Flanked between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat in the Western
part of India, this tiny Union Territory, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is
the true heavenly destination for those who want to spend some quiet
time in the tranquil realm of nature.
Be it the serenity of intense greenery or the rippling of wandering
river; be it the serene valleys of the Western Ghats or the
spectacular population of wild animals, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is
ready with its treasure to bewitch you. The mother nature created this
different world with care and love which is evident from the thick
forest, white waterfalls and balmy climate.
The territory is the homeland of tribal groups including the Varlis,
Dublas, Dhodias, and Koknans who have enriched the culture of the land
with their own customs of folklore and colourful lifestyle. A
performance of Tarpa dance, Mask dance or Bhavada will surely
mesmerize you with foot-tapping beats and music intoxicating the
entire ambience.
Silvassa, The Silvery Capital
Once under the rule of Portuguese, Silvassa acquires its name from
the Portuguese word 'Silva' meaning 'woods'. As you travel through
extremely quiet windy streets of this tiny Silvassa, you will
understand that Portuguese were not wrong in naming their favourite
city, whose reminiscence is still alive in the Our Lady of Piety
Church. Tourists coming to Silvassa make it a point to make a visit to
the Lion Safari Park, which is among the few places in India where you
will find lions roaming around. Spine chilling! Isn't it?
Vandhara Udyan and Pipariya Udyan are the two excellent gardens
holding the nature with sprawling lawns, gushing waterfalls and little
islands make an ultimate destination for the people wanting to be lost
in the nature. The tribal cultural museum situated in Silvassa peeps
into the tribal lifestyle housing the masks, fishing gadgets,
life-size statues and musical apparatus.
Vanganga Lake and Island Garden, Dadra
A unique dreamland where the beautiful lake garden with wooden bridge and thatched huts gives you a chance to romance with the nature. An option for boating in the placid lake makes the place even more alluring and charming.
Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Khanvel
Surrounded by lush green hills of the Western Ghats, Khanvel is the nature's paradise with beautiful Sakartod river murmuring through the valley. Some bizarre cottages built in the Vanvihar Tourist Complex flaunt the traditional local architecture making a heaven to stay. The excellent deer park and the greenhouse inside the tourist complex add more to the charm of the place.
Bewitching Dudhani
A view of Damanganga river mesmerizes you with its vastness. The adventurous water sports such as speed boating, kayaking and canoeing are enjoyed here immensely by the tourists. Take a drive by speed boat or water scooter in the river, have the feeling which is unparalleled and is sure to pump your adrenaline faster.
By Air
Nearest airport is at Mumbai (180 km from Silvassa) which is well connected with all major cities of India and abroad.
By Rail
Nearest railhead is Vapi (17 km from Silvassa)
By Road
Dadra and Nagar Haveli , almost touches the Bombay - Baroda - Delhi National Highway No.8 (Western Express Highway). Silvassa is about 14 km from Bhilad and 17 km from Vapi. Some important distances from Silvassa are: Mumbai-180 km, Nasik-150 km, Daman 27 km, Surat- 125 km, Vadodara- 255 km and Ahmedabad- 375 km.
