Best Places to Visit in Dadra and Nagar Haveli – Top Tourist Attractions

1.AQUASERENE (NEERTAL) TOURIST COMPLEX

In the peaceful settlement of Dudhani, which are situated next to the great vastness of the Damanganga Reservoir, there is one of Dadra & Nagar Haveli’s best undiscovered gems, Aquaserene (Neertal) Tourist Complex. If you are an adventure lover, a nature lover, or a person looking for some peaceful retreat, this serene lakeside destination is just perfect in offering you that desired balance of luxury, leisure, and a bit of thrill.

With its pure water scenery, magnificent stay packages, and the increasing popularity as an adventure hotspot, Dudhani is quickly becoming the tourism jewel of this Union Territory.

Best Time to Visit:

October – March is the ideal season – nice weather and good for outdoor, water activities.

Flee from heavy monsoons (June-September) if you would want nonstop travelling and activities.

2.HERITAGE SITE – THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PIETY

Located on the very other side of Tribal Museum, the Church of Our Lady of Piety is one of the olden churches established in the region. Constructed by the Portuguese late in the 18th century, it is touted for its daunting Gothic architecture and it has a grim similarity to Barcelona’s Sagrada familia, designed by a well-known architect Antoni Gaudi. The structure has the grey exteriors and is constructed using stone and serves as a reminder of the glorious colonial past of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Although the Main Altar of the church is really magnificent and its wooden pews are also impressive. The Church’s one wall is decorated with the mural of the famed Last Supper that is a superb piece of paintings. The stained glass windows contribute to the magnificence of the church. The church is open for visiting on all days of a week, from 7 am to 7 pm.

3.SOUVENIR SHOP – THE SILVA STORE

The Silva Store is not a shop; it’s a store of tales that comes in souvenirs. So broad in choices that convey the culture, nature, and allure of the region, it will let the visitors take not only products, but pieces of their experience home with them.

Why Visit The Silva Store?

• High-quality, customized souvenirs
• Supports culture of the region and tribal heritage
• Great for gift or collector of travel memories.
• Strategically located at tourist hotspots
• Encourages responsible and memory-rich tourism

4.NAKSHATRA GARDEN

Nakshatra Garden is an Astro themed garden, this garden has lots of plants and trees related to the zodiac signs. The garden has been laid out on the lines of Indian system of astrology that associates plants with the movement of different planets. The garden has a specially designated playing ground for the kids. The beautifully maintained garden is also adorned with a lot of little ponds and different species of trees. The ponds are connected by little bridges and accommodative for a variety of species of ducks. The medicinal herbs and plants such as the Ayurvedic herbs are the garden’s delicacy. There are beautiful walking tracks in the garden, which are lined with botanical plants having their name plates. The park is open to the guests between 6.30 to 7 pm seven days a week.

5.VASONA LION SAFARI

Vasona Lion Safari Park is the paradise for lovers of wildlife. The best way of viewing the park is through going on a safari while riding in a bus or van, which has mesh screen, and get to see the mighty lions in their habitat. There is more than 3 lions within the safari park that is sprawled over an area of 20 acres and enclosed by a 3-m high wall. Wild varieties of reptiles also can be seen during the safari such as pythons. The park forms a part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary and shares neighbourhood with the Satmalia Deer Park. Constructed with a view to save Asiatic lions, the Lion Safari Park is still open between 9 am and 5 pm and is located 10 km away from Silvassa.

6.DAMAN GANGA RIVER FRONT

Karnajora Museum and Park is not only a source of recreation but a living document of the rich heritages in this region. Situated close to Raiganj, this tranquil park covers a vast expanse that presents the perfect ground for picnics, nature rambles, and an appreciation of the tranquility of the surroundings.

The Museum: A Bonanza of Local Art and History

The Karnajora Museum is one of the attractive features of the park. It houses high-interest collection of artifacts, depicting the cultural and historical development of the North Dinajpur and the surrounding regions. The most extraordinary exhibits presented herein comprise pottery works and terracotta sculptures that admirably speak volumes about the crafting skills of local artisans who made these sculptures.

These terracotta pieces are not only decorative works but are also historical and mythological relics, the key to understanding the artistic culture which has thrived in this area for ages.

Why You Should Visit

• Learn about the classical Bengal art using pottery and terracotta sculpture.
• Live in nature surrounded by landscape views, as well as biodiversity.
• Take a peaceful outing with picnic areas and trails to walk on.
• Study the history related to a region over a specific museum collection.

7.HIRWAVAN GARDEN

If you need to have a peaceful retreat with nature’s beauty, Hirwavan Garden in Piparia, Silvassa is an ideal destination. Being small in size although, it’s big on serenity, cleanliness and natural features, this charming garden is a place to go to for those seeking serenity and feeling fresh. Being a local or one of the travelers, Hirwavan is a rejuvenating, peaceful break from the daily grind of the hustle wherever you are in Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Hidden away from Piparia, this place, a bit drive from the center of Silvassa, Hirwavan Garden is famous for its tidy and well cared landscape. As soon as you enter you are welcomed with an inviting atmosphere with gorgeous greenery, brilliant flowers, and trimmed plants. The garden has a pleasant layout to be able to stroll through or relax for a couple of hours.

Hirwavan Garden – Why You Should Visit

Tranquil Atmosphere: Perfect for visits either in the morning or the evening to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Scenic Beauty: Brightly coloured flowers on the lawns, surrounding well-kept, adding Photogenic in the area as well as relaxation.

Waterfall Feature: A calm man-made waterfall makes the garden more attractive.

Family-Friendly: A safe environment is a place where people of all ages can enjoy.

8.SATMALIA DEER SANCTUARY

Secreted away on the beautiful route to Khanvel, the Satmalia Deer Sanctuary is another of the hidden gems of Silvassa – the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Famous for its rich biodiversity and peaceful settings, Satmalia is an ideal destination to those interested in close encounters with the wild.

The sanctuary has an assortment of antelope varieties, of which include chital (spotted deer), sambar, and the splendid blackbuck famous for its gracious spiral horns and agile behavior. There is something quite relaxing and intriguing about observing these majestic creatures in its natural environment roam freely.

However, Satmalia is not only home for deer. Other wildlife and an assortment of birds also find protection in the sanctuary, so it is heaven for bird watchers.

9.HIMAYVAN HEALTH RESORT

The Himaivan Health Resort, Kauncha was so baptised as Himai, the goddess of Adivasi tribals – inhabiting the vicinity in and around. Van is forest and hence gets the name. It is erected in the midst of verdant green hilltop and the huge reservoir as the waterfront in the peaceful surroundings of Kauncha village. It is spread in an approximate area of 2.00 Hect and it has rustic looking cottages and accommodations. The gazebo, the health club, the restaurant, a large lawn area and open gym facilities give it an ultimate quietude that it is, or perhaps, a bit of trekking nearby in the forest area.

10.TRIBAL MUSEUM

Tribal Museum, Silvassa is one of the museums where the lifestyle and culture of tribes of Dadra & Nagar Haveli are showcased. One can view ornaments wearing, musical instruments playing, as well as fishing tools, hunting gadgets, agricultural and other household articles used by the tribals of this territory. The museum is popular among the tourists because one can get a view of the life of the natives of Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Rich and vibrant Socio-Cultural Heritage of Varli, Dodhiya, Kokna, Kathodia etc. living in and out of this territory’s forest area can be seen and admired in this museum.

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