Dadra And Nagar Haveli

Wedged between Gujarat and Maharashtra, the tiny union territory of Darda And Nagar Haveli is one of the most captivating tourist spots in India.  The two regions - Dadra and Nagar Haveli are separated from each other by a few kilometers. River Daman Ganga flows through the territory and the Western Ghats rise to the east. Even though the Arabian Sea is to the west in Gujarat, Dadra And Nagar Haveli is landlocked.

With Silvassa as its capital, Nagar Haveli is set between Gujarat and Maharashtra while Dadra lies a few kilometres north of Nagar Haveli in Gujarat.

The union territory was under the Maratha rule till the Portuguese gained control over the area between 1783 and 1785. The Portuguese reigned supreme for the next 150 years till they were forced out in 1954 by Indian nationalist volunteers. Later in 1961 DNH became a union territory. However, the Portuguese influence is alive and thriving and is an added charm for visitors who flock here every year to rejuvenate in its natural beauty.

Spread across an area of 491 sq. km, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is home to several tribal groups including the Varlis, Dublas, Dhodias, and Koknans. About 40 percent of the land area is covered with dense forest, which is home to these tribes.

Being a Portuguese colony for 150 marks has definitely left an impression on the union territory as the Portuguese footprints can be felt in the architecture, food and lifestyle of the people.

One of the major attractions of the union territory is the Roman Catholic Church — the Church of Our Lady of Piety. Today, the population is predominantly Hindu and several temples dot the landscape including the famous Bindrabin Temple, also at Silvassa.

In fact, most tourists prefer to set base in Silvassa which is well connected by rail, road and air, and is home to several attractions, apart from the church and temple. While in the capital city, you can also see the Tribal Cultural Museum which houses an interesting collection of masks, musical apparatus, fishing gadgets and life-size statues.

Hirwa Van is a beautiful garden with cascading waterfalls, rustic stonewalls and expansive lawns interspersed with a riot of flowers. There is also a mini zoo in Silvassa hosting colorful birds, monkeys, pythons and crocodiles.

Khanvel, situated at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa, presents a serene landscape, complete with lush green hills, rolling meadows, and native-styled cottages set amidst terraced gardens. The Vanganga Lake is a beautiful lake garden situated at a distance of 5 km from Silvassa. A 20-km drive from Khanvel will bring you to Dudhni where the large waterfront of river Damanganga offers stunning views over Madhuban Dam.

For all you wildlife enthusiasts, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is the place that will captivate you. You can opt for the Vasona Lion Safari. The park houses lions that have been specially brought from Gir sanctuary in Gujarat. Another destination worth a mention is the Satmaliya Deer Park, which hosts several deer species and other animals. You can also visit Kauncha, a typical tribal village, situated 40 kilometres in the south of Silvassa.

The other places of interest in Dadra And Nagar Haveli are Swaminarayan Temple, Dudhni Lake, Nakshatra Garden, Vanganga Lake Garden, Om Temple, among others. 

The place is less than 500sq km in size, covered with tall trees and winding rivers. The hospitable, kind, unselfish native tribals have their own customs, dances and rituals which are quite fascinating. The territory enjoys a very pleasant climate from November to March, which is actually the best time for a visit. Temperatures during summer are comfortable both even during the day due to its proximity to the sea.