View from the top of Don hill station
Travel

Don Hill Station, Gujarat [Updated]

By
on
July 14, 2017

The Don hill station is a scenic landscape located near Saputara and is perched on the border of Gujarat of Maharashtra and around 30km from Ahwa, the headquarter of the Dangs.

I experienced its natural beauty few days back. (16th August, 2014). It’s still hidden from most of the tourists’ focus, mouth publicity is the only thing helping it to attract avid travelers. (Don is now gaining fair attention of tourists.)

Cinematic Video of Don Hill Station

A while back, I went to Don Hill Station with my brother Kunj to try out new camera and drone. Here’s a cinematic video of Don Hill Station of that day.

Accommodation:

There’s no overnight stay facility at Don. Alternative is to stay at Ahwa / Saputara Hotels. Have a look at this article for list of all the places to stay in Dang: Where To Stay In Dang – Accommodation Options in Dang, Ahwa, Saputara

Road from Ahwa town to Don villageDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

Don Mahotsav – A fortnight long tourism festival – From February 7, 2015

With a view to popularize Don hill station, Gujarat government and tourism administration plans to organize a fortnight long ‘Don Mahotsav’ from February 7. The two week festival will feature the pristine beauty of the hill station. Professional paragliders and other adventure sports’ organizers are invited for the Don Mahotsav.

Tourists will experience the tribal cuisine, their traditional songs and dance. Not to forget the adventure sports.

3 Claps for the Dang district administration for such an active interest. Truly, Vibrant Gujarat!

Updated on: 11th January, 2015

Green fields enroute to Don Hill StationDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

More Updates:

Dang to spend 16.6 crore to boost tourism infrastructure – Article in Times of India
“Major thrust has been given on beautification and infrastructural development at Gujarat’s only hill station, Saputara and Don hill station bordering Maharashtra.” The report says. A welcoming move by the government! Sensing their enthusiasm, we’ll shortly see activities like trekking, campfire, rock climbing etc. at Don and Saputara hills.

11th January, 2015

Last stretch of road to reach to topDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

Don hill station is announced as Gujarat’s highest point


The department of Roads and Building (R & B) of the Dang district administration has carried out a survey and officially declared Don village as the peak point of Gujarat state. The measured height is: ~1000 meter. I tend to agree with them as in my trip, I also measured the height by a GPS application on my phone and the result was approx. 3210 ft. (978 m).

This came out just after the Don Mahotsav, a fort-night long festival was announced by the administration to leverage Don as a great tourism destination. Previously the place was occupied by the Saputara hill station, which is stationed at 900 m above the sea level.

05th February, 2015

Don Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

Geography & Etymology of Don Hill Station

Don is situated on a plateau in the forest vicinity of the Sahyadri mountain range in the Dangs district at an altitude of about 1070 meters. Hill station’s altitude is round about 100m higher than the Saputara, the planned hill resort by Government of Gujarat. The Maharashtra state border is only 3 km away from Don.

Interaction with locals revealed that Don hill has a hillock named after Mahabharata character Dronacharya. Also, there’s a village named Pandav which has old caves blessed with water falls.

View of village from the top hillDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

People of Dangs & Don Village

Don has a population of around 1200 tribals. They are popularly termed as ‘Adivasi’. The word ‘Adivasi’ has developed a connotation of past autonomy, which was disrupted during the British colonial period in India and has not been restored. The tribe is rich in its bio-diversity and natural relics and has a rich ‘Dangi’ heritage.

Recently, after some farmers offered their farm lands for the construction of 8km long road on the hilly terrain. If you visit this hill station in monsoon, you’ll get to see these farmers in action.

Most locals possess a shy nature. Nevertheless, if you approach them they’ll talk pleasantly. They also show some resistance while capturing them in smartphones, they usually turn their heads away. Again, this may not be always the case. On weekends you would find school kids waving hands to you frequently.

A local carrying fire woods near forest department crossingDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

What to See?

Unlike Saputara, the government has not put enough efforts to develop Don Village. However, lately the government has sanctioned 39 Cr. to promote it as Gujarat’s second hill station. The point is, you won’t find any planned infrastructure like Saputara. But who cares? We could find ultra-modern infra in any major city. So come here and enjoy the world of greenery..

  • Nature. Hills. Greenery.
  • Saler Fort, Maharashtra. (Ask locals to find your way.)
  • Farmers sowing ‘Nagli’. (Popular grain used as an alternative to rice in south Gujarat.)
  • Brooks originating from the hill top. (Try to find its source. It’ll be fun!)

BeginningDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

Best Time

Monsoon season. Mid June to September end.

Do not dare visit the place after the mid January to mid June

However, Don has a climate that is consistently pleasant, leaning towards chilly, fresh throughout the year. At a decent altitude of 1100 meters, you could literally touch the dark clouds with your fingertips. It hints that this place has potential to become the next hill station in Gujarat.

Don Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

What to Do?

  • Breathe tonic oxygen. 🙂
  • Meet and interact with Adivasis. Their stories about ‘Dangi’ heritage are fascinating.
  • Take photographs. A lot of them. I bet you, each of them can serve as your desktop wallpaper if taken artistically.
  • Climb to the peak of one of the hills. Sit on top and do experience the feel of being at peak of something.
  • Carry food along with you. Enjoy the ingredients of your ever tasty food.
  • Buy a dozen of chocolates and distribute them to kids on the way. Their honest smile will make up your day.

Watery stonesDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

How to Reach?


The first thing I would like to tell you is, forget Air and Rail (plus public transportation) mode of transportation. Plan your trip if and only if you have your own vehicle.

Distance from nearby cities:

From To Distance / Time
Ahwa Don Hill Station 33 km / 45 mins
Saputara Don Hill Station 50 km / 1.5 hr
Ahmedabad Don Hill Station 405 km / 7 hr
Vansda Don Hill Station 82 km / 2 hr
Surat Don Hill Station 173 km / 4 hr
Mumbai Don Hill Station 275 km / 5 hr
Navsari Don Hill Station 140 km / 3.5 hr
Valsad Don Hill Station 150 km / 3.5 hr
Bilimora Don Hill Station 126 km / 3 hr

Refer to the following map to get exact route details. For convenience, I have selected Vansda town of Navsari as my base station.

or view custom Google Map at:  https://mapsengine.google.com/map/viewer?mid=zDQhGIGzQiRo.kZQPWPDjMz-k

From Vansda, the journey would take about 2 hours. (Vansda to Waghai: 25 minutes, Waghai to Ahwa: 45 minutes, Ahwa to Don: 50 minutes) But I assure you that it won’t be boring at any stretch. If you’re an enthusiastic driver then you gotta love curvy and steep roads of the Dangs.

The CNG Filling Station is situated in Vansda.
Petrol, Diesel pumps are present in Ahwa.

Ahwa is the last major town en route to Don. You will have a hard time finding even a tiny shop after Ahwa.

Accommodation

As I mentioned in 2nd paragraph of this post, there’s no overnight facility present at Don hill station. Next best option is Saputara.

You can find list and book hotels in Saputara via:

Food

Sadly, no luck in food section.
There’s no hotels or chances of food after Ahwa. Even a small food stall ain’t available in Don village.

Nearby Attractions

Money Can Buy Happiness Part

I was heading to Ahwa after being overwhelmed by Don. I saw 3 students walking side the road and decided to interact with them. I soon sensed that they are returning to their home from school (which is 3 km away from their place). It was showering, then and one of them was trying to cover his head by a leaf.
Incidentally though, I had bought one umbrella that morning.

Without thinking for a moment, I handed over umbrella to him. Seemed he was both stunned and ever happy at the same time. I was also enthralled to see his broad, intuitive smile.

And that was the moment, when I learnt one more life lesson. Money can buy happiness. If you know how and when to use.

School kid saving him from rainDon Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

Gujarat Model of Development

Are you one of those classes, which believes that Gujarat model is overhyped? That Gujarat hasn’t been developed?

Then visit this place once. It will prove you wrong. In my opinion, Don Village is an excellent example of Gujarat transformation.

Even though Don is hidden in a remote area, on the border of Gujarat – Maharashtra all roads are magnificent. (I was in Mumbai couple of weeks before and compared to Mumbai roads, these are just fabulous.)

Don Hill Station Ahwa Dang Gujarat

You would find tiny dams built at every 500 meters to harness the water of Purna river. Water is not a problem at all.

Electricity is available for flat 24 hours! This had blown my mind. People will mention the name ‘Modi’ if you start a conversation about above mentioned facilities! So, Gujarat model is effective. #HenceProved.

A Humble Request

Please, please do not litter at any hill station or any other tourist place. Carry an extra bag and keep empty wrappers of food articles and other garbage in it. Empty it in garbage bins available en-route. – By Anil Sharma (Comments)

Join the Conversation

If you’re getting into, express your views about Don below. Also, don’t hesitate to ask if you have any query about travel or place. Not for reproduction.

Have a good day!

Last updated: 24th May, 2017


Continue with..

TAGS
RELATED POSTS
Hike Checklist

September 4, 2022

palm tree near body of water during sunset
Hawaii Solo Trip Thoughts/Notes

November 25, 2021

a person sitting on wooden planks across the lake scenery
Why I Travel Solo?

September 26, 2021

153 Comments
  1. Reply

    Hawthorn Resort

    July 25, 2022

    soo informative article nice place.

  2. Reply

    Chitra

    May 6, 2019

    Wonderful post. This blog has an amazing information about the destination places beautiful visiting spot & captures very impressive photos.

  3. Reply

    Manish

    May 1, 2019

    Hello darpan
    I have been connected with your blog from last 1 years..
    I had the similar experience of don hill station
    here is the link http://perspectiveimagination.com/don-hill-station-gujarats-tallest-hill-station

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      May 8, 2019

      Hey Manish,

      Thanks a lot for sharing your article! It was a great read. 🙂

      • Reply

        Hasmukh Kantilal Unadket

        June 3, 2022

        We are planning to visit Don please contact me on to guide us.

  4. Reply

    Roshan Gangani

    July 27, 2018

    Hey, it’s possible to drive through bike to reach don?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 27, 2018

      Yes, of course.

  5. Reply

    Happy Trip

    January 29, 2018

    We have recently visited Saputara and also plan for Don, but many more people are stopping for my Don trip just b’coz of No facility like Food, Hotels, others Activity Available there. There are more place & site seen compares with other hills station in Gujarat. So, I humble Request to Government and peoples to Develop this Hill Station and Enjoyed your Holidays.

  6. Reply

    Hiral

    September 17, 2017

    Can we take Tents along and have a camping there, there seems much of an open land, maybe best for stargazing as well. Or will the cops intervene ?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 17, 2017

      Yes, of course you can.

      Many groups have camped at Don in night.

      To be honest, I have never seen cops in the entire Dangs area. The probability of cops intervening tourists in far headed Don Hill is thin.

      Happy Adventures! 😃

  7. Reply

    Chintan kansara

    July 28, 2017

    Dear darpan
    I had visited don before 2 years and again tomorrow i and my friend going to visit it again. I had feels all that thing which you explained. Of course there is nothing over there but you don’t need anything over there. Thanks again for nice information and experience.
    Chintan kansara

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 3, 2017

      Hello Chintan,

      Thanks for stopping by to post your thoughts here.

      How did the place feel this time? Do you see any major change from 2 years back and now? I hope that the place is not littered and still has the lush green grass cover, not pile of polythene bags..

      • Reply

        Darpan Dodiya

        August 4, 2017

        Posting reply of Mr. Chintan:
        ” ” ”
        Dear darpan
        Hi we had visited place last Saturday and Sunday we enjoyed a lot there and weather was awesome. People are good there and we did camping at night I rescue one snake there .
        Little bit chahe in landscape is the top of don is devided in 2 parts local people made a way for farms from there otherwise place is too good.
        ” ” “

  8. Reply

    akshay bhatt

    July 26, 2017

    i am planning for don hill station this week end pl guide where should i stary i am starting from vadodara

  9. Reply

    PARESH PAREKH

    July 13, 2017

    Hi Darpan, Great effort. Keep it up.
    We group of 20-25 people planning to visit Don hill station and for night stay Maa Shabri farm house and resort. Do you have any information about resort? Is it well maintained and food quality? Thanks for informative blog.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 13, 2017

      Hi Mr Parekh,

      I have some photos of the resort. They’re hidden in some dark corner of my hard drive. Please drop a message on WhatsApp, I will try to search them and send you.

      Maintenance – Yes, very good maintained. (Speaking from my visit in June 2016)

      Food quality – Moderate. Nothing to be worried about.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 14, 2017

      I have found the photos and posted them here: https://darpan.blog/travel/maa-shabari-farmhouse-resort/

      Enjoy!

  10. Reply

    Pathik N. Shah

    July 4, 2017

    Dude I’m becoming your fan! Going great! Keep sharing.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 4, 2017

      Hey, that’s very nice to hear from you!

      Aapno Aabhar 🙂

      If you go Don anytime soon, please drop a comment here about your experience. This post is now 3 year old and things might have changed.

  11. Reply

    anil

    June 20, 2017

    please send me a originial photos of Don hill station.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      June 20, 2017

      Hi Anil,

      Sure, I will. You mean full resolution non watermarked photos right?

      Kindly share how you are planning to use the photos.

      • Reply

        Anil

        June 20, 2017

        For the family tour and other group tour

  12. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    May 24, 2017

    And also from what I have heard from other travelers,

    Right now, there’s no provision of accommodation or food whatsoever at Don Hill Station.

    Due to lukewarm support of Government and tourism department, the place has no infrastructure till date.

  13. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    May 24, 2017

    If you’re reading this comment, please note:

    DO NOT visit Don Hill Station until there’s sufficient rain. In the months of February to June end, the place is completely deserted and dried up.

    There’s little to no fun visiting dead man’s land in those days. 😀

  14. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    May 6, 2017

    Now this article has been copied by folks at tripmytravel.com. Of course, it goes without saying that they didn’t give any credit. They removed my comment for obvious reasons.

    Here’s their plagiarized article anyway: tripmytravel.com/don-hill-station-ahwa-dang-gujarat/

  15. Reply

    Vijay Pijwalas

    March 17, 2017

    Dear traveller Darpan

    Nice and informative details indeed. Please also write in detail what precautions are to be kept in mind. Alongwith my family I would like to visit in May vacation, the only time for me to explore outside from busy schedule. Please inform me anything else to take care of. Vijay Pijwala, Vallabh Vidyanagar –

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      March 24, 2017

      Hello Vijay bhai,

      Please don’t ever do mistake of visiting Don area in May (Summer). The area will be quite hot and dried up totally.

      You can go to Saputara, it will be a good destination.

  16. Reply

    Jitendra parmar

    March 5, 2017

    Hi ! Darpanji. I want to purchase land in Don village. Have u any contact no. ? I want to make Homestay for Tourist. Please give information. If you have any.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      March 5, 2017

      Hello Jitendra ji!

      As far as I know, most of the promising land in Don belongs to Forest Department. Also, I have little to no information in this regards. You might want to consult someone from South Dang Forest Department for the same.

      • Reply

        Jitendra

        March 6, 2017

        Thank You very much… Darpanji..

    • Reply

      Jitendra parmar

      March 5, 2017

      My cell no.

  17. Reply

    Mrs lakhani

    February 24, 2017

    AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW HAVE IT STARTED FOR OVERNIGHT ROOMS AND FOOD ALSO

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 24, 2017

      No, its not started.

  18. Reply

    Mrs lakhani

    February 24, 2017

    VERY NICE INFORMATION THANKS FOR THAT

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 24, 2017

      You’re welcome!

  19. Reply

    Dignesh Panchasara

    January 4, 2017

    I’m planning to go at this place with my college friends as Picnic in this January 2017.
    Please let me know the contact details of the responsible person who manage for us.
    Please contact me.
    Mr. Dignesh Panchasara
    [email protected]

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 5, 2017

      Hi Dignesh,

      Unfortunately, of now, there’s no such organizer in my knowledge who can manage and setup trip for you. You’ll have to manage picnic yourself..

  20. Reply

    Sahil Shaikh

    December 28, 2016

    Hey your blog is really informative. Thanks. I am planning to visit Don Hill Station. I just wanted to know if this is a safe place for a small family?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 1, 2017

      Hi Sahil!

      The place is absolutely safe. Go on!

  21. Reply

    nikunj prajapati

    December 15, 2016

    we are planning to go there in December 2016 so is it proper time ??

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 15, 2016

      You may go but it’s not the best time.

      Monsoon days are the best days. After mid-November, greenery would start to fade away.

  22. Reply

    Monika patel

    November 4, 2016

    Is it ok to go in this month to have such adventure????

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 5, 2016

      Yes, it is okay. The area is still green, though you might not see any running streams.

  23. Reply

    Raju Padaria

    October 11, 2016

    I am Raju Padaria, a retired employee from FAG – A bearing manufacturing company in Vadodara. I have worked there as Sr. Manager (IT) on Unix, WIndows, Oracle, SAP, etc. I would like to travel Ahwa, Dang, Shabaridham, Botanical garden, few waterfalls during this Diwali (Most probably 30-Oct & 01-Nov-2016). I need to know during these two days where I can stay with my small family (5 members) in a reasonable rates. If you have any rough idea, please let me know. From your site I could find out that you are not the contact person. So, first of all I am sorry for such inquiries. But unfortunately sometime unable to find out this information even from Internet.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      October 13, 2016

      Hello Mr. Padaria,

      I’m from the same field as well. 🙂 I’ve just started my career in the IT field as Java/Android Engineer.

      Such inquiries are totally alright and most welcome. 🙂

      I’ve listed down all places where you can stay in Dang here.

      Please go through the article once.

      As the dates you’re planning are peak holiday dates, I doubt you’ll get reasonable rates at private places. You can try to book your dates in one of the campsites though. Here’s list of all campsites.

      Feel free to ask anything else. Would try to help to my best.

      Cheers!

  24. Reply

    vinod joshi

    September 17, 2016

    Hey ! Darpan ji……
    Rahene ke liye kya hai waha par…..
    Kya hume upar rahene ko mil sakta hai ya …aahwa me hi rahena hoga????
    Plz .. bataiye…

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 20, 2016

      Hello Vinod Ji!

      Upar rehne ke liye kucch nahi hai.

      Ahwa mein guesthouses hain.

  25. Reply

    Arjun

    September 14, 2016

    Very Nice informative blog Beautiful Hill station. I visited this place in July and like very much. I like to visit again.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 17, 2016

      Cheers! 🙂

  26. Reply

    Vijay Thakor

    September 7, 2016

    Beautiful Hill station. I visited this place in July and like very much. I like to visit again.

  27. Reply

    sudhir Jani

    August 13, 2016

    will visit Don on tuesday 16th august

  28. Reply

    Parul

    August 4, 2016

    hi, Darpan ji. – Monk who sold his Brain. I liked yr article over Don. Thank you for sharing information. You really sold your brains ? I want to purchase

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 5, 2016

      Hahahah!

      Brain has been already sold…sorry you’re little late to the party. 😛

  29. Reply

    Nishith vyas

    July 31, 2016

    Hi darpan you have given very good information regarding don hill station.i like very much

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 31, 2016

      You’re welcome! Hope you have a good time! 🙂

  30. Reply

    HIMANSHU shah

    July 13, 2016

    Shankar waterfall having facility for bathing or only for seeing purposes is good

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 13, 2016

      You can go down to bath as well.

  31. Reply

    Zakir Patrawala

    July 10, 2016

    Masahallah very superb location is 1st Saputara and 2 no Ahwa Don Dang good.

  32. Reply

    Seema

    July 8, 2016

    Very informative and nicely pened!
    Planning to visit this monsoon and wish we have a very good one this time!!! Will share my experience once i visit.
    Thanks

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 8, 2016

      Happy Journey!

      Do share some photos from your trip and your experience as well. 🙂

  33. Reply

    Paresh Patel

    July 6, 2016

    Hey Darpan,
    Well written blog. Very informative.
    I’m planning to visit Don but not sure if I can enjoy with family. As options of shightseeing are limited.
    It would be great if you can throw some information about roads travelling from Nasik towards Don.
    Thanks.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 6, 2016

      Hi Paresh!

      Thank you! 🙂

      As you’re traveling from Nasik, you can cover Saputara on your onward or return journey. Saputara is a great place, all family members will enjoy it.

      Don, as I mentioned in blog, is a full of nature. If your family members can trek a little, and if the weather is good – you’ll have heaven like experience there.

      Road from Saputara to Don is awesome.
      Road from Nasik to Saputara is more or less normal. From what I remember, last 10 km stretch to reach Saputara has quite good scenes. (Disclaimer: It was 8 PM in night when I went by that road. So don’t blame me if you don’t find any good scenes. 😛 )

  34. Reply

    atul parikh

    June 28, 2016

    recenty on last sunday i have visited don ,it was great experience…we were 150 people n enjoyed like anything….

  35. Reply

    atul parikh

    June 28, 2016

    I HAVE VISITED DON ON 26TH june. .it is great experience.amazing…..we were 148 people. enjoyed like anything….

  36. Reply

    Anshuman

    June 12, 2016

    did not go through all posts. I am serioull considering mobe back to India and this area. Purpose is social work. I am building an activity plan and want to survey needs and opportunities in this area. I should be visiting soon, say towards end of 2016. I plan to come with a bold and lofty goals, but would like to develop things in phases. Any advise?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      June 12, 2016

      Oh, that’s great!

      Surely, I would share whatever I know about Dangs area. Let’s talk over email. Please check your inbox. 🙂

      • Reply

        Lalit patel

        June 20, 2016

        HI
        frnds
        I want purchase for land at don any contect number village sarpnch .

  37. Reply

    VIRAL

    May 24, 2016

    I like to do job in this area any one hiring? I have completed my MBA and have 2 years of experience.

  38. Reply

    Don Homestay

    May 22, 2016

    We are starting homestay at Don Hill Station for accommodation and overnight stay. Food can also be availed. Call on +91 94295 64808 for booking and more information.

    • Reply

      Gaurang Bhatt

      October 31, 2016

      We r planning to come their can u share detail on

  39. Reply

    Chetan Sheth

    April 9, 2016

    Hey Darpan… good job buddy, nice to see you and others are trying to bring this place up… good work guys keep it up…

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      April 10, 2016

      For sure!

      Thank you!

  40. Reply

    Pravin Shah

    February 22, 2016

    You have presented nice information regarding Don hill. We visited Don hill on 17 August, 2015. We had not enough information at that time. We were 20 people together in our five cars. The roads were not good for last 2-3 km. They were slippery. We could not go to the top. We had to return. Of course, on a flat area, we prepared ‘Bataka paua” from the material that we had with us and enjoyed.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 23, 2016

      I visited Don Hil exactly a year before, on 16th August, 2014. 🙂

  41. Reply

    Parth

    January 15, 2016

    Hi Darpan.
    Very informative blog!!
    I’m an architecture student, for my thesis project i have selected a Don hill as thesis site, help me for, What all are the things can help to develop that area, or suggest me the things that i can built to develop that area, it would be nice if you give me your view about to develop don hill.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 15, 2016

      Hello Parth, please contact me in person, via http://www.darpandodiya.com/link-up

    • Reply

      Capt Avinash

      January 16, 2016

      I would like to help in any way possible and make a difference for the people of those areas. The emotions of people have been very well captured by you.This is a matter close to my heart.

  42. Reply

    Dr Avinash Solanki

    December 8, 2015

    Nice post darpan. I grown up in ahwa and i studied till matriculation there. We have a farm house in ahwa as well.which is located at sunset point.
    All tourist points including Don Hill and Saputara are within 40 kms.
    For staying there contact me on my mail- [email protected]
    Thank you.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 8, 2015

      Sure, I’ll update my article.

      • Reply

        Hemant

        March 23, 2016

        Hi, your contact no?

        • Reply

          Darpan Dodiya

          March 24, 2016

          Hi Hemant!

          I don’t want to publish phone number here in public as in past, I received too many unwanted calls.

          Please contact me via: https://darpan.blog/link-up

          Write to me what you want to know and we’ll talk from there.

          Happy Holi btw! 🙂

  43. Reply

    M I janya

    November 20, 2015

    Thanks very much to this information it helps lot to others very good 1 I never knew about it I loved nature and always in the forest all over but today I get to know about it….thanks very much.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 22, 2015

      My aim here is to provide best and to the point information to travellers.

      You’re most welcome!

  44. Reply

    Darpan Dodiya

    November 9, 2015

    Accommodation Options In Dang:
    https://darpan.blog/dang-stay

  45. Reply

    Sandeep Huria

    November 2, 2015

    Thanks darpan, this is really informative. I was asking everyone if anyone knows any near by places to move on for a day or two. I am from Surat. Surely now I can plan.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      November 3, 2015

      Hello Sandeep! Very happy to be helpful to you!

      Happy Adventuring!

  46. Reply

    tanvi

    October 28, 2015

    hi darpan,
    would u plz tell me are there any nearest areas to Don where which we can stay? We don’t want to stay Shabri dham.
    Waiting for ur reply.
    Regards ,
    Tanvi

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      October 28, 2015

      Nearest is Ahwa.

      Then Saputara.

      And lastly Vansda.

      You can also try out stay at Devinamal Eco Campsite and Kilad Campsite, unfortunately I don’t have contact number of the campsites.

  47. Reply

    Ishwar Thacker

    October 26, 2015

    I wish to go Don hill with my wife in Diwali holiday time.i.e.6 Nov 2015.Can any one guide regarding hotel/boarding accommodation thereat.pl.mail me if possible to [email protected] Co.in

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      October 26, 2015

      You’ve three main options to stay:

      1. Saputara – A lot of options. Book early if your date is fixed.

      2. Ahwa – You’ll not get much facilities here.

      3. Government Houses – Government has 3 camps which has accommodation facility in Dangs, Kilad Campsite, Devinamal Campsite and Mahal Campsite. You need to have government contacts to get booking at these places.

      4. Vansda – Government Guest House as well as private guest houses. You can get good facilities and food there.

      You can contact me anytime for more information.

  48. Reply

    Bansi Roy

    October 17, 2015

    Good post. I definitely appreciate this site. Keep writing!

  49. Reply

    Places to Visit

    October 10, 2015

    Quality posts is the important to be a focus for the viewers to pay a quick visit the
    site, that’s what this web site is providing.

  50. Reply

    Pinakin Desai

    September 26, 2015

    thanks for such a good informative web site.
    We are 02 family planning to visit Shabri dham & DON hill station,
    It is OK if we stay one day at sabri bham

    We 02 couple planning to visit Shabri dham & DON hill station from surat.
    Is it OK if we satyed one day at Sabri dham & next day visit to DON and back to sabri dham in the evening.

    Any stay accomodation at DON hill station at present ?
    We are planning to go on 1st October,2015,

    Pl.reply

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 26, 2015

      Currently, no accommodation options are present at Don Hill Station.

      It’d be perfectly fine if you stay one day at Shabari Dham, visit Don the next day and return back in the evening.

      It’ll take around one and a half hour to reach Don from Shabari Dham.

      Feel free to ask more details.

      Happy Journey!

  51. Reply

    Jastin Chauhan

    September 15, 2015

    Hi! Darpan Very glad to go through your blog. i have visited Saputrara many times but was unaware about Don hill. Thanks for the information. As soon as i read this article, my wife and I have made a plan to visit this beautiful place. Really it will be very refreshing as the life here in a city as you know how it is! By the way, the no. you mentioned here is wrong it is of nine digit but the other no. is ok. keep writing about if you explore any worth seeing places so that the people like us can have memorable experiences. After visiting I shall surely share the pictures as well as experience. i will be planning to visit on 1st of october as there is a mini vacation.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 15, 2015

      Thanks for pointing out the nine digit number. Actually, Don Test Resort has been shut down. They have terminated their operations 6 months back due to financial unviability, hence their contact details is pretty useless now.

      I’ll be immensely grateful to you if you’d share recent photos. My article has pretty old photos!

      Happy Journey!

      • Reply

        Jastin Chauhan

        September 16, 2015

        Thanks darpan for the latest information, i shall be in touch with you.

  52. Reply

    prashant

    September 13, 2015

    Please provide detail &contact no

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 13, 2015

      Which details?

  53. Reply

    Kamlesh Adhiya

    August 28, 2015

    Hello Dear DD,

    Thanks for sharing detailed information about lovely DON!

    Could you email/text me your contact number please?

    Cheers!
    Kamlesh Adhiya
    +91 98243 26111

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 2, 2015

      Sure,
      My email address: [email protected]
      Contact number: [Removing contact number from here as I get too many unwanted calls.]

  54. Reply

    Dipak Patel

    August 13, 2015

    Hi Darpan,

    I read your blog and it is very useful for every one who want to visit this type of places. I am planning to visit don on coming saturday 15th August 2015 with 4 family.
    Can you please suggest where to stay because I am going to visit Shiradi on 15th August 2015 and living it on 3:00 PM. Then I confuse for net one day plan. I have one day to visit in saputara and near places. Can you suggest which places need to visit near don which become life time memory. In group we have 6 ladies and 4 children. So please suggest according. So, we can make out trip enjoyable.
    My whats up number is .

    Thanks again for wonderful blog.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 13, 2015

      Hello Dipak! Thanks for dropping a note.

      For accommodation, I’d suggest you Saputara. Don Hill Station once had a tent resort but due to some circumstances it ain’t the case now.

      There are main 3 routes in Dang:

      1. Saputara
      2. Don Hill Station and Nearby Saler Fort (Right of Ahwa)
      3. Pampa Sarovar, Shabari Dham, Mahal Forests (Left of Ahwa)

      All these 3 routes can’t be covered in a single day, implying that you need a dedicated day for each of one them. (I mean, you can cover them in a day but it will be a hush-hush situation. And that’s neither enjoyable or pleasurable.)

      In a nutshell,

      If you’re going to Saputara, you can’t go to Don.

      If you’re opting for Don, visit nearby Saler Fort.

  55. Reply

    Madhubhai Patel

    August 7, 2015

    I have visited this lovely place on 2nd Aug 2015. Lovely place with zero pollution. I request every one who visit this place, pl take care for keep this place clean. This is really HIDDEN GEM. One more thing that every one should carry with them all eatables & water also as nothing is available. My humble request to every one to take with them at least 50 pkts of Biscuits & 100 chocolates to distribute among local children and get their smiles. If some one should take Umbrella,Slippers, Clothes then it will be really MANAV SEVA.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 8, 2015

      Thanks for dropping a note Madhubhai.

      If possible, can you share some photos from your trip?

  56. Reply

    Dr Ashish Patel

    August 5, 2015

    Thanks for creating such a informative website. Thanks a lot.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 6, 2015

      Very very happy to hear that! 🙂

  57. Reply

    Sapan Patel

    August 1, 2015

    Is there contact no of any authorised person for the trekking in don or tent facelity..?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 1, 2015

      Unfortunately no. There’s no authorised person like thing.

  58. Reply

    Khozem Rangooni

    July 26, 2015

    Hi,
    First of all congratulates on creating this very nice blog with lots of information, Simply Great Sir….
    Basically I’m from Ahmedabad & have small group of 25 in our office and each monsoon we planned some unexplored place. This time we have planned Ajmalgadh & Don Village to visit. Your blog is very much informative and hope it would be very much helpful in our dream-trip. I Just want one favour from your side, if it is possible. Can you guide or give some tips to cover the maximum places connecting Ajmalgadh & Don Village in two days (Saturday-Sunday). I would be very much thank full to you. Thanks again for your article…

    Warm Regards,
    Khozem Rangooni
    [email protected]

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 27, 2015

      Hi Khozem!

      Thanks for kind words! Highly motivational.

      Along with Don Village and Ajmal Gadh, you can cover:

      Waghai Botanical Garden
      Girafall Waghai
      Saler Fort
      Hotel Nahri (On Vansda Dharampur Road, Gangpur Village, Near Ajmal Gadh)

      Have a great journey!

  59. Reply

    Tanmay

    July 25, 2015

    Planning to visit don tomorrow……….will the weather be good ? greenry would be there ? any waterfalls ?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 25, 2015

      Hello Tanmay!

      Talking about the weather, it’ll be rainy. Light showers.

      Greenery, of course! Surface would be covered by grass for sure.

      Waterfalls, I will suggest, Gira Falls near Waghai. I’ve no idea about the others.

  60. Reply

    Dinesh A Parekh

    July 11, 2015

    My self Dinesh A Parekh, Income tax inspector, I want to know about Don Village, tent per day rate for stay and place.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      July 11, 2015

      Hello Dinesh Sir!

      The place to stay is the hill station itself. The resort is located on the hill top. Rate per day vary per the season. I wouldn’t offer a precise amount here. Instead, the best way would be to call them directly on, 9426071037 or 890512719.

      Happy Journey!

  61. Reply

    Hans Mehta

    June 6, 2015

    I just want to mention I am all new to blogging and honestly enjoyed you’re web-site. You definitely come with fabulous well written articles. Cheers for sharing your website.

  62. Reply

    Arpan

    June 6, 2015

    Thanks for the info!! I will visit there this month and see if they need help with developing adventure activities.

  63. Reply

    Arti Patel

    May 18, 2015

    Hi.. I want to visit there in may last week.. How will be the weather there???.. Actually i have kid 4 years old.. So wanted to know if weather is too hot or not????

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      May 18, 2015

      Hi, Arti!

      Actually, I visited the hill station last year in August, that is in monsoon.

      Considering you have a little kid and the intense heat wave all over Gujarat, the atmosphere may give you a hard time. It may not be pleasant and instead give you burns.

      That is from my point of view. I may be TOTALLY wrong. 🙂

  64. Reply

    bhavesh patel

    May 4, 2015

    Hi I want find a stay please anybody help me

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      May 4, 2015

      Hi Bhavesh. There’s a place to stay on the hill station. Visit dontentresort.net for more information.

  65. Reply

    vipul soni

    April 6, 2015

    I am intresh for develop there my tant biasness I try go there possible to stay there

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      April 6, 2015

      Yes, it is possible to stay there. You can visit dontentresort.net for more information.

  66. Reply

    Tanmay Shah

    April 3, 2015

    Hi! Very nice info!!

    I am planning to visit DON VILLAGE on 5 april 2015. How will be the weather. Will the place be still green or dried up??

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      April 6, 2015

      Hey Tanmay! Sorry, I couldn’t reply you in time. I think the place will be quite dried up. Still, the atmosphere would be pleasant. The surroundings will refresh you.

  67. Reply

    yogesh patel

    March 2, 2015

    i want to stay in this week, so i need contract no for tent.
    please provide details for tent.
    yogesh patel

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      March 2, 2015

      I’ve updated my article. Scroll to the top to get the contact details.

  68. Reply

    mohal banker

    February 26, 2015

    my travel blog is here

  69. Reply

    mohal banker

    February 5, 2015

    Hi, darpan, your article is very informative. Do u have any contact number for “don utsav” , as i came to know that they have created few tented accomodation.

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      February 5, 2015

      Sorry, Mohan. I don’t.

    • Reply

      mohal banker

      February 12, 2015

      hi, i have recently visited don & stayed in tent resort over there. U can give reference & contact details to anybody who want to stay there…website

      • Reply

        Darpan Dodiya

        February 12, 2015

        For sure. Thanks.

        Can you please share your travel experience here?

  70. Reply

    Anil Sharma

    January 16, 2015

    Very good and informative article, Darpan ! My query, is there any water body (lake) in or around Don ?
    (Earnest request to all tourists: Please, please do not litter at any hill station or any other tourist place. Carry an extra bag and keep empty wrappers of food articles and other garbage in it. Empty it in garbage bins available en-route.)
    Regards,
    Anil Sharma

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      January 16, 2015

      Probability of a Lake is very less.

      However, I remember a small river originating from one of the hills. If it hasn’t dried up then it will surely work as a water body.

      Thanks for your excellent request. I will highlight it to the top in next update.

      • Reply

        Anil Sharma

        January 17, 2015

        Thank, Darpan. I live in Mumbai but my job entails my regular visit to Surat / Kosamba. Your article has inspired me to plan an earliest trip to this still virgin hill station “Don”. As per Google it would be only 2 hours run from Kosamba. How is the road condition and is there steep ghat section en-route ?

        Regards,
        Anil Sharma

        • Reply

          Darpan Dodiya

          January 17, 2015

          Google is pretty right. 2 – 3 hours is right estimation.

          Road up to the base village is fantastic. The last stretch (3-4 km) has some uneven structure and path holes. Nevertheless, it’s motorable.

          Road after Waghai is mostly carved out of hills, the entire path has some ghat sections, but not steep.
          Only the final part is a steep section. Again, it’s easily drivable. Not a problem.

  71. Reply

    JAMIN

    December 30, 2014

    Now we provide tent for stay and food at don hill start from 25dec.2014

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      December 30, 2014

      Wow! This is a great initiative. Here’s website:

  72. Reply

    Prashant Somani

    November 5, 2014

    Very nicely composed article. Keep it up. It clears all doubt and question about don

  73. Reply

    Viral Patel

    October 28, 2014

    Mast

  74. Reply

    Sagun Parekh

    October 22, 2014

    Very nice & good place to enjoy with family.

  75. Reply

    Shailesh Gandhi

    October 8, 2014

    Can we find a hotel or some place for food and stay there??

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      October 8, 2014

      Head over to Saputara sir! It has versatile accommodation options.

  76. Reply

    pankaj shah

    September 18, 2014

    What about night stay for group?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      September 20, 2014

      You can refer to my reply to Ashish’s comment.

      Additionally I am sending you detailed mail regarding that situation. Please go through it.

  77. Reply

    Rohan Kapadia

    September 3, 2014

    Very very nice.

  78. Reply

    Ashish Mantri

    August 29, 2014

    Thans for sharing all the info.
    As you mentioned that there are no facilities to stay at Don can we take our own tents with us and stay for one night in mountains of Don?

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 29, 2014

      Yes, for sure. And I think that would surely be a lifetime experience for you.
      Caution: Carry every tiny thing that is necessary for a night out. In a worst case, you may not get a matchstick to fire up. Rain may go wild at any time, waterproof tents must be preferred.

      And lastly, do share your experience here after your excursion to Don.

  79. Reply

    Tushar Desai

    August 28, 2014

    Very Useful & Nice Info!

    • Reply

      Darpan Dodiya

      August 28, 2014

      Thank you Tushar!

  80. Reply

    michael

    August 23, 2014

    good info, will surely visit

    • Reply

      admin

      August 23, 2014

      Wonderful! Don’t forget to buy candies for the kids!

  81. Reply

    Naimesh Shah

    August 21, 2014

    Wow! Never knew about this hidden gem. Would definitely try it out next weekends!

LEAVE A COMMENT

Seattle WA, USA

Hello 👋 I'm a Software Engineer based out of Seattle, WA. This is my internet backyard to share things that I do and stuff that I find interesting. I started this blog back in 2014 to share my travels stories. Glad to see you here, have a look around the website, you'll enjoy. Feel free to drop a comment or say hello. Have a beautiful day! :)