That very Dandakaranya of the epic Ramayan was no other than the Dang District of Gujarat State. This historical district is the only one in the state with a dense forest. The total number of villages covered under Dang is 311, where even to this day 75% of the population is living below the poverty line and 98% of the population is scheduled tribe, figures showing a long path of development is still unexplored.
Demographics
The population of Dangs District as per the 2011 census is 2,26,769. Male-1,12,972 Female–113,793 and other 04. About 94% of the population of the District is tribal population. About 73.84% of the total population falls in the BPL category. As per the socio-economic survey 2012, the population of the District is 253,353. Around 30,000 people migrate to nearby distinct for employment in sugarcane cutting and grape yards during September and May every year.
Culture
Dang Darbar: It’s a three-day-long annual cultural extravaganza that coincides with the Holi festivities. Celebrated in the Dang district, located in the Saputara Hills of India, the festival is a conspicuous festival of the Dang tribe, inhabitants of the wooded region of Saputara. The Dang Darbar is celebrated just a few days before Holi. Although the exact venue of this festival is Ahwa near Saputara, it has drawn its name from the Ahwa Darbar, a one–time venue assembly for English ministers and mandarins during the Raj era. Now the name has been changed to Jamabandi Durbar and the District Collector officiates at it.
Languages & Dialects: The language of the people of Dang district is basically Konkai. Although they are familiar with Gujarati and Marathi since we share boundaries with Maharashtra State.
Art & Literature
Warli Painting: Warli painting of tribals is famous of dang district.
Bamboo: Tribal people used to make things from bamboo.
Geography
The Dangs district lies between parallels of latitude 20o 33′ and 21o 5′ and the meridians of longitude 73o 27′ and 73o 57′. From north to south, this territory is about 59 km. in length (36.7 miles) and from east to west about 50 km. In the North, it is bordered by the Surat and Dhule districts of Maharashtra State, in the East by the Nasik district of Maharashtra State and West by the Valsad District. The area covered by the district is 1,764 Sq Km. The district ranks 25th in terms of area in the State.
The District falls under the Eastern Hilly Region and is further divided into two sub-micro regions, viz., Lower Dangs and Upper Dangs, on the basis of physiographic climate, geology, soils, and natural vegetation.
The Lower Dangs region physiographically shows low hills with altitudes ranging between 560 to 590 meters above MSL. The whole water of this region drains through the Gira, Purna, Khapari, and Ambika rivers and their tributaries. The region has a thick vegetation cover. Geologically, the structure is composed of Deccan Trap.
Physiographically, the Upper Dangs region is composed of a hilly track having thick forest cover. Elevation varies between 675 and 1,290 meters above MSL. The principal rivers are Gira Purna, Khapri, and Ambika. Geologically, the formation belongs to Deccan Trap. Shallow black, brown, and alluvial soils of recent origin have been formed from black rock outcrops.
The Dangs district is essentially a mountainous tract, covered with dense forest, which starts from the rugged chains of the Sahyadris in the east and extends to the edge of the plains of Gujarat State. In the east, it commences with a chain of rugged mountains running up to about 1,100 meters (3500 ft.). Most areas in the Dangs lie in elevation between 300 and 700 meters above mean sea level.
Top travel destination in the dang
Travelling in monsoon in the dang in itself a treat. you can go around some of the best places in gujarat for your memorable monsoon trips. we suggest you following places you can visit.
Girimal Waterfall
This waterfall extends to a height of up to 100 feet, making it the highest waterfall of Gujarat. The picturesque beauty of this site makes it popular among visitors and people of the region alike. The water swiftly falls from a great height, creating a fog-like condition that’s eye-catching.
The government of this state is working on many projects to make this place an ideal picnic spot and a tourist attraction. The fall comes to its best form at the time of monsoon and provides an immensely striking appearance. Some of the best natural features of Gujarat can be explored in this place. This place is a nice and refreshing retreat for any traveller.
Saputara Hill Station
Take a deep breath. Vanish. You are inside nature’s womb.
At dawn’s spill in winter, climb up to the Gandhi Shikhar when light’s river bathes undulating mountains and drifting birds in a magic dance of awakening streams.
Breathe in the rolling hills of Saputara, green echoes, lush with flowers, in the rains. Some of the thickest forest covers in the state envelop you.
In summer, walk carefree on the expanse of the Governor’s hill and see the sun dip into the Saputara lake as the sky begins to shimmer with stars.
As your bus chugs up uphill, sciss crossing over the Ambika river, you leave far below you all the congestion of towns and cities and enter the high-spirited world of tribal the poeple. Perched in the Sahyadri range, at an altitude of about 1000 m, this Dangi enclave derives its name from the Snake God revered by the tribals and translates as ‘the abode of serpents’, Saputara.
Considered to be the only hill station of Gujarat, it is minimally commercialized; still, unexploited.
Involved Tourism: You can learn about the rich tribal culture of this region. You must visit the Ritambhara Vishva Vidyapeeth and learn about its founder, the highly respected Mrs. Poornima Pakvasa, who has worked tirelessly for the empowerment of tribal women for more than five decades. Today she is over 90 years old and is popularly known as the ‘Didi of Dang’. Other legends of social activists like Ghelubhai Naik and Chhotubhai Naik have also started many programs for the dwellers of dangs at their Ashram at Ahwa.
Mahal Campsite
The Mahal Eco Campsite is bestowed with rivers and bamboo glides, with excellent walking and trekking options. It is located on the banks of the Purna River, in the middle of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary and is a part of the Dang Forest Division North. It is surrounded by a vast & rich forest laced with the Purna & Gira rivers. For an eco-tourist wanting to enjoy birds of moist deciduous forest mixed with bamboo, this is the best place to visit. It’s also near the Girmar Falls which offers a breathtaking view. Best time to visit the campsite is from October to March.