Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Capital: Silvassa
Area: 491 square km.
Population: 153500 (2004)

Silvassa

The best time to visit is between November and March. However, monsoon months too are very pleasant in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The temperature does not soar very high due to the region's proximity to the sea and the nights are very pleasant.

Silva in Portuguese means wood. And this becomes obvious the moment you reach this tiny capital of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Tall trees surrounding little cottages... in Silvassa, you cannot miss the traces of Portuguese rule

STD Code: 02638

HOW TO GET THERE

By road: Silvassa is about 10 km from Bilhad on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. Good motorable roads connect the city with Mumbai (168 km), Daman (44 km), Surat (129 km) and Vadodara (269 km)

TOURIST INFORMATION

Assistant Director of Tourism,
Administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Silvassa; tel: 40460

WHAT TO SEE

Mini zoo and Bal Udyan: It boasts a variety of colourful birds, monkeys, and a large number of snakes and crocodiles. Very popular with children for the many swings, slides and merry-go-rounds.

¦ Havelis: The dilapidated ruins of ancient, vast havelis are fascinating to explore and give insights into a bygone era. The intricate carvings on the doors have remained mysteriously intact.

¦ Vandhara Park: A riverside park with beautifully laid lawns dotted with exquisite pavillions—for those who love nature.

¦ Pipariya Udyan: Another park that boasts roaring waterfalls, stone walls, tiny kiosks and beautifully laid-out lawns. The sprawling island of flowers here is much acclaimed.

¦ The Vanganga Lake and Island Garden: About 5 km from the capital, this is a beautiful lake garden very popular with all visitors to Dadra and Nagar Haveli and boasts rustic wooden bridges, flowers and jogging paths, thatched huts and paddle-boats. It is very popular with honeymooning couples and picknickers. The garden has been a preferred location for more than 30 Hindi movie shoots.

¦ Hirwa Van: On the Silvassa-Dadra road; very popular with picknickers.

¦ Khanvel: About 20 km from Silvassa, Khanvel is covered with lush green hills, with the silvery Sakartod river flowing through. Even the drive here is special, lined as the road is with tall trees on both sides. Rolling meadows, terraced gardens and rustic cottages add to the charm of the place. The quaint cottages in the Vanvihar Tourist complex are designed in typical local style. It also has a Deer Park and greenhouse.

¦ Vandhara Udyan: A riverside park with sprawling lawns dotted with exquisite pavilions—an ideal site for picknickers.

¦ Dudhni: At a distance of about 20 km from Silvassa, the large waterfront view of the river

FESTIVALS

The local tribals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli have their own customs, dances, and rituals that are quite fascinating. Some of the dances include the Tarpa dance, the Mask dance or the Bhavada. Some of the festivals of the region include:

¦ Varli and Kokna tribals celebrate Diwali by the name of Barash

¦ Kokna tribes also celebrate Akhatrij where ladies are the main participants

¦ The Dhodia and Varli tribes celebrate Divaso The Dhodia tribe also celebrate Rakhi Bandhan Bhawada is celebrated by the Varli and Koli tribes

¦ Kali puja is celebrated by all tribes of the territory after harvesting the crops. Similarly, Gram Devi is celebrated by all the tribals in the region before the harvest season

¦ Damanganga provides a breathtaking view of the water-spread of Madhuban Dam. A favourite with adventure seekers thanks to its facilities for kayaking, canoeing and speed-boating. It is also very popular with trekking enthusiasts—there are facilities for pitching your tents near the bank to get a rea dose of camp life. There are a number of agencies that organise nature trails that go deep into the heart of these forests.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

¦ Bindrabin: Situated on the banks of river Sakartod, this is a historic Shiva temple, locally known as Tadkeshwara. Devotees from all over the country visit the temple.

¦ The Church of Our Lady of Piety: This glorious century-old chapel is one of the many fascinating sights you see in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Built in 1889 by the Portuguese, work on this magnificent structure began in 1779 when they acquired the 72 villages that comprise this territory.

MUSEUM

¦ Tribal Culture Museum: The most apt introduction to the tribals of the area. The museum boasts of exhibits ranging from masks and hunting tools to fishing gadgets, musical instruments and even life-size statues.