Silvassa is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra. Silvassa name derived from the Portuguese word Silva. Silva means wood. Till 1779 this was ruled by Marathas. There are 72 small villages in Silvassa. After Marathas, Portuguese ruled this place. During the Portuguese rule several stone walls and Roman Catholic Churches was constructed.
This place is well known for its scenic beauty, beaches and Wildlife Sanctuary. Water sports are most famous in this place. Along with water sports tourists are most attracted towards jets skis, water scooters, Canoeing, Kayaking, nature walks, Boating, Trekking. Most of the people in Silvassa follow Warli culture. This is the combination of Gujarati and Marathi cultures. It is believed that this is the birth place of Warli Culture. This place is 2.5 hours journey from Mumbai through road ways. Mumbai people considered this as the best weekend place. For the shopping lovers Kilvani Road is the main market. Here tourists can purchase Warli Painting, Palm Leaf mats, Bamboo Crafts, Smoking Pipes.
What to see in Silvassa:
Our Lady of Piety Church: During 18th century this was built by Portuguese rulers. Arches of the church are the major attraction to the tourists.
Tribal Cultural Museum: With the intension to protect the culture of tribal this museum was established. Timing is from 10 AM to 5 PM. In this museum tourists can find Kitchen articles, fishing gears, musical instruments which are made by tribal without using any machines, Hunting tools, masks etc…
What to see around Silvassa:
Vanganga Lake View Garden: This is located 9 Kms away from Silvassa. Thatched Huts, Wooden Bridges can be seen in Japanese style. This is the best place for the children, families as well as film makers. Paddle boating is most famous in this place.
Vasona Lion Safari Park: This is the wild life sanctuary of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Area covered by this park is 20 acres. This is the home place of Asiatic Lions. It is located 10 Kms away from Silvassa.
Satmalia: This place is known for wild life sanctuary. Major species in this sanctuary are Black Bucks, Chital, and Sambhar. This is located 8 Kms away from Silvassa.
Dudhni: This place is famous for kayaking; Seed boating, Canoeing, Jet Skiing. Dudhni is the best place for water sports lovers. This place is located 40 Kms away from Silvassa.
Khanvel: This village is surrounded by wildlife and green hills. It is the place for barbets, flycatchers, fruit bats, and spot flying fox. It is located 22 Kms away from Silvassa.
Getting to Silvassa: Best option to reach this place is roadway. From Udaipur ply, Shirdi, Nashik, Surat, Ahmadabad, Mumbai buses are available on regular basis. Nearest Railway station is Vapi. This station is 17 Kms away from Silvassa. Nearest Airport is located at Diu which is 7 Kms away from Silvassa.
Getting around Silvassa: Taxis and Autos are available frequently to see the surrounding places of Silvassa.
Best time to visit Silvassa: Best time to enjoy trekking and boating is between November to June.
Where to Stay in Silvassa: As per the requirement of the tourists all range of hotels are available in this place. Luxurious will be provided with gaming section, disco’s, bar, swimming pools. Peak season for the hotels is April and May.
Where to eat in Silvassa: All varieties of food is available here such as sea food, Thai, Mexican, Continental, Indian Cuisine.