tribal dances, quizzes, dance competitions, tambola, memory challenges and storytelling sessions.Outdoor activities near the tableau show area include tribal dance performances, rain photography events, Warli painting, bamboo craft workshops, traditional instrument displays, vintage games, tribal food-tasting sessions, audience participation games and tribal tattoo workshops.
