Silvassa (Gujarati: સેલ્વાસ Selvās) is an industrial town in Western India, wedged between Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is a part of the former Portuguese colony of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Understand
[edit]Until the end of the 19th century, Silvassa was only a small village. It started to become more important in 1885, when the Portuguese administration decided to transfer the seat of its Nagar Haveli colony to the city.
Silvassa hosts many factories and industries providing significant government revenue, allowing the city to maintain a low level of taxation. The town is also popular among Gujaratis for drinking as alcohol is banned in Gujarat.
The hospitable, kind, unselfish native local tribal people have their own customs, dances and rituals which are quite fascinating. The city enjoys a very pleasant climate from November to March, which is the best time for a visit. Temperatures during the summer are comfortable too, even during the day, due to the city's proximity to the sea.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Surat International Airport is 138 km away. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is 159 km away.
By train
[edit]- 1 Vapi WR (12 km (7.5 mi)). The nearest railhead for getting to Silvassa. It lies on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route of the Western Railway and is about 170 km from Mumbai and 90 km from Surat. Major Delhi-Mumbai and Mumbai-Ahmedabad bound trains halt at this station. People traveling to Silvassa by train can get down at the Vapi and then get there by auto-rickshaws, which ply between the two towns at regular interval.
By bus
[edit]GSRTC buses ply between Silvassa and Vapi at a regular interval.
By car
[edit]Silvassa is connected to Maharashtra and Gujarat via National Highway 848A. Silvassa has a well-maintained road network. Daman is 30 km away via Bhilad on National Highway 48. Mumbai is 160 km away from Silvassa, via Bhilad, on NH 48 Surat is 130 km away from Silvassa, via Bhilad, on NH 48.
Get around
[edit]
There are auto-rickshaws and buses available to roam around in the city.
See
[edit]
- 1 Children's Park.
- 2 Our Lady of Piety (Silvassa Church).
- 3 Park Ayyappa Temple (Ayappa Mandir).
- 4 Park Balaji Temple (Balaji Mandir).
- 5 Park Ram Temple (Shriv Ram Mandir).
- 6 Tribal Cultural Museum.
Gardens
[edit]- 7 Hirva Van Garden, Pipariya, Silvassa - Vapi Road (Near Pipariya Police Station). Near the Daman Gangan River.
- Nakshatra Garden.
- 8 Van Dhara Garden. Near the Daman Gangan River.
- 9 Vanganga Garden, Dadra. Has boating facilities.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]- 1 Vegetable Market, Bavisa Faliya, ☏ +91 96626 99077. 7AM-10PM.
Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]- 1 Country Liquor Shop, Bus Stand, Opposite Mini, Khanvel Rd, Tokarkhada, ☏ +91 98987 78979. 8AM-9PM.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Daman Ganga Valley Resort, Opposite Vandhara Garden, Naroli Road, [email protected]. Check-in: 12, check-out: 12. Portuguese-style resort located on the banks of Daman Ganga River and adjacent to Vandhara Garden with lush green surroundings. ₹2,690–₹3,642.
- 2 Dan Tourist Hotel, Tokarkhada Rd, Tokarkhada, Samarvarni.
- 3 Ritz Hotel, Mahavir Complex, Khanvel Rd, Opposite Bus Depot, Opp. Bus Stand, Samarvarni (Near Bus Station).
- 4 VITS Kamats - Silvassa, Naroli Road.
- 5 Ras Resort, Survey No128, Plot No-1, Naroli Rd. A resort with river views, outdoor pool and a bar. ₹4,207–₹5,879.
- Hotel Woodland (Near Bus Station).
- Hotel Woodland Inn (Near Bus Station).
- Aquaserene Tourist Complex, Dudhni.
- Himai Van Health Resort, Kauncha.
- Luhari Tourist Complex, Luhari.
- P.W.D. Guest House (Nr. Stadium Ground).
- Tapovan Tourist Complex, Bindrabin, Khanvel.
- Water Sport & Tourist Complex, Dudhni.
Connect
[edit]Nearby
[edit]- 1 Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary. A wildlife sanctuary with an antelope park and a lion safari.
- 2 Madhuban Dam, Silvassa. On the Daman Ganga River.