Dadra and Nagar Haveli

A myriad kaleidoscope of forests brimming with life, mountain ranges and rivers, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a place of tranquil peace, totally away from a life of hustle and bustle. While Nagar Haveli is a Union Territory in the western part of India, Dadra is an enclave a few kilometers away, technically lying in the state of Gujarat. A region with strong Portuguese influences, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is an interesting and multi layered place to explore and experience. Spread over an area of less than 500 square kilometers, the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a rather small one, though no less than any of the bigger tourist attractions when it comes to offering delight and surprise. So come to the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli if learning from a history with Portuguese marks is your cup of tea. Come to Dadra and Nagar Haveli if being thrilled by the age old customs of tribals is something you would want. Come to Dadra and Nagar Haveli if you are ready to find a wealth of history, culture and beauty in a land of small area, but huge offerings for its tourists.

Location

Sitting on the west coast of India, the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is surrounded by the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra on its sides. The union territory especially has a hilly terrain with the great ranges of Sahaydri Mountains towards the north east. Silvassa is the capital of the region. At the same time, the Union Territory has a low population density, as it is populated by only 220 thousand inhabitants. This only adds to the clean, unspoiled beauty of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Places to See in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli offers you a number of places located in a small area over its own boundaries and some adjoining regions. Gardens, museums, health resorts, a water sports complex, an ancient church, the attractions offered by the union territory of are numerous and varied.

Vanganga Lake Garden : Created in Japanese style, this lake is in the form of a central island connected with bridges. Spread over an area of 7.58 hectares, this beautiful lake lies just at the entrance of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Apart from the central lake, the place offers other attractions such as boats, fountains, restaurants and a jogging track. With such beauty and bliss all around, this lake garden is a popular choice amongst filmmakers and more than 45 film songs have been picturised at this location.

Hirwavan Garden : If there is a place where water can be experienced in all its playful moods, it is this garden. A roaring waterfall, cascading rivulets, gurgling springs streams, all reflect beauty and exuberance in a variety of forms. The garden is located at Silvassa and is named after a tribal deity ‘Hirwa’, also known as the green goddess.

Tribal Museum : An exotic collection of tribal artifacts is preserved at this engrossing museum, serving as a reminder of the fact that the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is mainly inhabited by tribals. Tribal dresses, information on dance forms, their utensils, their weapons, the written aids used by them, their drawings, and much more are showcased in such a manner that you will like you are in the middle of a jungle with them.

Water Sports Centre, Dudhani : Come to this enjoyable spot for a host of water activities such as Bumper boats, speed boats, kayaks, canoes, water scooters and aqua bikes. Created as a result of the the building of the Madhuban Dam on the river Damanganga, this action packed attraction is at Dudhani, only 40 kilometers away from Silvassa.

Silvassa : Being the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the city of Silvassa is highly green and friendly. Majority of the people residing at Silvassa are Indo-Portuguese and hence make for some very different and interesting interactions. The city is also known for its numerous majestic gardens and as a result, has also been the choice for many filmmakers for their shootings.

Himaivan Health Resort : Placed peacefully at the tranquil ambience of Kauncha village, this health resort has luxury written all over it, With twenty beds at its premises, Himavian Health Resort is fast gaining popularity as one of the most rejuvenating place to visit.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex : Born out of the need for appropriate accommodation, this complex has been created at Chauda by the Tourism department just 28 kilometers from Silvassa. Equipped with 36 beds, this place offers accommodations for both the luxury as well as economic segments. Apart from the accommodations themselves, the adjoining area has also been developed to be serving as a beautiful and enchanting landscape for the tourists.

Tapovan Tourist Complex : With amenities such as three cottages, a restaurant and an amusement park, Tapovan Tourist Complex has serves as the perfect accommodation for the hordes of tourists who throng the historically revered temple of Lord Shiva at Bindrabin, which is 18 kilometers from Silvassa.

Khanvel : Located 20 kilometers away from Silvassa, Khanvel seems like nature’s own poem with its meadows, gardens, lush hills and cottages. A must visit for those who love nature and its blessings.

Vandhara Udyan : This spot, located at Silvassa is an ideal getaway for a picnic with its sprawling lawns spread on a riverside.

Mini Zoo : Silvassa also offers a mini zoo, which is one place the kids would love. A delightful combination of wildlife and amusing swings, this place is one you should not miss if you have a little one with you.

The Church of Our Lady of Piety : A glorious representation of divinity and history, this century old chapel was constructed in 1889 by the Portuguese; the monumental construction task lasted for more than a century after it was commenced in the year of 1779.

How To Reach Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Reaching Dadra and Nagar Haveli is easy and convenient with multiple ways to do that.

By Air: The nearest airport one can use to get to Dadra and Nagar Haveli is at Mumbai, which is 164 kilometers away from the union territory.

By Rail: The railhead nearest to this union territory is at Vapi, which is serviced regularly by important trains.

By Road: Western express highway, or the National Highway 8, passes through the region and serves as an important medium of transport for many. Silvassa, which is the capital too, is connected with many cities using a robust roadways infrastructure.

What To Do in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli offers you the promise of a very relaxed outing. With its nature kissed attractions, museums brimming with culture and a history which is interesting and incites curiosity, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is an ideal destination for those who like to pause and absorb culture, history and beauty in a leisurely manner. Once here, you can decide to spend time visiting the tribal cultural museum for a deep and authentic peek into the world of tribals, or you can rejuvenate your soul at the luxurious Himaivan Health Resort. If you are in the mood for some fun and frolic, a trip to the Water Sports Complex is in place. Gardens such as Hirawan and Tapoganga are for you if you would like some peace and nature to be floating around you. All in all, the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a destination you should experience for a completely enriching and refreshing experience.

Best Time to Visit

Though the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli does not experience too extreme temperatures and the climate is more or less moderate throughout the year, winters are a better option because of their lack of excessive humidity. Summers, especially the late summers tend to get a little too humid because of the occasional shower. Hence the best time to pack your bags and explore Dadra and Nagar Haveli would be between the months of November and March.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli History

Dadra and Nagar Haveli has witnessed an eventful history which has shaped its culturally rich present. The Portuguese ruled over the lands for a century and a half, during which a lot of significant cultural and architectural developments occurred for the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Dadra and Nagar Haveli was liberated by the Indian Nationalist Volunteers in July 1954 and a Pro India administration took shape for the region. On August 11, 1961, in a landmark move, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were declared to be centrally administered union territory after the 10th amendment to the Indian constitution. Post liberation, a Varishta Panchayat functioned as an advisory body of the administration. However, August 1989 saw the dissolution of the Varishtha Panchayat and a Pradesh Council for Dadra and Nagar Haveli was announced.

Climate

Typically humid and warm during the summer months, the state continues to experience humidity during the monsoons. During the summer months, the temperature stays within the range if 27 degree Celsius to 41 degree Celsius. The months of June to September see the state being hit by heavy south west monsoons. The winter months are more pleasant with the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli enjoying cool and comfortable climatic conditions without being extreme.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli Travel Guide

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