Dadra and Nagar Haveli is one of the union territories of India. It lies near the west coast and consists of two separate parts. Dadra is surrounded by the state of Gujarat, and Nagar Haveli lies on the borders of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Dadra consists of 3 villages, and Nagar Haveli has the town of Silvassa and 68 villages. Known for its lush green forest reserves, meandering rivers and vast flora and fauna this union territory is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gujarat.
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. The southwest monsoon is from June to September. During this time there is profuse rainfall. The rainfall is about 250 to 300cm
Dadra & Nagar Haveli - Facts
Below is a table representing important facts about Dadra & Nagar Haveli
 |
|
About Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The first thing that is most striking About Dadra and Nagar Haveli is its natural beauty. The lush green forests, meandering rivers, distant mountain ranges and a magnificent kaleidoscope of flora and fauna are the most intriguing aspect About Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Located at the Western corner of the Indian Sub- continent, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is an Union Territory located between the States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. With a total area of around 500 square Kilometers, an interesting element About Dadra and Nagar Haveli is its location in the watershed of the Daman Ganga River which flows through the region.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli had been a Portuguese Colony since the year 1779 and it was only in the year 1954 that it was included within India. Till 1961 Dadra and Nagar Haveli operated independently and was self Governing. In the year 1961 it became an Union Territory India and now has representation in both the houses of the Indian Parliament.
The most important towns of the Union Territory are Dadra and Silvassa, which is also the capital city. To the East of Dadra and Nagar Haveli lies the Western Ghats, in the North and Eastern sides are the districts of Gujarat and the districts of Maharashtra borders it in the South. Towards the North Eastern side of Dadra and Nagar Haveli the presence of the Western Ghats makes the terrain a little hilly but in the Central part the land is mostly plain and is very fertile.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli compries of 1 district, 1 block and 72 villages and has a total population of about 0.22 million. An in depth study About Dadra and Nagar Haveli reveals that there are a number of Tribes in the region, these include Varlies, Kokana, Dhodia and Dublas. These tribal people are independent, self sufficient and have their own culture and social way of life.
History of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Dadra and Nagar Haveli remained under the Maratha rule before it came under Portuguese control between 1783 and 1785. The Portuguese ruled over this land for more than 150 years. In 1954 Indian nationalist volunteers forced the Portuguese to abandon it to India. It became a union territory in 1961. Society and Culture
Dadra and Nagar Haveli spans over an area of 491 sq. kms. 40 percent of the land is covered with thick and dense forests. It is the homeland of simple, shy yet cheerful & colorful tribal's who have enriched it with their rich folkore and vibrant lifestyle. Most of the inhabitants are Adivasis. The Adivasis are divided into a number of tribal groups, including the Varlis, Dublas, Dhodias, and Koknans. The population is predominantly Hindu.
Economy and Infrastructure
Agriculture is the main occupation of the state. The Adivasis mainly produce rice, wheat, sugarcane, paddy, pulses, and fruits. There is no large-scale industry. It is administered by the central Indian government. Forests cover some 40 percent of the area, the rest being devoted to the cultivation of rice and other cereals and to the grazing of livestock. Industrial development is limited.
Silvassa, its capital 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.
Tourism of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The Tribal Cultural Museum at Silvassa is an ideal place for those who are too lazy to do some actual exploring. It houses a good collection of masks, musical apparatus, fishing gadgets and life-size statues.
Khanvel is situated at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa. The drive to Khanvel is lined with tall trees on both sides of the road. This serene landscape, surrounded by lush green hills, beckons nature lovers with its Rolling Meadows and native-styled cottages amidst terraced gardens. The calm and gentle Sakartod River flows past Khanvel.
The Vanganga Lake and Island Garden is a beautiful lake garden situated at a distance of 5 km from the capital city of Silvassa. The rustic wooden bridges, the flowers, jogging paths, thatched huts, and paddleboats-all constitute an ideal ambiance for the honeymooners.
A 20-km drive from Khanvel is Dudhni where the large waterfront of river Damanganga provides breathtaking view of the water spread over Madhuban Dam. The luxurious tents pitched right near the bank provide a countryside experience. Tourists may also cook their own meals near the camp.
On Silvassa-Dadra Road is Hirwa Van , a beautiful garden with roaring waterfalls, misty cascades, rustic stonewalls, twin arches, tiny kiosks and springy lawns interspersed with islands of flowers-truly a visitors delight.
Vandhara Udyan at Silvassa is a riverside park with sprawling lawns dotted with exquisite pavilions, an ideal site for picnic buffs.
There is also a Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan at Silvassa. The colorful 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.
Hotels of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The Union territory is one of the most upcoming tourist's destinations in India. Reputed for its abundant natural beauty and rich flora and fauna Dadra and Nagar Haveli is home to some of the finest hotels. Ranging from five star to budget hotels the Union territory has it all.
Specialty of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, a land of natural beauty, is endowed with lush greenery, meandering rivers, gurgling streams, dotting ranges of mountains and a stunning kaleidoscope of fauna and flora. This Union Territory is one of the most tranquil holiday destinations in India.
Location of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
With its geographical location at 20° 16' N and 73° 01' E, this territory lies towards the western side of the country in between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The place is situated in the river Daman Ganga's watershed.
Capital of Union Territory
The capital city of this Union Territory is Silvassa.
How to reach Dadra and Nagar Haveli of western India
The location of the territory near the National Highway 8 or the Western Express Highway helps it connect to the major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Baroda. The place can even be reached by the following trains, which run through the Vapi Railway Station, the nearest station to Dadra & Nagar Haveli:
- Rajdhani Express
- Satabdi Express
- Karnavati Express
Important Tourist Attractions of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Nestled within the two states, this union territory attracts tourists for its serenity. The place has got numerous tourist attractions, starting from beautiful lakes to landscaped gardens, roaring waterfalls to hilly forests. The territory has even got places for water sports. Following are some of the famous tourist places, which one can not afford to miss while traveling to this territory:
- Dudhani Water Sports Centre
- Hirwa Van garden
- Khanvel
- Lord Siva Temple
- Satmalia Wildlife Sanctuary
- Silvassa Tribal Museum
- Vanvihar Tourist Complex
- Vanganga Lake Garden
Last Updated on: 4th April 2013
