A remote high plateau
Don (Don Hill) is a remote, high hill in the Dangs — at a greater altitude than Saputara — that has emerged as an off-beat, adventurous alternative to the main hill station. Reached by a winding road through deep forest and tribal villages, the Don plateau offers dramatic cliffs and viewpoints over the Sahyadri ranges, cool air, sunrise and sunset spots, and a handful of legends linking it to the Ramayana (it is associated in local lore with Dronagiri and the sage Drona).
Still relatively undeveloped, with simple homestays and campsites run by the tribal community, Don rewards those seeking quiet, nature and a taste of the real, unspoilt Dangs away from the crowds. The wild heart of the hills. (An off-beat hill; basic facilities; carry essentials.)
Camping on Don Hill.
A plateau higher than Saputara, and its Ramayana lore
Cliffs over the Sahyadri.
Don is a plateau in the northern Dangs standing at around 1,000 metres — higher than Saputara, and until recently barely visited outside the villages on it.
The approach is a narrow winding road climbing through teak forest and Adivasi hamlets, which is a large part of the experience of getting there.
Local tradition identifies the hill with Dronagiri, the mountain Hanuman is said to have carried in the Ramayana, and points out the herbs on the plateau as evidence.
Tourism here is community-run — simple homestays and campsites operated by the villages themselves rather than by outside operators.
Reasons to make the time
High off-beat hill
At roughly 1,000 metres it stands above Saputara, which makes it the highest accessible point in the Dangs.
Dramatic cliffs
The plateau ends in cliffs, and the viewpoints along the edge look out over ridge after ridge of the Sahyadris.
Sahyadri views
Both sunrise and sunset are worth staying for, and the plateau is open enough to get either from the same spot.
Tribal homestays
Accommodation is basic and locally owned — homestays and tents rather than hotels, which is the point.
Ramayana lore
The Dronagiri association is taken seriously locally, and villagers will point out the medicinal plants that support it.
Unspoilt
Saputara gets the crowds; Don gets almost none, and that gap is the reason to make the drive.
What to look for inside
THE HILLDon
A high forested plateau ending in cliffs, with long views over the Sahyadri ranges.
THE CAMPSHomestays
Homestays and campsites run by the Adivasi villages on the hill.
How to spend an hour or two
Drive up
Make the drive up through the forest and villages — the ascent is as much of the trip as the summit.
See the cliffs
Walk out to the cliff viewpoints along the plateau edge, the best of them a short walk from the road.
Watch sunrise/sunset
Stay for sunrise or sunset, when the ranges below separate into layers of haze.
Stay in a homestay
Book a community homestay rather than day-tripping; the money stays on the hill and you get the early light.
Sense the legends
Ask about the Dronagiri tradition and the plants — local guides know the stories and the herbs.
Enjoy the quiet
Carry what you need. There are no shops, no ATM and patchy signal, and the nearest fuel is a long way back.
Don Hill, the Dangs.
A wild high hill
Don Hill is a remote, high plateau in the Dangs — higher than Saputara — reached through deep forest and tribal villages, with dramatic cliffs and Sahyadri viewpoints, Ramayana lore and simple community-run homestays and campsites. An off-beat, unspoilt taste of the real Dangs. (Basic facilities; carry essentials.)
Planning more of the area? Our the Dangs guide covers the whole district.
If this is what you travel for, browse the hill country of Gujarat.
Higher than Saputara
Dramatic cliff viewpoints
Tribal-run homestays
Ramayana (Dronagiri) lore
When to go
Misty, green and full of waterfalls.
Cool, clear and pleasant.
Cooler than the plains.
⏰ The Dangs are loveliest in and just after the monsoon, when the hills are green and the waterfalls full.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Green in monsoon
- Cool through winter
- Pair with Saputara
- Free to visit
- Basic facilities only
- Carry essentials & water
- Respect the tribal community
Getting there
By Air
Surat airport (~120 km).
By Rail
Bilimora / Waghai line.
By Road
Saputara / Ahwa.
At Don Hill
CLIFFS & QUIET
A high off-beat hill
What to shoot
The cliff edges, best shot with a person or a tree for scale against the drop.
Best time
Sunrise and sunset over the ranges, when the ridgelines stack into receding layers.
Detail
The campsites and homestays, which place the human scale in a very large landscape.
Setting
Deep forest on the way up, especially in the mist just after the monsoon.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Anjan Kund Shrine
A sacred forest pool by the falls
HILL STATIONSaputara
Misty hill station in the green Sahyadris
PILGRIMShabari Dham
Where Shabari awaited Lord Rama
Hatkeshwar Mahadev
A hill Shiva shrine above Saputara
WILDLIFEPurna Sanctuary
Dense forest of leopards & birds
ECO-CAMPMahal Campsite
Riverside forest camping in Purna
Where to eat near Don Hill
THALIGujarati Thali
Meals on the plains route.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
STREETSaputara stalls
Corn, snacks & chai.
Tribal Dangi fare
Nagli rotla, bamboo shoots & forest produce.
Don Hill FAQ
What is Don Hill?
Don (Don Hill) is a remote, high hill in the Dangs — at a greater altitude than Saputara — that has emerged as an off-beat, adventurous alternative to the main hill station. Reached by a winding road through deep forest and tribal villages, the Don plateau offers dramatic cliffs and viewpoints over the Sahyadri ranges, cool air, sunrise and sunset spots, and a handful of legends linking it to the Ramayana (it is associated in local lore with Dronagiri and the sage Drona).
Where is it?
The Dangs.
Is there an entry fee?
Free.
When should I visit?
Monsoon for greenery; winter for cool, clear days.
What's nearby?
Saputara, the waterfalls and the Dangs' forests.
How long does it take?
Half – full day.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026