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Endowed with nature's brilliance, Silvassa is a land of spell-binding beauty, green forests, winding rivers, unimaginable waterfronts, gentle gurgle of streams, dotting mountain ranges and a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. A former Portuguese colony, Silvassa is the capital of the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The name Silvassa is derived from the Portuguese word Silva which means wood. Owing to its serenity and quaint sylvan surroundings, this territory is a heaven for those who hunt around for a tranquil holiday. The gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna makes Silvassa an ideal tourist destination. Just two and half hours by road from Mumbai, Silvassa serves as the perfect weekend destination for Mumbaikars.
Tourists from other parts of the country also throng to the place in large numbers. Silvassa offers several water sports activities to its visitors. Trekking, boating, nature walks, kayaking, canoeing, water scooters and jets ski are the activities that can be enjoyed.
Let us read some of the interesting things to do while touring Silvassa.
A Visit to the Tribal Cultural Museum
A prime attraction of Silvassa, the museum exhibits tribal objects like masks, hunting tools, handmade musical instruments, fishing gears and old kitchen utensils. The main purpose of the museum is to preserve tribal culture. The museum is open for tourists everyday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Seek Blessing at Our Lady of Piety Church
The Church of Our Lady of Piety was built by the Portuguese in the late 18th century around 1886-89. The interior and outer arches are the most stunning part of the church that attracts travellers to the church.
Encounter the Wild at Vasona Lion Safari Park
A major tourist attraction, the Safari Park is about 10 km from Silvassa. The 20 acre land is basically part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is known as the home of Asiatic lions.
Relax at Vanganga Lake Garden
Located about 5 km from Silvassa, it is a favourite spot among the film-makers, couples, and children. It's a well-maintained garden; equipped with jogging track. The Japanese style wooden bridges and thatched huts are a major tourist attraction.
Shopping
Silvassa is a paradise for those looking for handmade products. Kilvani road is the main market in Silvassa where handmade products like Warli paintings and paper bags are sold. Carved wooden smoking pipes, bamboo crafts, palm-leaf mats are other products which are worth buying.
Other tourist attractions in and around Silvassa worth visiting are Khanvel, Dudhni and Satmalia. Khanvel is a small town located about 20 km from Silvassa, Khanvel is surrounded by green hills. The thriving wildlife around the town is the best place to spot flying fox, fruit bats and flycatchers. The Vanvihar Tourist Complex is a good place to enjoy water sports. Khanvel Resort is an ideal halt for travellers visiting the town. Dudhni is an ideal place to enjoy activities like jet skiing, canoeing, seed boats and kayaking.
Satmalia is famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Sambhar, chital and black bucks can be easily spotted here. Machan, the watchtower, provides magnificent views of the sanctuary and Madhuban Dam.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Mumbai which is about 160 km from Silvassa. Tourists can avail taxis which are available from Mumbai to Silvassa. For tourists, travelling by train, Vapi is the nearest railhead which is about 17 km from Silvassa. From Vapi tourists can hire taxi, auto or can take a bus to Silvassa. Auto-rickshaws are available but travellers can explore Silvassa on foot also.
Staying Options
Travellers can find a wide range of hotels in Silvassa. Deluxe hotels boast of all modern luxuries like swimming pool, bar, and gaming section. Mid-range hotels provide comfortable and quality service too. One can also find budget hotels. Khanvel Resort, Le Royal, Hotel Krishna and Lords Resort Silvassa are some of the ideal staying options catering to both luxury and budget travellers.
