Tourism

The people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are simple and unspoiled. Hospitable and kind, they follow age-old traditions and are happy for visitors to explore their rich and varied art, music, folklore and dances.

Place of Interest:

Silvassa: Silvassa, the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is a sylvan paradise that derives the name “Silvassa” from the Portuguese word ‘silva’, which means wood. Silvassa is a place of spectacular beauty – it is surrounded by nature and there is a rare purity in the air of Silvassa. For lovers of history, travel to Silvassa to see the century-old church of Our Lady of Piety and the ruins of the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple at Bindrabin. The Tribal Museum, in Silvassa, gives a realistic feel of local culture through a collection of masks, musical instruments, traditional jewelry and hunting tools and you can even shop for souvenirs like Warli paintings, bamboo crafts and palm leaf mats handmade by the tribals. At Hirwa Van Garden (named after a tribal deity) at Piparia, nature has been allowed to find its own course … the sprawling park is full of roaring waterfalls, sweeping flower fields and cosy niches.

Tribal Museum (at Silvassa): The U.T., of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is predominantly inhabited by the tribals. The museum has displayed their ornaments, musical instruments, fishing and hunting gadgets, agricultural and house hold articles, and several other artefacts. The tribals way of life is displayed through life size models, wedding dresses and photographs of eventful ceremonies. The museum is popular with the tourists as it offers the glimpse of the native tribals and their culture at one place.

Water Sports Centre (at Dudhani): With the commissioning of Madhuban Dam on the downstream side of river Damanganga, a large water front has formed near Dudhani (40 Kms from Silvassa). For adventure loving tourists, the department provide water scooters, acquabikes, bumper boats, speed boats, kayaks, canoes and passenger boats at the Water Sports Centre, Dudhani.

Vanganga LakeGarden (at Dadra): A beautiful lake Garden Vanganga is located at the entrance of the U.T. of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and this beautiful garden at Dadra (6km from Silvassa) is spread over an area of 7.58 hects. The garden created with central island is connected with bridges in Japanese style. The major attraction are its water spread framed with tree line, boats, fountains, restaurants and jogging track on an average 4.00 lakhs tourists visits the garden annually. The garden is very popular with filmmakers and more than 40 Hindi film hit songs have been picturised here.

Hirwavan garden (at Piparia): Another beautiful garden at the entry point at Silvassa is named after a tribal deity ‘Hirwa’ the green godess. The water play is a theme here and can be seen in the form at roaring waterfall, cascading rivulet, gurgling springs streams all merging in a waterbody. The visitors are fascinated with the sight of colourful shrubs, criss crossing footpaths and kiosks for the sitout. The children play section offers variety of play equipments. The centrally located garden is popular with the visiting.

Luhari: Luhari, 14 km from Silvassa, is for visitors looking for an absolutely relaxed break close to Mother Nature. The resorts here have machan style cottages close to forested areas. For the adventurous, trekking trails and camps are organised in the surrounding woods and wildlife sanctuary – very close to Silvassa.

Khanvel: Khanvel, 20 km south of Silvassa, is surrounded by lush green hills. The river Sakartod flows by, and in the forests you can spot flying foxes, fruit bats, flycatchers and barbets. The drive from Silvassa to Khanvel is a pleasant one, passing majestic trees and tribal villages. You can get all your tourist information at Silvassa or the tourism department for Dadra and Nagar Haveli or Silvassa. The Vanvihar Tourist Complex at Chauda offers every facility needed to convert the laziest person into a lover of the great outdoors. The complex has native style cottages, a cactus house and a deer park.

Kauncha: Kauncha, 40 km south of Silvassa, is a tranquil place with tile roofed cottages. Trekkers love it … pitching a tent on the bank of the Madhuban Dam and gazing at the stars is the perfect way to end a day of adventure. Jet skies, rowing boats, kayaks and canoes are available for those who like water sports. The Himai Van Health Resort issurrounded by tribal villages at the foothills of the Western Ghats. For further tourist information contact the tourism department of Silvassa or Dadra and Nagar Haveli. They will provide you with a travel guide for all your travel needs in Silvassa and throughout the Union Territory. You can also get information about hotels, places to visit, tourist complexes, holiday themes or tours in Silvassa and also through Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The distance from common access points to Silvassa is given below:

Source: D&NH Tourism