HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is situated between the highly industrialized cities of Mumbai,Surat and Vapi.From 1779 to 1954,the land was administered by the Portuguese colonialists, after its liberation in 1961 merged with the Indian Union.Silvassa is the capital of the Union Territory. This place has quite a number of health resorts, parks, dam and a tribal museum available for tourists. The people of this area are known for their hospitality and they are very much into their own traditions and customs, dances and rituals, arts and crafts and many more to explore.

HISTORY

Dadra and Nagar Haveli comprises of 72 villages which has a reputed history with the Portuguese dominating the area for more than a century and half. In July 1954 the Indian nationalist volunteers liberated Dadra and Nagar Haveli resulting in a pro-India administration. It was from August 11th, 1961 and under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, the territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli became a centrally administered union territory.

LOCATION

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is sandwiched between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra and is located in the western corner of India.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Most of the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians are also observed in Dadra and Nagar Haveli.Apart from this there are various other tribal celebrations which includes Barash celebrated by the Varli and Kokna tribes.Akhatrij is celebrated by Kokna tribes where ladies are the main participants. Divaso is celebrated by Dhodia and Varli tribes.Dhodia are set of another tribes who celebrate Rakhi-Bandhan.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit this place is between the months of November to March.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Vanganga Lake Garden, Dadra

The Vanganga Lake Garden sprawls over an area of about 7.58 hects and is situated at the entrance of the U.T. of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.This lake garden is quite famous among the Hindi movie makers.

The garden is decorated in such a way where there is a central island with well connected Japanese style of bridges.

The other area of interest of the Vanganga Lake garden are the water spread framed with tree line, boats, fountains, restaurants and jogging track.

Hirwavan garden, Piparia

The Hirwavan garden in Piparia is situated in the heart of the town and it derives its name from the tribal deity 'Hirwa' the green godess.The garden is designed in such a way with a theme revolving more about water play and is featured with roaring waterfall, cascading rivulet, gurgling springs streams etc.Apart from this the garden has beautiful landscapes, exclusive plant varieties, criss crossing footpaths and kiosks for the sitout.There is also a play area for the children.

Khanvel

The drive to this place is quite pleasant for the entire stretch of road from Silvassa is bordered with trees and is very pleasant and cool.Khanvel is situated at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa.It draws a lot of tourist and nature lovers attention for it is engraved by green hills and rolling meadows.The Sakartod River flows through Khanvel.

Silvassa

Silvassa which derives its name from the Portuguese word "silva", meaning wood is the capital of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.Silvassa which is loaded with nature is noted for its extraordinary beauty.Silvassa has a lot of historical building like the century-old church of Our Lady of Piety and the ruins of the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple at Bindrabin.There is also a Tribal Museum here which mainly exhibits the local culture with articles like masks, musical instruments, traditional jewelry, hunting tools. This area is quite interesting for shopping of souvenirs like Warli paintings, bamboo crafts and palm leaf mats handmade by the tribals.

Dudhni

This aquaserene tourist resort is situated at a distance of about 40 kms from Silvassa and 20 kms from Khanvel.Dudhni is noted for its water front of the Damanganga River and hence has a lot of water sports and equipment, like jet skis, speed boats and shikaras.

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 organized in the surrounding woods and wildlife sanctuary � very close to Silvassa.

Satmalia

Satmalia is a wildlife sanctuary located on the way to Khanvel.Satmalia is the home of many animals and birds like antelope, sambhar, chital deer, black bucks, flameback woodpecker, peacocks, and thrushes. There is a watch over within the campus which promises a panoramic view of the sanctuary and Madhuban Dam.

Vasona

Vasona a famous Lion Safari sprawling over an area of 20 hectares. Visitors are taken in vans that are fitted with net mesh screens to admire the lions in their natural habitat.

Tapovan Tourist Complex

Tapovan in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple of Lord Shiva is located at Bindrabin, just 18 km from Silvassa. Thousands of devotees flock to the place, seeking blessings from the deity. Realizing the demand of the tourists, the department of tourism has built 3 Cottages, Restaurant and amusement park with fountains and well laid garden.

SHOPPING

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is known for its handicrafts, leather slippers, woven of bamboo mats and baskets and articles made of greenish gold torpe grass. These items can be shopped from any local shops and emporium.

EAT OUTS 1.Hotel Pioneer 2.Dan Tourist Hotel 3.Caf� Bingo 4.Madhubani Restaurant and Bar i 5.Kamat-ni-Wadi at Silvassa Resort 6.Polo Grill 7.Hotel Woodlands. ACCOMMODATION   1.Khanvel Resort Vanvihar Complex, Chauda Khanvel, Silvassa 2.Pioneer Hotel Plot No. 205/1, Silvassa 3.Tapovan Tourist Complex, Bindrabin Himai 4.Van Health Resort Kauncha 5.Aquaserene Tourist Complex, Dudhni 6.P.W.D. Guest House, Nr. Stadium Ground, Silvassa 7.Luhari Tourist Complex, Luhari

Travel Guide Resources: Embassy of India International Tourist Facilities Foreigners Regional Registration Office Foreigners Exchange Management Act Visas Baggage Rules Immigration Services in India Travel Information Airlines   Buses   Railways   Hotels   Eat Outs   Cabs International Airlines Offices      Airlines in Thiruvananthapuram      Airlines in Bangalore      Airlines in Kolkata      Airlines in Kochi      Airlines in Delhi      Airlines in Chennai      Airlines in Goa      Airlines in Pune      Airlines in Mumbai                                                 www.indianmirror.com

GETTING THERE

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.