Silvassa

Looking for an idyllic vacation in a scenic destination that is easy on the pocket too? Consider Silvassa on the banks of Daman Ganga River. A previous Portuguese colony, Silvassa is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (a Union Territory). With its old-world charm and untouched natural beauty, Silvassa is one of the best-kept secrets on the western coast. Places to visit in Silvassa include amazing architecture, impressive museums, lakes and wildlife. The pleasant climate and Silvassa food are two big draws of this place. You will witness various aspects of nature among the places to visit in Silvassa.

Silvassa Overview

When to Visit Silvassa?

A destination to visit all year round, the best time to visit Silvassa for you would be winter time. In the months between October to March enjoy the cool breeze and gentle and cosy evenings. Silvassa temperature can go down to 15 degrees during this season. You would find this season best to tour places to visit in Silvassa. Silvassa weather from April to July is moderate and humid. There is a less touristy crowd and more freedom in places to visit in Silvassa. The monsoon time of July, August and September see very wet Silvassa weather. This is a time that most tourists prefer to avoid but you may get some discount deals.

How to Reach Silvassa?

Surat has the nearest airport for places to visit in Silvassa with a distance of about 120 km. The other alternative is Mumbai airport, about 165 km away. You can get bus or car from both airports to reach Silvassa by NH 48. Almost 17 km away is the railway station of Vapi which receives trains from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Gorakhpur, Patna, Tatanagar and many more. Government and private buses ply from surrounding cities to Vapi and Bhilad (12 km). You need to get a cab from the bus stop to places to visit in Silvassa. You should avoid monsoons as the best time to visit Silvassa if you are opting for the road route.

What are the Things to See & Do in Silvassa?

The peaceful destination of Silvassa offers you quiet time with family and friends. You can go picnicking beside its lakes or in the manicured gardens. If travelling with kids, take boat rides and attempt water sports. Travel to the places to visit in Silvassa keeping the local food scenario in mind. Or go on a Silvassa food tour to satiate your appetite. Get divine blessings in its churches and temples. Dont miss watching lions in their daily routine within the wildlife sanctuary.

Places to Visit in Silvassa

Church of our Lady of Piety - Gothic architecture, beautiful murals and stained-glass windows are the attractions of the Church of our Lady of Piety. This oldest Portuguese church was built in the 18^th century and is one of the top places to visit in Silvassa. Open for visitors from morning 7 to evening 7, the church mandates taking your shoes off to enter.

Tribal Museum - Get a glimpse of the local tribal culture and its history at the Tribal Museum. You will get to see ancient hunting weapons, artefacts and clay models of traditional life. Knick-knacks and household items help you peep into their daily life. Make time to prioritise this among the places to visit in Silvassa.

Khanvel - One of the most popular places to visit in Silvassa, Khanval or Khanvel is a visual treat. Located on the banks of the Sakartod River, this charmingly developed area offers manicured gardens, undulating meadows, green valleys, ancient buildings, quaint bridges and more. Numerous restaurants and cafes lend the right touch of comfort and convenience.

Dudhni Lake - Dudhni lake is a picturesque waterbody on the dam of Madhuvan Reservoir. This popular tourist location is one of the most inviting places to visit in Silvassa, even for locals. Nestled between hill ranges and a lush valley, Dudhni lake is the best place to enjoy camping and water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing and more.

Vanganga Lake - This Japanese garden-inspired design is popularly called the Vanganga lake. There are charming cottages, quaint bridges, vibrant flower beds and walking tracks. The beauty of the area invites film shoots. There are many hotels and resorts that make this area one of the most comfortable places to visit in Silvassa.

Hirwa Van Garden - A well-manicured and scenic garden, Hirwa Van garden is a prime location among places to visit in Silvassa. It is a great place for a picnic or relaxed time with family and friends or some quiet me-time. The lush greenery with colourful flowers surrounds cascading waterfalls. This place is a photographers delight.

Silvassa Vasona Lion Safari - As the name suggests, Silvassa Vasona Lion Safari takes you on an exhilarating experience in the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary. This is an attempt by the government to protect Asiatic lions found in this area. A minibus or SUV tour will show you the king of the jungle in its natural habitat. This is one of the important places to visit in Silvassa for environment enthusiasts.

Food to Try in Silvassa

You must try to sample the traditional food while touring places to visit in Silvassa. Having the advantage of waterbodies and tribal culture in its history, Silvassa food is a unique blend of cuisines. You will find roti (flatbread) made of rice, jowar and ragi. On the other hand, bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms are extensively used. A must-have Silvassa food is Ubadiyu, a mix of beans, vegetables and spices. Try the various pickles and chutneys from indigenous berries (such as Karanda) and leaves (such as ajoola and ambada). Some other local food items that you can taste are Khaman, Paunk, Gamthi chicken and Doodh pak. Those brave to experiment can wash it all down with Tami the local liquor. Do try the jetty roll for street food when out exploring the places to visit in Silvassa. For the rest, there are Punjabi, Moghlai, Rajasthani, Gujarati and other regional cuisines available too.

Things to Buy in Silvassa

If you are fond of creative art and handmade crafts, then Silvassa is a paradise for you You will find many places to visit in Silvassa that have shops catering to your liking. Buy home décor of bamboo crafts, mats of woven palm leaves and carved wood such as smoking pipes. Pick some paper bags to gift to friends or delicate Warli paintings to decorate your walls. You can invest in colourful leather slippers to add oomph to your dressing. Most places to visit in Silvassa have stalls selling souvenirs for tourists.

For thrilling wildlife encounters, head to Silvassa. You will love exploring the tourist attractions and indulging in outdoor activities. Silvassa doles out a rich cultural experience.

Holiday on your mind? Silvassa is an incredible tourist destination for Wildlife based travel. Know more about the destination before you plan a perfect trip there.

Top festivals celebrated here are Nariyal Purnima in the month of August, Kite Festival in the month of January and Kite Festival in the month of December. You can visit during these months to enjoy the celebrations! Greatly tourists like to travel to Silvassa in October, November, December, January, February and March to enjoy cool and breezy weather during the day followed by balmy evenings! Even March, April and May is a preferred time to visit as its a shoulder season offering extremely hot days with temperatures soaring as high as 40C for tourists. You can enjoy the best of both worlds during this time.

August and September is the off season for tourism in Silvassa. Main things to do in Silvassa are Church of our Lady of Piety, Khanvel and Tribal Museum. Tick all of these off your bucket list to make memories for lifetime. Have a safe trip!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a serene, tranquil destination, Silvassa is your answer. Most places to visit in Silvassa are unspoilt and unpolluted. The Church of our Lady of Piety will enthral you while the gorgeous beauty of Khanvel will amaze you. Enjoy the cool gardens and lakes. Appreciate the tribal culture but show respect to the locals. Follow rules for places of worship and keep all places to visit in Silvassa litter-free.