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A tiny dot on the map of India, Silvassa is the quiet
capital city of Dadar and Nagar Haveli. Silvassa, has
its name derived from a portugese word, known as “Silva”,
which means wood. The tall trees on the outskirts of
the town exemplify the meaning of Silvassa. Apart from
being known as a Portuguese colony, Silvassa is known
for its tribal population. These tribals stay on the
outskirts of Silvassa in little Kiosks. Chillum or the
hand made smoking pipes of these tribals are very famous
and characteristic to Silvassa.
Silvassa is a land of blissful beauty and charm. It
has wooed many tourists in the recent years due to its
ethnicity. The folk culture in Silvassa is alive and
vibrant. Silvassa, of late, has been seen as a cosmopolitan
town, adding to its glory.
History
Silvassa was ruled over by the Marathas. In 1779, they
gifted it to the Portuguese for aggregated revenue of
Rs 12,000 in return for the Portuguese friendship. In
1954, the territory was liberated from its colonial
rulers. In 1961, Silvassa became the capital of the
union territory, Dadra-Nagar Haveli.
Places to visit:
The Tribal Cultural Museum
The ethnic tribal culture and heritage of Silvassa
is preserved in this museum. The entrance of the museum
is exquisitely made of hand-made torans. This museum
houses puppets and dolls showing tribal lifestyle, tribal
ornaments, tribal fishing and hunting gadgets, etc.
the clay models in the museum add to its fame. The walls
of the museum are dressed with the bows, daggers, spears,
etc used by the tribals. Apart from these models and
antiques, there are several photographs of tribal festivals
and ceremonies. Be it the aerobatic Dhol dance or the
high-on-tempo, Tur dance the photographs captures the
true tribal spirit and aura.
Vanganga Lake and Island Garden
This place is famous because of its beauty as well
as for being the hot spot for many Bollywood movies.
Various songs are picturised at the backdrop of the
Vanganga lake and the Island Garden. Boating facilities
in the region help tourists to enjoy the nature in the
area.
Hirva Van
This garden is dedicated to the local tribal deity
"Hirva," meaning greenery or forest. The garden
is located at Pipria on the Silvassa-Dadra Road. The
mist settles on this garden like a blanket and wraps
the old walls and arches.
Khanvel
Khanvel is famous for its lush green hills. This tourist
complex, 25 km away from Silvassa. In the midst of a
forest, Khanvel is truly enchanting. Sakartod river
flowing through the terraced meadows in the hills gives
the place a charm of its own.
Dudhni
This is a Water Sports Complex on river Damanganga.
The view of the Madhuban Dam from here is truly amazing.
The Church of Our Lady of Piety
This is one of the oldest churches of India, built
in 1889.
The Bindrabin temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple
is located on the bank of River Sakartod.
Apart from these tourist spots, Silvassa has many ruined
palaces and forts.
How to get to Silvassa:
By air, Daman has an airport and is linked to Baroda
and Mumbai by Gujarat Airways.
Nearest rail head to Silvassa is Vapi (12 kms) on
the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line of western railway.
By Road Vapi, which lies on Mumbai-Ahmedabad NH no.8
connects Silvassa by road to Bombay 180 km.
Regular S.T.Bus services are available from Vapi, Bhilad
and Valsad.
Where to stay:
Silvassa offers decent lodging for tourists. One of
the options may be:
Treat Resort Silvasa
Best Time to Visit:
November to March
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