Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a tiny strip of land sandwiched in between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. It is a town in between the long straight well maintained Mumbai- Ahmedabad highway. This small union territory might look small and insignificant compared to the giants surrounding it, yet it is one of the best examples of India’s true nature. Irrespective of its size this union territory one can give a taste of India. Though it was romanced by foreign countries like Portuguese over the years this place never lost its true nature. She accepted everything that came her way but only the good to make her more perfect. Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a tribal culture which include rural folk dances and festivals at the same time one can experience a bit of Portuguese traditions, culture and festivals here. Hundus, Muslims and Christians lives in harmony celebrate the festivals together. The major festivals include Diwali, Akha Tij, Divaso, Raksha Bandhan etc. there are many fairs held on an annual basis like Tarpa Festival, Craft Mela, Kite Festival and Monsoon Magic festival etc. The folk dances are inseparable ingredient in weddings and important occasions. It is an experience to understand the culture of a small yet very significant Union Territory of India.

The nearest airport to Dadra and Nagar Haveli is Mumbai International airport and Vapi is the nearest railway station. Accessibility to Dadra and Nagra Haveli is easy by road as the Western express highway passes through here. There are several hotels and resorts for tourists to stay and experience their vacation in this land of several cultures.

History of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Dadar and Nagar Haveli is a combination of 72 villages covering 491 sq kms. This small slice of land was ruled by many kings and emperors. It was part of several empires over the years. Rajputs, Hindu kings, Muslim, Persian and finally Portuguese has added their contributions to the history and culture of this beautiful land. Dadar and Nagar Haveli was part of the Portuguese territory until 2^nd August 1954. A Varishtha Panchayat was taking the role of the advisory body of administration of this place after the liberation from Portuguese. In August 1961 Dadar and Nagar Haveli finally merged into the Indian Union as one of the Union Territories of the country.

Dadar and Nagar Haveli is a beautiful destination worth a visit. There are several sightseeing surprises for a tourist to experience. It is well connected by air, rail and road. Mumbai is the nearest airport; Vapi is the nearest railway station and the well maintained road ways will take you to this Union Territory without many hurdles. There are also good hotels and resorts for tourists to stay and enjoy sightseeing.

Enjoy the calm Vanganga Lake

Vanganga Lake is the beauty spot of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The beautiful lake has an Island garden. Vanganga Lake is a famous location for several Bollywood movies. The most sought out destination for Honeymooners. The sights of lovers, elders and children enjoying the beauty of the Lake are common. The quite and calm Lake is ideal for spending a fun filled vacation. There are pedal boats coursing through the serene Lake seamlessly. The Vanganga Lake is more like a painter’s canvas.

Mumbai airport is the nearest airport; a 120 km journey in a cab is the easiest way to reach Silvassa to watch and enjoy Vaganga Lake. Vapi railway station is the nearest one to Silvassa, which is just 17 km away from the destination. There are resorts and hotels in and around Silvassa for over night stay.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli: – Beauty unnoticed

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is located in the western coast of India, it is one of the Union Territories, which geographically is a tiny region connecting the township of Vapi in Gujarat. Till 1954, it was a part of Portuguese.

Almost half of the region is reserved forests; hence it is filled with natural attractions like, the Tribal Cultural Museum in Silvassa. It is a galore of fishing gadgets, musical instruments etc. the other attractions are, Vandhara Udyan- a park situated near a river, The Bal Udyan and Mini Zoo contains a variety of animals and birds. There is a lake garden called Vanganga Lake with beautiful wooden bridges, peddle boats etc. The other common attractions are, the Sakartod River, River Daman Ganga, Madhuban Dam etc. these are the places we should not miss if you are planning to visit Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

This small region is easily accessible as the area is close to Mumbai- Delhi National Highway or one can reach the Vapi Railway station and take a cab. There is a choice of staying in good Resorts and cottages, or in riverside tents depending on the Tourist’s preference.

Watersports at Dudhani

Watersports in Dadra & Nagar Haveli? It’s more likely in Daman or Diu, with its coastline, but their landlocked fellow-Union Territory neighbour also promises you action on the water!

With the creation of an expansive waterfront at Dudhani, 40kms from Silvassa, thanks to the construction of the Madhuban dam on the Damanganga river, the tourism department has given adventure tourists something to cheer about.

What’s on offer is a wide array of watersports facilities like water scooters, speedboats and aquabikes, besides canoes and kayaks. The Water Sports Centre at Dudhani, 20kms from Khanvel, also provides tents and camps by the riverside. Just the kind of waterfront holiday with some action thrown in!

Vanganga Lake Garden, Dadra

The beautiful Vanganga Lake Garden, located in Dadra 5 km away from Silvassa, is well kept with lush green garden, sea of flowers, thatched huts and paddle boats. The major attraction are its water spread framed with tree line, boats, fountains, restaurants and jogging track. The garden created in the central island is connected with rustic wooden bridges in Japanese style.

This garden is also a fine spot for film shootings.

Lion Safari Park at Vasona

Lion Safari Park is located in Vasona, 9 kms away from Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli. It is really fantastic to see lions from so close distance in this park. The entire area is protected to ensure complete safety to visitors. If you are an animal lover then visit this place where you can see lions roaming freely in their natural habitat. These lions were specially brought from Gir Sanctuary.

About Khanvel

Khanvel is situated in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, about 25 km away from Silvassa. Beautiful hills surround this town and it provides a green landscape to the Khanvel town. The Sakartod River flows through its meadows and the region has tribes constituting 80 per cent of the total population.

Some of the sightseeing highlights in Khanvel;

Water Sports complex – 20 km from Khanvel , where the large waterfront of river Damanganga provides breathtaking view of the water spread of Madhuban Dam.

Bindrabin Temple – It is an ancient temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Chauda, Khanvel – 20 km away from Silvassa. The beautiful verdant land surrounded by lush green hills attract tourists with its rolling meadows, terraced gardens, cottages in native style and river Sakartod flowing past it.

Silvassa, a Union territory Capital

Silvassa is located about 180 km from Mumbai. It is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli a Union territory, located between Maharashtra & Gujarat.

Silvassa is very peaceful place which you can visit to get away from the city and just relax. You can enjoy the beauty of its lovely gardens & enjoy long drives in this pollution free & clean location. A beautiful land interspersed with gardens, hills, green forests, lakes, museums, water falls, the Daman Ganga river, Madhuban dam and a lion safari.

There is a wide range of hotels & resorts to choose from starting from the most economical to the luxurious on the banks of Daman Ganga river.

Hirwavan Garden

Hirwavan garden is situated in Piparia, in Silvassa-Dadra Road. The area is largely occupied by tribes.

The landscape here is scenic and beautiful with its weaving rivers, lush forests and cascading hills. The climate here is pleasant throughout the year as well and hence, it is an ideal tourist spot, especially for those living in cities.

On reaching the garden you will notice the rustic stone walls and the twin arches. There are also many colorful flowers which will leave you dazzled.

The visitors are fascinated with the roaring waterfall, cascading rivulet, gurgling springs, streams all merging in a water body, sight of colorful shrubs, crisscrossing footpaths and kiosks for the sit out.