Things to do in Dadra and nagar haveli

The Church of Our Lady of Piety is a famous church in Silvassa which dates back to 1886-1889 and still stands strong after all these years as a testimonial to the Portuguese architectural skill and craftsmanship. The beautiful church lies close to the Tribal Museum and the entire ambience is serene and peaceful with lots of greenery around. Beautiful wall paintings and designs adorn the look of the church though the main altar stands out for its magnificence. The Wooden Pews and the Last Supper Mural on the left wall of the church display artistic marvel while the stained glass windows on the right wall perfectly complement the great work of art of the entire complex.

The exteriors as well as the interiors of the church are cynosures of all eyes – credit to some of the most beautiful edifices constructed in the sanctified buildings of the Christians. The interiors are among the major attractions which are bedecked with embellishments and some of those have delicate sense of proportion. The skillful rendition of cornices and the ample space laid out for the piano organ and choir are added attractions that make the church stand out as a whole.

Treat your eyes with the beautiful ornamentation of the church from both at the exterior as well as in the interiors. You will feel elated to kneel down and pray in this neatly done church topped with the right dose of architectural marvel.

The Dudhni Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dadra and Nagar Haveli located 40 km away from Silvassa. Nestled naturally amidst Silvassa’s beautiful landscape with small villages, winding rivers, gorgeous waterfalls and patches of lush green trees, Dudhni Lake is a large water front formed by the dam water of Madhuvan reservoir. A chain of small hillocks surrounding the lake with exceptionally shining water is a visual treat to the visitors. The sunset view in the region is a mesmerizing experience. Dudhni Lake is also termed as the “Kashmir of West” for the beautiful houseboats that sail on the lake that portrays a similar picture as the Dal Lake of Kashmir.

Among the most striking things that would draw anyone’s attention are the colorfully decorated shikaras (houseboats) floating on the water. The sunset from the houseboats is a pristine experience. It is a great choice as a picnic spot. The long drive on the winding roads full of hairpin bends through the woods from Silvassa town to Dudhni is by itself an adventurous experience.

The shikara ride is a must to-do thing for the tourists. The Water Sports Complex constructed by the government near the lake is exclusively for the water sports lovers. Activities like water scooters, water jets, rowing boats, kayaks and canoes must be tried to make the most of it.

Snuggled perfectly in the hills of Piparia, the Hirwa Van Garden is a perfect evening gateway on the Silvassa Dadar Road. The name is literally derived from the meaning “green (hirwa) forest (van)” which attracts tourists with its well-maintained and neat green lawns, stone wall structures, artificial waterfalls and the beautiful twin arches. The huge garden is spread across green mowed lawn complete with paved walkways with colorful flower shrubs running thoroughly in the middle. The garden houses more than ten thousand trees that are maintained by state municipality.

The most visited and liked decoration inside the Hirwa Van Garden is the twin arches and the bright hues of flowers scattered all over the garden giving an impression of paint splashed in abundance all over. The water gushing down the cascades, the green archways and rugged stonewalls balance the overall relaxing look.

Enjoying the surroundings and taking pictures of the colorful ambience are among the prime things to do. This is an ideal place to go for picnic or family get-together. There is a separate area for the children to play, with equipments like seesaw, swings and slides. A huge cage full of rabbits attracts the kids the most. There are provisions for night camping for those who want an adventurous star-gazing night in a forest like ambience.

Located right on the banks of Daman Ganga River, is the beautiful Nakshatra Garden. The well organized and well maintained relatively new garden is among the most visited places in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The name is derived from the architecture and planning of the interiors which exhibit plants connected in a resemblance of planetary positions (nakshatras). One can locate plants that can be associated with the nine planets (Nava Graha) that are worshipped by Hindus. Each of the 12 zodiac signs are associated with the plants which are arranged in the form of an astrological chart. And a circular arrangement with 27 spokes planted with 27 different plants forming each Nakshatra complete the entire look.

Soaking in Indian ethos, the plants, the artworks and the complete planning of the garden makes it a must visit for the tourists. There is a lotus pond with colorful lotuses and lilies that add to the beauty of the surroundings. Small bridges over the ponds, and covered gazebos provide respites and resting areas inside the garden. There is one huge labyrinth-like herbal garden on a gentle slope which is an added tourist attraction.

While the entire interior is a wonder to checkout and cover to grasp the complete feel of it, it is best to have a top view of the garden from the watchtower located at the edge. One can locate the Swastika sign made with plants in a vivid way.

Silvassa Vasona Lion Safari is a major tourist hub located around 10 km from Silvassa. Spread across a total area of 20 acre land enclosed within a 3-meter high wall, it is basically a part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary. The park preserves Asiatic Lions and that is the main purpose to establish the park. Being one of the safest places for the lions and lionesses, the authorities provide proper medication to the animals, the cubs are taken care of, regular supply of food and medications is provided and a track of breeding is recorded.

The major tourist attraction is the jungle safari which takes about 1 hour to complete the tour inside the reserve. These safaris are conducted every hour with regular frequency which is quite popular among the tourists who are eager to spot a lion or more.

The jungle safari is a must thing to do. Book your tickets and wait for your turn which might take long at times, but totally worth it. Keep your eyes and cameras open and ready to capture the moments and memories forever.

Swaminarayan Temple is a majestic construction of the modern times and a major tourist attraction located at the banks of the River Daman Ganga in Silvassa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan who is the main deity and is the denomination of the Swaminarayan Hinduism, a major part of the Hindu religion. The fourth successor of Lord Swaminarayan - Yogiji Maharaj inspired the construction of the temple. The BAPS philosophy is followed in the temple which preaches that the soul goes to Akshardham after they attain Moksha. Images of Swami’s life history are documented on the walls of the main wing and in an underground chamber.

The huge temple complex portrays the remarkably wonderful structure and carving works. Built with marble, the temple complex is beautifully maintained with lush green lawns and trees with colorful flowers which add to the serene environment. Beautifully decorated and crafted idols of Hindu gods are among the major tourist attractions. Regular aarti (worship) rituals are practiced in the mornings and evenings followed by kirtans which are exclusive an experience for the visitors.

Among the most popularly celebrated festivals is Diwali when glittering array of twinkles by candles fill the region with its utmost beauty. The Hindu festival is celebrated for a stretch of five days symbolizing new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family and society. The elaborate celebrations include Annakut, lighted divos, fireworks, and even a special children’s Diwali celebration.

Considered among the maximum tourist puller destinations of Silvassa, the Tribal Cultural Museum has been established by the government to maintain and promote the culture and tradition of tribal of the region. Located right in the heart of the town, Tribal Cultural Museum holds the heritage of different tribal culture as not only a museum but also as an anthropological centre. The main purpose of the Tribal Cultural Museum is to display how different tribes have originated in the region, how their lifestyle has been, and how they survived adapting to the changes of development.

The place is a must visit if you are into India’s cultural diversity. The walls of the museum exhibit bows, daggers, spears, etc as used by different tribes for hunting. Displays of photographs and clay models to depict the tribal lifestyle, the traditional and wedding attires, handmade ornaments, household utensils add to the heritage platform. Musical instruments like Tarpha and Pavri, Dhol and Madal, as well as the dolls and masks of Pandavas, Ravan and other mythological gods, puppets etc are among the major attractions for the tourists.

Kanseri Festival, Divaso Festival, Vagh Baras and Kokna Tribal Dance are among the must checkouts while visiting the museum. During the celebration of these festivals, special handmade liquor is brewed by the tribal people, which should be tasted. Learn about the Warli artworks featured in different forms and the 3D tribal houses.