Dadra and Nagar Haveli

State Capital: Silvassa 
Population ('000s in 1991)138 
Area ('000 sq. km)0.5 
Principal Languages :Gujarati and Hindi 

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 Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Nature at her best. 

This quiet magical land of 70 villages, sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, near Daman, was under the Portuguese, till it was liberated on August 2, 1954. The people took over the administration under a unique system of self - government. On its integration with the Indian Union in 1961, Silvassa was made its headquarters. Since then, it has been administered by the Government of India, as a Union Territory. Today, the territory is under an administrator with Panchayats at the village level. Bhili, Gujarati and Hindi are the main languages spoken by the 'adivasi' population.

As an area it is confined to less than 500 sq. km, covered with tall, awesome trees and winding rivers. The hospitable, kind, unselfish native tribals have their own customs, dances, and rituals which are quite fascinating. Be it the Tarpa dance, the Mask dance or the Bhavada, it is sheer magic!! Their vibrant lifestyle are simply bewitching.

The territory enjoys a very pleasant climate from November to March, which is actually the best time for a visit. The summer temperature does not go very high, due to its proximity to the sea, and the nights are really pleasant.

Places to see
Vanganga Lake and Island Garden, Dadra
A gorgeous lake garden with quaint wooden bridges, thatched huts, paddle boats, jogging paths - its everything the romantic in you craves for !!
Vandhara Udyan, Silvassa
A riverside park with sprawling lawns dotted with exquisite pavilions, an ideal site for picnic-buffs.

Piparia Udyan, Silvassa
The Piparia Udyan is really a park with a difference. The roaring waterfalls, tiny kiosks and sprawling islands of flowers are a feast to the eyes.

Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan, Silvassa
Colourful 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.

Tribal Cultural Museum, Silvassa 
If you are too lazy to do some actual exploring, the tribal museum will give you a feel of the place - the masks, the musical apparatus, the fishing gadgets and life-size statues.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Chauda, Khanvel 
A 20 kms drive from Silvassa, Khanvel is simply beautiful. Rolling meadows, terraced gardens, rustic cottages and the river Sakartod flowing through, it is your chance to have a close encounter with Nature.

Tourist Complex, Dudhani
Another 20 kms drive from Khanvel is Dudhani, where the large waterfront of river Damanganga provides a splendid view of the Madhuban Dam. You can pitch your tents near the bank and get a dose of real camp life. The speed boats, kayaks, canoes, water scooters, trekking are guaranteed to make you fall in love with the great outdoors.

Getting there
By road, Dadra and Nagar Haveli , almost touches the Bombay - Baroda - Delhi National Highway No.8 (Western Express Highway). Silvassa is about 14 kms, from Bhilad and Vapi. The nearest railway station is Vapi via Western Railways, which is about 18 kms from Silvassa. Bombay is the nearest airport.

Informations
Liaison Officer in Delhi 
F-308, Kasturba Gandhi Marg Hostel, New Delhi
Tel: 11-3385761 
Fax: 11-3381086