Get a break from the crowded tourist places and visit an untouched beauty Dadra and Nagar Haveli. A Union Territory by the status, DNH assimilates never seen before spellbinding views and fascinating destinations. A tour to Dadra and Nagar Haveli will be a kaleidoscopic journey comprising the colors of the Portugal era, the hues of tribal culture, the influence of the adjoining states, and the beauty of lush forests and diverse topographies.   

History of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The medieval history of Dadra and Nagar Haveli connects it to the Marathi rule, which subsequently got taken over by the Portuguese around the 18th century. In 1961 it was assimilated into the Republic of India and has been a Union Territory since then with Silvassa as its capital. Dadra and Nagar Haveli is spread in an area of 490 square kilometers and has 72 villages in its administration.  

Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a fusion of mainstream cultures and tribal culture. Mainstream festivals like Ganesha  Chaturthi, Navratri, Makar Sankranti, Christmas, Id-E-Milad, and Pateti are celebrated with similar enthusiasm as in the rest of the country. Many tribal communities like, Dublas, Koli, Kathodi, Kokana, Naika, and Varlies that once lived here, still reside in the UT and have preserved their festivals and traditions. Some popular tribal festivals are Tarpa Festival, Divasol, Akhatrij, Nariyeli Purnima, and Monsoon Magic Festival.

Many tribal dance forms are also performed on special occasions. The most renowned among them are Bhawada Dance - a mask dance presented by Kokna tribesmen, Tarpa Dance - performed by Koli and Varli tribe, Tur and Thali Dance - performed at marriages by Dublas, and Dhodis tribe, and Gheria Dance - presented by Dubla tribe.   

Art and Handicraft of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The art and craft of DNH involve handcrafted bamboo baskets, leather items, and bamboo mats, and carving on tortoiseshell and ivory. Besides these gifting cum souvenir items, another art form that attracts tourists is Warli painting. These paintings are a significant part of local marriages as people believe that they possess divine powers.   

Food of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The flavor of the local tribal cuisine dominates the platter here. The authentic tribal cuisine comprising dishes made with bamboo shoots, wild mushrooms, locally available herbs/spices, pulses, and vegetables is simply divine. Fish and crabs too are commonly served at restaurants in Silvassa. In addition to this, some must-try dishes are Ubadiyu, Doodh Pak, Gamthi Chicken, Chickpea Cake, and Khaman. Tourists can also relish other multiple cuisines such as Continental, Chinese, North Indian, Parsi, Gujarati, and Mughalai.     

Things to do in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

• Flowing amid the lush green garden and adorned with exotic flowers, the Vanganga lake is a peaceful spot to relax and take loads of selfies and pictures.  
• Swaminarayan temple is Silvassa is a specimen of the finest architecture that is visited by devotees and tourists alike.  
• Be ready for a wild encounter with lions! Visit the Lion Safari Wildlife Park and witness the Asiatic Lions in action or just lazing around! 
• All the architecture admirers and history buffs will love a visit to Our Lady of Piety Church. Built around 1887, the church features the finest Portugal architecture and is of religious significance. 

• Tribal Museum in Silvassa is another worth visiting destination that takes you back to the bygone era. Musical instruments, household items, agriculture tools, ornaments, and other items belonging to the period when tribals used to live there are on display. 
• Do visit Khanvel, it’s a popular picnic destination on whose one side flows a river and on the other lies a forest area. 
• Dhudhani Lake is another enchanting tourist destination where tourists can enjoy boating at colorful shikaras or may gaze at the sunrise or sunset in its calm ambiance. 
• Have you ever heard or seen zodiac flowers? On your visit to Dadra and Nagar Haveli, you can spot many exotic flowers at Nakshatra Garden in the capital city Silvassa. 
• Daman Ganga river that flows through Dadra and Nagar Haveli offers a captivating view of Madhuban Dam and enjoy water activities like water scooter ride, bumper boat ride, and speed boat ride. 
• Fall in love with the engrossing architecture of Bindraban Temple in Silvassa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by rich biodiversity that adds serenity and divinity to its ambiance.  

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is an offbeat destination that might not be crowded by crazy tourists but its landmark structures and sites make it worth capturing in your camera. A visit to these unexplored wonders of Dadra and Nagar Haveli will rejuvenate your senses and will make you fall in love with this beautiful Union Territory.