Overview of the destinationOne of the less frequented getaways is the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. While Daman boasts of some lovely Konkan beaches, unspoilt and breathtaking, Dadra tucked amidst the nature scores in its wildlife, simple living, and left over Portuguese culture and a kaleidoscope of nature?s treasures.
My encounter with Silvassa was a chanced one, while I was vacationing in Daman, and was completely stuck by its magic!
The tall trees, meandering rivers, large waterfalls, gentle streams, deer and lions ? sounds like a set straight from a Bollywood film? Well that?s Silvassa for you!
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Apart from some serious trips along the forests, strolls by the streams and enjoying the beauty of nature, Silvassa offers some stunning sight seeing options as well.
Tribal Cultural Museum, Dudhini Lake, Vasona Lion Safari are a must.
Not much of shopping options although you can pick up some ethnic mementoes from the tribal museum.
Activities & things to do
Vasona Lion Safari: Lions brought in from Gir, this safari is the closest you can come to a wild lion and for a change it?s us who are in a caged vehicle! The king of the jungle staring right at your face is a sight to behold.
Drive to Khanvel: The 20km drive from Silvassa to Khanvel is a scenic one lined with tall trees on both sides of the road.
TIP: The lion safari is Rs100 per head. There are charges for video camera. So the best option is if you are travelling in a group take in just one camcorder.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Silvassa is 14km from Vapi, Gujarat, and 180 km from Mumbai and 300 km from Pune, the nearest rail station is Vapi. There are many rickshaws that will ferry you to your hotel from Vapi station. There are passenger trains from Virar for Vapi. A drive along the Mumbai-Baroda-Delhi national highway, in case you are travelling by a car will take you some 5-6 hours from Pune and 2-3 hours from Mumbai.
Tip: If you have your own vehicle or can hire one, then stay in Daman at one of the beach side resorts and drive around in Silvassa.
