Tucked neatly between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Silvassa is the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The small town, formerly ruled by the Portuguese, is now an active industrial hub. This information was part of what I already knew about Silvassa. But there is much more to the area than just industries. Here’s what we discovered on a trip to Silvassa in December:
Warli Culture and Art:
Silvassa lies in a region that is home to the Warli Culture. The Silvassa Tribal Cultural Museum is located in the heart of the town and offers an insightful glimpse into the life and culture of the indigenous tribe. The adjacent Silvassa Art Gallery has several pieces of the incredible Warli art on display. We spent an interesting hour in this complex, learning about the local tribes and their way of life.
A Host of Parks and Sanctuaries: Our morning ride inside the Satmaliya Deer Park (inside a wildlife sanctuary) was a refreshing and memorable experience. This forest area is home to sambhar, chital and nilgai. As our vehicle moved slowly along the narrow forest paths, a group of deer at the water’s edge shifted their gaze from the pond to look in our direction, and they observed us with interest. Junior, a numbers enthusiast, kept perfect count of the animals while I sat back and enjoyed the tranquility of the sanctuary. The duration of the ride is about 30 minutes, and the park is closed on Mondays.
Creatively Designed Gardens: The Vanganga Lake Garden, also known as the Island Garden Dadra, is an oasis in nearby bustling Dadra. This large green space with a small lake and a little island is popular with local residents. We spent a pleasant evening at this garden and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals to view the musical fountain after dusk.
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Swaminarayan Temple, Silvassa, India
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