Dadra And Nagar Haveli Tourism

 
Capital    Silvassa
Area    491 sq km
Language    Bhili/Bildoli, Gujarati, Hindi, English
Best time to visit    November to March

LOCATION

Lush green forests, meandering rivers, large waterfronts, cascading waterfalls, the gentle gurgle of streams, the distant hills, a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna…yes, it is the serene and sylvan land of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Nature at her best. Sandwiched between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is located in the western corner of India. As a union territory, it is quite small, confined as it is to an area less than 500 sq. km, covered with tall, awesome trees and winding rivers.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Dadra and Nagar Haveli enjoys a pleasant climate from November to March. Even the summer temperature is not very high. Due to its proximity to the sea, the nights are pleasant.

HISTORY

This quiet, magical land of 72 villages has a chequered history. For a century and half, the fiery Portuguese were the masters of the land. The Indian nationalist volunteers liberated Dadra and Nagar Haveli in July 1954 and a pro-India administration was formed. Under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, the territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli became a centrally administered union territory with effect from August 11, 1961.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

The Tribal Cultural Museum at Silvassa is an ideal place for those who are too lazy to do some actual exploring. It houses a good collection of masks, musical apparatus, fishing gadgets and life-size statues.

Khanvel is situated at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa. The drive to Khanvel is lined with tall trees on both sides of the road. This serene landscape, surrounded by lush green hills, beckons nature lovers with its rolling meadows and native-styled cottages amidst terraced gardens. The calm and gentle Sakartod River flows past Khanvel.

The Vanganga Lake and Island Garden is a beautiful lake garden situated at a distance of 5 km from the capital city of Silvassa. The rustic wooden bridges, the flowers, jogging paths, thatched huts, and paddleboats-all constitute an ideal ambiance for the honeymooners.

A 20-km drive from Khanvel is Dudhni where the large waterfront of river Damanganga provides breathtaking view of the water spread over Madhuban Dam. The luxurious tents pitched right near the bank provide a countryside experience. Tourists may also cook their own meals near the camp.

Tour to Dadra and Nagar Haveli On Silvassa-Dadra Road is Hirwa Van, a beautiful garden with roaring waterfalls, misty cascades, rustic stonewalls, twin arches, tiny kiosks and springy lawns interspersed with islands of flowers-truly a visitors delight.

Vandhara Udyan at Silvassa is a riverside park with sprawling lawns dotted with exquisite pavilions, an ideal site for picnic buffs.

There is also a Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan at Silvassa. The colorful birds, mischievous monkeys, awesome pythons and sleepy crocodiles coupled with swings, slides and merry-go-rounds render this site every kid's dream come true.


Places to See in Dadar and Nagar Haveli                                                                                                  
Ecotourism

Endowed with natural scenic beauty, the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Ecotourism presents the tourists with a golden opportunity to experience the wide spectrum of bio- diversity in the region. One of the prominent places of tourist interest, the tourists are enthralled and enchanted with the captivating beauty of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Swift flowing rivers, luxuriant green pastures, exotic hills and wide variety of flora and fauna represent the picturesque landscape of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The Dadra & Nagar Haveli Travel & Tours provides comprehensive and systematic information on the ecotourism of the place.

Comprising of seventy villages, the beautiful place of Dadra & Nagar Haveli offers the tourists with a unique scope to explore the rich flora and fauna of the place. The interested tourists can avail the services of the numerous travel agents of the Union Territory to travel to the enchanting regions of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

A novel concept in the tourist itinerary of the place, ecotourism enables the tourists to become aware of the vast diversity of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The unique concept of ecotourism floated by the government of Dadra & Nagar Haveli helps in preserving the rich flora and fauna, and the rare and endangered species of animals and birds of the region.

Ecotourism enables the tourists to realize the overwhelming importance of nature and its natural inhabitants comprising of wild animals, rare species of birds and exotic flora and fauna. The Dadra & Nagar Haveli Ecotourism fills the tourists with a sense of thrill and excitement and helps the tourists to enjoy the heavenly blessings of Mother Nature.

Silvassa Wildlife Tour

The Silvassa Wildlife tour is one of the most exciting and thrilling sojourns to the enchanting land of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The dense thick forests, rich reserve of flora and fauna, and exotic rare and endangerd species of wildlife represent the picturesque landscape of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Oranized at regular intervals by the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Travel & Tours, the trip to the wildlife sanctuaries of Silvassa offers the tourists to expereince the wide range of biological species which are unique to the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The tourists can avail the services of the travel agents to explore the rich flora and fauna of the enchanting land of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

The Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan is one of the most attractive wildlife and recreational park of Silvassa. An added attraction for the children, the park is blessed with a rich reserve of wild animals of variety of species of deer, giant sized crocodiles, pythons and many other colorful birds.

One can experience the wide variety of wildlife species in the exotic landscape of the Vanvihar Tourist Complex. The Deer Park of the area draws many tourists who are absolutely spellbound by the captivating beauty and the large store of different kinds of deer. Amidst the picturesque landscape, the Vanvihar Tourist Complex houses numerous small cottages that offers excellent accommodation facility to the tourists who are interested to spend some time in the midst of nature.

The tourists thoroughly enjoy the Silvassa Wildlife Tour. A unique experience, the Silvassa Wildlife Tour acquaints the visitors with the exotic range of wildlife of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Tribal Museum

The puny union territory of Dadra Nagar and Haveli is a heavenly paradise with jungle clad hills, rambling green plains enveloped in lush foliage and laced by sparkling lakes, meandering rivers and cascading waterfalls. As a ramification, the Dadra and Nagar Haveli tourism is doing a thriving business with one of its major highlights being the Tribal Museum.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a tiny union territory located near the Arabian Sea coastline with a predominantly tribal population. The principal tribes inhabiting Dadra and Nagar Haveli are namely:

    Varlies
    Kokana
    Dhodia
    Dublas
    Koli
    Kathodi
    Naika


Each of these tribes have their unique lifestyle and unparalleled traditional legacy that stands unmatched by any other indigenous tribal group in any corner of the world. A visit to the picture perfect union territory provides tourists, erudite scholars and savant researchers with an insight of the quintessential tribal legacy of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The Tribal Museum housed in the union territory's capital, Silvassa showcases a priceless collection of rare treasures. Archetypal tribal artifacts that the people use for domestic or occupational purposes or even their hunting and fishing gear and crude agricultural tools all find pride of place behind the museum's glass cases.

Life size models stand on display to portray the tribal way of life. These models and mannequins proudly display the colorful apparels of the tribal people as well as their ornate chunky jewelery and other trinkets. Photographs of tribal weddings and other ceremonious occasions adorn the walls of the museum's gallery.

Himivan Health Resort

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a picturesque paradise sited near the shores of the voluminous Arabian Sea. The landscape is a stunning montage of jungle clad hills and rolling green valleys with plenty of sylvan water bodies that glint like a mirage of quicksilver under the playful saffron sunbeams. The Himivan Health Resort is one such hotel set in a salubrious ambiance that ensures that tourists enjoy a leisurely vacation.

The stunning topography, lush foliage sprinkled with dashes of color of the seasonal blooms and the quintessential tribal villages make the union territory a much coveted tourist destination of India. As a natural ramification, it is evident that Dadra and Nagar Havel Tourism does thriving business all through the year. The union territory although small in size, has plenty to offer. There is a plenitude of accommodation options in the union territory that caters to the purchasing power of the wealthy, the humble bourgeoisie as well as the blue-collar proletariats.

For those tourists for whom money is not an issue of concern and the comfort factor is the main highlight of a vacation, the Himaivan Health Resort housed at Kauncha offers an irresistible package. The resort is sited overlooking the panoramic vistas of the cascading ripples of the waterfalls at Kauncha - Dudhani whose melodious gurgles accentuate the beauty of the surroundings. The resort's accommodation consists of a set of twenty elegantly decorated, plush and cozy rooms replete with all urban amenities.

The Himivan health Resort offers state of the art service and is endowed with such top end facilities to rejuvenate the senses of its guests that revolutionizes health tourism in the nation.

Vanganga Lake Garden

The picturesque union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is defined by rambling acres of greenery, occasional mountains dominating the skyline and generous water bodies that adorn the landscape and glint like a jewel in a brass setting under the playful saffron sunbeams. Sprawling amidst this spectacle of nature, rests the exquisite Vanganga Lake Garden.

The Vanganga Lake Garden is a beautifully tended landscaped garden coupled with a sparkling sylvan lake that accentuates the natural splendor of the surroundings. Tourists embarking on a fruitful sojourn to the union territory are greeted by the stunning chiaroscuro of the Vanganga Lake Garden at the very entrance of the puny union territory.

Strategically sited at a stone's throw distance of 5 km from Silvassa, the union territory's capital, the enhancing garden is certainly worth an artist's pencil and a photographer's lens. The scenery is perfect with the quaint picture postcard wooden bridges, net lawns lined by colorful shrubs vibrant with seasonal blooms, jogging tracks for the fitness freaks and charming thatched cottages that ooze oodles of old world charm. Pretty paddle boats ensure that tourists enjoy a quick boating spree and explore the nearby vistas. It is hardly surprising that many a spellbound director has ensured that the idyllic settings of the Vanganga Lake Garden be the sets where the romantic scenes are captured.

The Vanganga Lake Garden covers an expanse of 7.58 hectares and it is said the modern design and layout has been inspired by contemporary Japanese standards.

Tapovan Tourist Complex

The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is covered with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers,and green hills. The land is gifted with fascinating varieties of flora and fauna. Mother Nature has endowed this tranquil and pastoral land of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with immense natural beauty.

Tapovan Tourist Complex is one of the famous tourist attraction developed by the administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Tourist Complex has three luxurious cottages with all kinds of modern amenities, a restaurant and an amusement park. The restaurant of the complex serves mouthwatering dishes. The amusement park in Tapovan Tourist Complex is another attraction, which is an ideal way to spend sometime in a thrilling way.

Tapovan Tourist Complex is situated in Bindrabin in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. You can reach the tourist Complex very easily as Bindrabin is located 18 km. from Silvassa, the capital of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 2 km. from Khanvel. Silvassa is well connected with the other important cities of India. Tapovan Tourist Complex in Bindrabin is surrounded by a well-maintained gaden decorated with many varieties of ornamental and flowering plants. The numerous fountains in this well laid garden add to its beauty.

There is a famous temple of Lord Siva at Bindrabin, which is visited by numerous tourists from far off places. To encourage tourism and for the convenience of the devotees of Lord Shiva, the Department built this Tapovan Tourist Complex.

Hirwa Van

Cascading waterfalls, luxuriant gardens and picturesque landscape represent the exotic garden of Hirwa Van of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Situated on the way to Silavassa- Dadra road, Hirwa Van is a prominent itinerary of the Dadra & Nagar Haveli tourism. Hirwa Van attracts several tourists who are enthralled and enchanted at the captivating beauty of the place.

An important place of tourist interest, Hirwa Van offers the tourists as well as the local citizens to enjoy their leisure time in the midst of beautiful nature. Far from the maddening crowd of the cities, the serene and calm surrounding of Hirwa Van fills the visitors with an intense sense of joy, mirth and pleasure.

Endowed with natural scenic beauty, Hirwa Van casts a magical spell on the tourists who are overwhelmed at the bewitching sight of the place. Hirwa Van offers the tourists with a plethora of recreational activities of boating and playing games. The visit to the beautiful place of Hirwa Van rejuvenates the tourists with added energy and vigor.

For those who want to spend some time in solitude, the enchanting landscape of Hirwa Van provides them with a scope to enjoy the bliss of nature. The picturesque landscape of Hirwa Van captures the imagination of the poet. The swift flowing waterfalls and the sprawling gardens that are full of seasonal flowers add to the grace of the place.

Hirwa Van is a favorite tourist spot for children and adults as well. A form of recreational park, the exotic view of Hirwa Van highlights the unmatchable scenic beauty bestowed by the Mother Nature on the beautiful place of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Island Garden

Located at a short distance of five kilometers from Silvassa, the picturesque landscape of the Island Garden casts a magical spell on the tourists. Against the backdrop of the crystal clear water of the beautiful Vanganga Lake, the Island Garden forms an important part of the tours organized by the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Tourism.

Endowed with natural scenic beauty, the Island Garden draws several tourists who are absolutely spellbound with the mesmerizing sight of the beautiful place. Surrounded by sprawling gardens, the exotic view of Island Garden captures the imagination of the poet.

Far from the hustle bustle of the busy city life, the pleasant and calm surrounding of Island Garden fills the tourists with a deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure. The long winding paths of jogging, the blue crystal clear water of the lake and the wooden bridge adds to the grace and glory of the place.

Island Garden is a favourite spot for children and adults as well who are overwhelmed at the enchanting landscape of the place. An idyllic spot to spend some time in solitude or with close family and friends, Island Garden provides the tourists to enjoy the eternal bliss of Mother Nature.

The beautiful place of Island Garden offers the tourist to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities that helps them to regain fresh bout of energy and vigor. The Vanganga Lake is a perfect place for boating.

One of the most sought after tourist spot of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Island Garden provides solace of mind and body from the stress and strains of daily mundane life.

Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan

An important place of attraction for children, the Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan is a prominent itinerary of the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Tourism circuit. Spread over a huge area, the Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan has been specially designed for the children who are overjoyed to see variety of animals and colorful birds.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan is a favorite spot for children and adults as well. The Mini Zoo provides the children with a golden opportunity to experience the wide variety of different species of animals and birds. The recreational park of the Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan comprises of colorful swings, merry-go- round, and other attractions for children.

Situated at Silvassa, the picturesque landscape of Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan is an ideal place to spend leisure time in the midst of Mother Nature. The huge pythons, the playful monkeys and the giant sized crocodiles add to the charm of the place and are a treat for children. Far from the maddening crowd, the serene and calm surrounding of the Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan provides the visitors with a break from the regular and routine daily life. The place provides the tourists with endless opportunity to enjoy and regain their lost energy and vigor.

Endowed with natural scenic beauty, the enchanting landscape of Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan spells magic on the young children who are thrilled at the sight of the attractive animals and colorful birds.

The Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan is easily accessible from any part of the city of Silvassa. A prominent landmark of Silvassa, the Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan introduces the children with the beautiful world of animals.

Vandhara Udyan

The Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a land endowed with natural beauty. The pristine beauty of the land with lush green forests and flowing rivers and streams forms a gorgeous landscape.This beautiful and tranquil land with its simple and innocent people has been the favorites among the tourists.Vandhara Udyan is a beautiful garden located in Silvassa, the capital city of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Vandhara Udyan, Silvassa is one of the major tourist attractions of theUnion territory. It is a well-laid park situated on the banks of the river. It is an ideal destination for people who want a break fron the normal routine life. The beautiful garden overlooking the river is worth visiting. Walking on the the velvety soft sprawling lawns of Vandhara Udyan is an experience which you would like to remember forever. It has a number of exquisite pavilions for the visitors to relax.

Vandhara Udyan in Dadra and Nagar Haveli has been decorated with huge varieties of ornamental and flowering plants. Roaming about in the garden with cool breeze flowing and watching the soft flowing water of the river is a memorable experience. Going for a picnic in Vandhara Udyan, Silvassa with your friends and relatives is an ideal way to spend your holiday.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex

Amidst the picturesque landscape, the Vanvihar Tourist Complex offers excellent accommodation facilities to the tourists. Exotic mountain ranges, luxuriant green pastures and the swift flowing River Sakartod represent the beautiful area of Vanvihar. Endowed with the natural scenic beauty, Vanvihar attracts numerous tourists who are enthralled and enchanted with the captivating sight of the place.

Located at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa, the beautiful place of Khanvel encompasses the area of Vanvihar Tourist Complex. An ideal place to regain lost energy and vigor, the sprawling bunglows and cottages offer world class accommodation to the guests at reasonably cheaper rates.

The Vanvihar Tourist Complex is a permanent feature of the various tours organized by the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Tourism department. Endowed with the bounty of nature, the exotic landscape of Vanvihar Tourist Complex presents the tourists with a unique opportunity to experience the heavenly bliss of nature.

The swift flowing River Sakartod is an excellent place for boating. For those who value solitude, the picturesque landscape of Vanvihar Tourist Complex is the best place to spend some valuable time in the midst of Mother Nature.

An added attraction of Vanvihar Tourist Complex is the deer park that draws several visitors through out the year. The Deer Park is a delight for the children and adults alike who are overjoyed to see the variety of the rare and endangered species of the animal.

The calm and serene surrounding of the beautiful place of Vanvihar Tourist Complex provides the tourists with a break from the monotony of daily mundane life.

Water Sports Centre, Dudhani

Water Sports Centre, Dudhani is a perfect place for adventure tourists. On the downstream of Damanganga River, Madhuban Dam has been constructed that resulted in the formation of a large waterfront near Dudhani. It lies 40 km from Silvassa, the capital city of Dadra nad Nagar Haveli.
There are a number of tourist places in and around Silvassa. The tourism department has taken special initiative to establish it as a popular destination for adventure sports. Speed boats, water scooters, passenger boats, bumper boats, kayaks, canoes and acquabikes are provided by the department at the Water Sports Centre, Dudhani, so that the tourists can indulge in various exciting adventure sports.

You can see the customs, dances and festivals of the native tribals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It is a fascinating experience to see their culture and traditions so closely and also interact with these innocent people. On your trip to the Water Sports Centre at Dudhani, you can visit the tourist places of Silvassa, especially the Tribal Museum, which has wonderful exhibits of tribal culture.The capital city of Silvassa is very well connected to the major cities of India. The mesmerizing view of the water of Madhuban Dam attracts tourists in huge numbers throughout the year

HOW TO REACH

BY RAIL - The nearest railhead is Vapi at a distance of 17 km from the capital city. Silvassa is about 180 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Surat via the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway 8.

WHERE TO STAY

One can stay in rustic, well-appointed cottages with all modern comforts or in specially laid out riverside tents. The tourists may enjoy the delicacies of local cuisine in a variety of restaurants and hotels.