Waghai is a town in the
Dang District of the southern part of
Gujarat
Gujarat () is a States of India, state along the Western India, western coast of India. Its coastline of about is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula. Gujarat is the List of states and union territories ...
state in
India
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
. And also Taluka of dang district. Waghai is about 32 km west of the district headquarters of
Ahwa
Ahwa is the headquarters of Dang District in the state of Gujarat, in India. It is situated about 1800 feet (549 m) above the sea level. The whole district, inhabited by the tribal people, is a hilly area covered with thick forest. Venomous snak ...
, and about 52 km north-west of the
hill station
A hill station is a touristic town located at a higher elevation than the nearby plain or valley. The English term was originally used mostly in Western imperialism in Asia, colonial Asia, but also in Africa (albeit rarely), for towns founded by ...
of
Saputara
Saputara town in the Dang district of Gujarat, India, is a hill station
A hill station is a touristic town located at a higher elevation than the nearby plain or valley. The English term was originally used mostly in Western imperialism i ...
.
Vansda, Chikhli and Bilimora are located westerly. It is linked by state highway to the town of
Chikhli (where the road meets National highway 8), and by a
narrow gauge
A narrow-gauge railway (narrow-gauge railroad in the US) is a railway with a track gauge (distance between the rails) narrower than . Most narrow-gauge railways are between and .
Since narrow-gauge railways are usually built with Minimum railw ...
to the town of
Bilimora. Also with Saputara a NG passenger train named. Waghai Passenger link these towns of south Gujarat.
Demographics
The population is about 7,500 of which 92% are local tribal people called "
Dangi". "
Dangi" are also referred as Inland Jarawa. They are much like the Jarawa Tribe but are more civilized & can speak Wagahi & Dangi Language. Others are mixed people of India like Gujarati, Punjabi, Marathi, South Indian etc.
Economy
Waghai is the business place for the whole district; it is the main Gateway to enter Dang District.
Attractions
Gira Falls
Gira Falls A km. off the Saputara-Waghai Road leads to a vast clearing where the picturesque Gira Falls emerging from the Khapri tributary can be viewed. An absolute must from June to November. Visitors can get refreshments from a small tea and snack stall. Picnic Huts make it an ideal spot for relaxing and picnicking.There is also a botanical garden which is also a good attraction for tourist.
Botanical Garden
It is a large (24-hectare) garden with 1,400 varieties of plants from all over India. The amateur nature lover can marvel at different varieties of bamboo like the Chinese Bamboo, Golden Bamboo, Beer Bottle Bamboo, etc. and enjoy strolling along the beautiful walkways each lined with different species of tree. Visitors can also pick up cactus plants and enjoy a picnic at the picnic spot in the garden. Permission is required to enter. Drinking water and toilet facilities are available.
Unai Mata temple and Hot Springs
A drive of about 19 km. from Waghai brings one to the
Unai Mata temple. Visitors can bathe in the
hot spring
A hot spring, hydrothermal spring, or geothermal spring is a Spring (hydrology), spring produced by the emergence of Geothermal activity, geothermally heated groundwater onto the surface of the Earth. The groundwater is heated either by shallow ...
attached to this famous temple of considerable historical significance.
Vansda National Park
A rich and old forest predominantly covered by very tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers. The forest is extremely dense and some parts are dark even during normal daytime. The forest is a habitat of monkeys, deer, a few leopards and a wide species of birds. Permission is required to enter the Park.
Shopping
A small private outlet selling locally crafted items fashioned out of Bamboo roots and chips. Unique items like the big sized bamboo lamps, kangaroos, deer are available only here and not elsewhere in the region.
government sawmill waghai
A sprawling sawmill and woodworking unit, which also sells furniture that tourists can book and get delivered by paying an advance. The visitor can enjoy a guided tour and watch the transformation of logs of wood into tasteful furniture. Drinking water facilities are available.
Education
Schools
* Govt. Secondary and higher secondary school.
* Aadarsh Nivashi School.
* Taluka School.
* Eklavya English medium School.
* Sardar School.
* Gyanmandir School.
Colleges
* Government Pollytechnic Engineering College
* Waghai College of Agriculture, NAU
* Hill Millet Research Station, NAU, Waghai
* Government PTC College
* Agriculture Cooperation, Banking & Marketing Polytechnic
Gallery
Image:waghai2.jpg, Vikas Path, Waghai
Image:waghi3.jpg, Waghai Main road
Image:sara1-gu.jpg, Bilimora-Waghai narrow gauge Train
Image:Bridge-DSC01387.JPG, Ambika River Bridge Between Nani-Waghai(Kilad) and Waghai
Image:Gira Water Fall saputara.JPG, Gira Water Fall on Waghai-Saputara road
File:Locomotive boiler.jpg, Locomotive boiler at waghai garden
References
{{Dang district, India
Cities and towns in Dang district, India