View from the top of Don hill station

Don Hill Station, Gujarat [Updated]

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).ย 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 / Saputaraย Hotels. Have a look at this article for list of all the places to stay in Dang:ย 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 –ย A fortnight long tourism festival – From February 7, 2015

With a view to popularize Don hill station, Gujarat government and tourismย administrationย 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, theirย 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 croreย to boost tourism infrastructure –ย Article in Times of India
“Major thrust has been given on beautification and infrastructuralย development at Gujarat’s only hill station, Saputara and Don hill station bordering Maharashtra.” The reportย 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 measuredย 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 wasย 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 occupiedย 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. ๐Ÿ™‚
  • 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: ย 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 presentย 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


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153 responses to “Don Hill Station, Gujarat [Updated]”

  1. Hawthorn Resort Avatar

    soo informative article nice place.

  2. Chitra Avatar
    Chitra

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

  3. Manish Avatar

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hey Manish,

      Thanks a lot for sharing your article! It was a great read. ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. Hasmukh Kantilal Unadket Avatar
        Hasmukh Kantilal Unadket

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

  4. Roshan Gangani Avatar
    Roshan Gangani

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

  5. Happy Trip Avatar
    Happy Trip

    We have recently visited Saputara and also plan for Don, but many more people are stopping for my Don trip just bโ€™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. Hiral Avatar
    Hiral

    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 ?

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

  7. Chintan kansara Avatar
    Chintan kansara

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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..

      1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar
        Darpan Dodiya

        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. akshay bhatt Avatar
    akshay bhatt

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

  9. PARESH PAREKH Avatar
    PARESH PAREKH

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

    2. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

      Enjoy!

  10. Pathik N. Shah Avatar
    Pathik N. Shah

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

      Aapno Aabhar ๐Ÿ™‚

      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. anil Avatar
    anil

    please send me a originial photos of Don hill station.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hi Anil,

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

      Kindly share how you are planning to use the photos.

      1. Anil Avatar
        Anil

        For the family tour and other group tour

  12. Darpan Dodiya Avatar
    Darpan Dodiya

    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. Darpan Dodiya Avatar
    Darpan Dodiya

    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. ๐Ÿ˜€

  14. Darpan Dodiya Avatar
    Darpan Dodiya

    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. Vijay Pijwalas Avatar
    Vijay Pijwalas

    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 –

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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. Jitendra parmar Avatar
    Jitendra parmar

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

      1. Jitendra Avatar
        Jitendra

        Thank You very much… Darpanji..

    2. Jitendra parmar Avatar
      Jitendra parmar

      My cell no.

  17. Mrs lakhani Avatar
    Mrs lakhani

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      No, its not started.

  18. Mrs lakhani Avatar
    Mrs lakhani

    VERY NICE INFORMATION THANKS FOR THAT

  19. Dignesh Panchasara Avatar
    Dignesh Panchasara

    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]

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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. Sahil Shaikh Avatar
    Sahil Shaikh

    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?

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hi Sahil!

      The place is absolutely safe. Go on!

  21. nikunj prajapati Avatar
    nikunj prajapati

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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. Monika patel Avatar
    Monika patel

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  23. Raju Padaria Avatar
    Raju Padaria

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hello Mr. Padaria,

      I’m from the same field as well. ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ve just started my career in the IT field as Java/Android Engineer.

      Such inquiries are totally alright and most welcome. ๐Ÿ™‚

      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. vinod joshi Avatar
    vinod joshi

    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…

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hello Vinod Ji!

      Upar rehne ke liye kucch nahi hai.

      Ahwa mein guesthouses hain.

  25. Arjun Avatar

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

  26. Vijay Thakor Avatar

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

  27. sudhir Jani Avatar
    sudhir Jani

    will visit Don on tuesday 16th august

  28. Parul Avatar
    Parul

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hahahah!

      Brain has been already sold…sorry you’re little late to the party. ๐Ÿ˜›

  29. Nishith vyas Avatar
    Nishith vyas

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      You’re welcome! Hope you have a good time! ๐Ÿ™‚

  30. HIMANSHU shah Avatar
    HIMANSHU shah

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      You can go down to bath as well.

  31. Zakir Patrawala Avatar
    Zakir Patrawala

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

  32. Seema Avatar
    Seema

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Happy Journey!

      Do share some photos from your trip and your experience as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

  33. Paresh Patel Avatar
    Paresh Patel

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hi Paresh!

      Thank you! ๐Ÿ™‚

      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. ๐Ÿ˜› )

  34. atul parikh Avatar
    atul parikh

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

  35. atul parikh Avatar
    atul parikh

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

  36. Anshuman Avatar
    Anshuman

    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?

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Oh, that’s great!

      Surely, I would share whatever I know about Dangs area. Let’s talk over email. Please check your inbox. ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. Lalit patel Avatar
        Lalit patel

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

  37. VIRAL Avatar
    VIRAL

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

  38. Don Homestay Avatar
    Don Homestay

    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.

    1. Gaurang Bhatt Avatar
      Gaurang Bhatt

      We r planning to come their can u share detail on

  39. Chetan Sheth Avatar
    Chetan Sheth

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      For sure!

      Thank you!

  40. Pravin Shah Avatar

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      I visited Don Hil exactly a year before, on 16th August, 2014. ๐Ÿ™‚

  41. Parth Avatar
    Parth

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

    2. Capt Avinash Avatar
      Capt Avinash

      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. Dr Avinash Solanki Avatar
    Dr Avinash Solanki

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Sure, I’ll update my article.

      1. Hemant Avatar
        Hemant

        Hi, your contact no?

        1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

          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! ๐Ÿ™‚

  43. M I janya Avatar
    M I janya

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

      You’re most welcome!

  44. Sandeep Huria Avatar
    Sandeep Huria

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Hello Sandeep! Very happy to be helpful to you!

      Happy Adventuring!

  45. tanvi Avatar
    tanvi

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

  46. Ishwar Thacker Avatar
    Ishwar Thacker

    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 ivthacker@yahoo. Co.in

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

  47. Bansi Roy Avatar
    Bansi Roy

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

  48. Places to Visit Avatar
    Places to Visit

    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.

  49. Pinakin Desai Avatar
    Pinakin Desai

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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!

  50. Jastin Chauhan Avatar
    Jastin Chauhan

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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!

      1. Jastin Chauhan Avatar
        Jastin Chauhan

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

  51. prashant Avatar
    prashant

    Please provide detail &contact no

  52. Kamlesh Adhiya Avatar

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  53. Dipak Patel Avatar
    Dipak Patel

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

  54. Madhubhai Patel Avatar
    Madhubhai Patel

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Thanks for dropping a note Madhubhai.

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

  55. Dr Ashish Patel Avatar
    Dr Ashish Patel

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Very very happy to hear that! ๐Ÿ™‚

  56. Sapan Patel Avatar
    Sapan Patel

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  57. Khozem Rangooni Avatar
    Khozem Rangooni

    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]

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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!

  58. Tanmay Avatar
    Tanmay

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

  59. Dinesh A Parekh Avatar
    Dinesh A Parekh

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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!

  60. Hans Mehta Avatar
    Hans Mehta

    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.

  61. Arpan Avatar

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

  62. Arti Patel Avatar
    Arti Patel

    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????

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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. ๐Ÿ™‚

  63. bhavesh patel Avatar
    bhavesh patel

    Hi I want find a stay please anybody help me

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  64. vipul soni Avatar
    vipul soni

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  65. Tanmay Shah Avatar
    Tanmay Shah

    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??

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

  66. yogesh patel Avatar
    yogesh patel

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  67. mohal banker Avatar
    mohal banker

    my travel blog is here

  68. mohal banker Avatar

    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.

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Sorry, Mohan. I don’t.

    2. mohal banker Avatar

      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

      1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

        For sure. Thanks.

        Can you please share your travel experience here?

  69. Anil Sharma Avatar
    Anil Sharma

    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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

      1. Anil Sharma Avatar
        Anil Sharma

        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

        1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

          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.

  70. JAMIN Avatar
    JAMIN

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  71. Prashant Somani Avatar
    Prashant Somani

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

  72. Viral Patel Avatar
    Viral Patel

    Mast

  73. Sagun Parekh Avatar
    Sagun Parekh

    Very nice & good place to enjoy with family.

  74. Shailesh Gandhi Avatar
    Shailesh Gandhi

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

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

  75. pankaj shah Avatar
    pankaj shah

    What about night stay for group?

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

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

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

  76. Ashish Mantri Avatar
    Ashish Mantri

    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?

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      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.

  77. Tushar Desai Avatar
    Tushar Desai

    Very Useful & Nice Info!

    1. Darpan Dodiya Avatar

      Thank you Tushar!

  78. michael Avatar
    michael

    good info, will surely visit

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

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

  79. Naimesh Shah Avatar
    Naimesh Shah

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

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