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Dadra and Nagar Haveli

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Dadra and Nagar Haveli Best Visit Time

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Introduction
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, one of India's seven union territories, is an excellent place to spend a few memorable days. Encircled by the sea and the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, it's a lovely respite from the whirlwinds that some cities can be.
 
Nagar Haveli is located on the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and Dadra is located a few kilometers north of Nagar Haveli in Gujarat. The Daman Ganga runs through the area, and the Western Ghats rise up to the east.
 
This tiny union territory covers less than 500 square kilometers and is surrounded by tall, majestic trees and winding rivers. Dadra & Nagar Haveli is a land of spellbinding beauty, with lush green forests, thundering waterfalls, gurgling streams, undulating mountain ranges, and a spectacular show of flora and fauna. The larger of the two, Nagar Haveli, includes the capital city of Silvassa as well as 68 villages. Dadra is a small town with only Dadra and two other hamlets.
 
The Varlis, Dublas, Dhodias, and Koknans are among the tribal groups who live in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which spans 491 square kilometers. The thick forest, which is home to these tribes, covers about 40% of the land area.
 
Dadra and Nagar Haveli enjoy warm weather throughout the year. While the summers can reach 41 degrees, the evenings are slightly cooler due to the cooling effects of the sea. Because of the cold freshness, November to March is the best time to visit this Union Territory.
 
01 Night / 02 Days

Memorable Dadra and Nagar Haveli Tour

Traditions and Culture
The community is a mix of Indian and Portuguese. The people's customs, beliefs, practices, traditions, and habits are predominantly Indian, with traces of Portuguese influence. The majority of the people here are from various tribes. The most important tribes here are the Kokna, Varli, Koli, Dhodia, Kathodi, Siddi, Naika, and Dublas. Every tribe has its own distinct culture and is totally self-contained.
 
While all religions are regarded equally in the area, Hindus make up the majority of the population. In Dadra and Nagar Haveli, people who follow Christianity and Islam were also visible. Marathi, Gujarati, and Bhili are the most widely spoken languages in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Bhili is one of the most widely spoken local languages in the region. The use of Hindi l was extremely unusual.
 
Women from the Dodhia tribe are often seen wearing blue saris, as well as metal bangles, large kadas, beaded necklaces, and other beautiful ornaments. Varli women are dressed in lugden, which is wrapped around the waist and flows down to their knees. This tribe's women often enjoy adorning themselves with silver and white ornaments. Women from the Kokna Tribe enjoy dressing up in bright colors and wearing colorful saris. They even have a tattoo obsession. On their arms, legs, and chests, you can see large and small tattoos.
 
The Dhodia tribe's men dress in a shirt, waistcoat, and dhoti. They also wear a variety of colored headgears, beautiful waist ornaments, and silver chains around their necks. The Varli tribe's men cover themselves with a loincloth. The outfit is completed with a waistcoat and a turban. The Kokna tribe's men are often seen wearing a shirt, waistcoat, and dhoti.
 
Tarpa Dance, Bhawada Dance, Tur and Thali Dance, Verdigao Dance, Vera Dance, Gheria Dance, and Dhol Dance are the most common dance forms in the region. Portuguese dances are also popular. The Gujarati Garba dance is performed by women dressed in colorful costumes and ornaments during the Navaratri festival, and the Machhi Dance is common among the fisherman community.
 
The wonderful leather craft is one of the major crafts of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli area. Mat weaving is another popular handicraft in the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Bamboo fibers are woven into the magnificently made mats by experts.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli:

The Dadra & Nagar Haveli people like to celebrate their holidays with opulence, laughter, and raucous revelry. Cultural performances such as dance and music seem to be an important part of many of the events here. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Barash Festival: The Kokna and Varli tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, in particular, celebrate this festival with great pomp and gaiety. Until the festival, these tribes refrain from eating any foods prepared with homegrown beans. September is the month that it is commemorated.
  • Masimagam Festival: This is yet another Dadra and Nagar Haveli tradition. The Masimagam festival takes place in February/March and is held on a full moon day in the Tamil month of Masi. The festival commemorates the bathing of the most venerated deities in the sacred "theerthavari," also known as the Bay of Bengal. At the Masimagam Festival, idols from 64 temples are transported to the sea for a ceremonial bath.
  • Holi: Almost all of Dadra and Nagar Haveli's regional tribes celebrate Holi with zeal. A fair is held here during the festival, which lasts for a week and is focused on 'Lavachha' and is also celebrated in Silvassa. During Holi, people throw colored water at each other.
  • Akha Teej Festival: This traditional festival in this part of the world is said to be organized by the Kokna tribal women.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Dadra and Nagar Haveli:

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a union territory in India's westernmost region. The Portuguese are said to have controlled this region at one time. The location is well-known for more than its past. These top tourist attractions in Dadra and Nagar Haveli are not to be missed:

  1. Lion Safari Wildlife Park- This park is known for its lion safaris, and it lives up to its reputation. It is located within the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary and covers a total area of 25 hectares. The Asiatic Lion can also be found there.
  2. Vanganga Lake- The Vanganga Lake, located 5 kilometers from Silvassa, the capital city and nestled among the Island Gardens, is an ideal spot for a relaxing day. It is set in acres of lush greenery and features vibrant flower beds and well-kept gardens. It's a great place to go for a walk or paddle boating in the evenings.
  3. Khanvel- Khanvel is a popular destination for nature lovers. Khanvel is the place to go if you're looking for a peaceful getaway in the midst of nature, away from the monotonous routine of city life. Khanvel is blessed with a crystal clear blue river, ancient trees, ancient Indian legends, and thrilling folklore—enough to keep you enthralled for a few days.
  4. Hirwa Van Gardens- This idyllic picnic spot features cascading waterfalls and tempting flowerbeds. Hirwa Van Gardens, which translates to "Green Forest," is surrounded by greenery. Come here to fully appreciate nature's splendor.
  5. Dudhni Lake- Since hills make up 60% of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the road to Dudhni Lake is also spectacular. When you arrive at the pool, you will be overwhelmed by its beauty. You can also go boating in the lake's clear waters. The location is a Madhuban Dam reservoir. During the monsoons, it is usually packed to the brim, and the water level is low during the rest of the year.
  6. Tribal Cultural Museum- The tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli make up the majority of the population in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Their ornaments, musical instruments, fishing and hunting gear, agricultural and household articles, and other items are on display at the museum.
  7. Church of Our Lady of Piety- The Church of Our Lady of Piety, built by the Portuguese in the late 18th century, is one of Silvassa's oldest standing structures. The church's interior and exterior arches have been skillfully and intricately embellished, and they are an integral part of it. It's a beautiful piece of architecture, and its proximity to the Tribal Museum makes it one of Silvassa's must-see attractions.
 

 

Cuisine
Gujarati cuisine has a strong influence on the exotic food served in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Aside from Gujarati-influenced cuisine, local tribal cuisine is also available to sample. Pulses and locally available vegetables such as wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots are commonly used in local cuisine. These traditional tribal dishes are eaten with jowar roti, ragi, or rice. 
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Doodh Pak: Rice pudding made with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, or almonds, and flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, or almonds. It's usually eaten as a snack. Doodh Pak is a rice pudding made with milk, rice, saffron, and nuts that is served with pooris as a dessert. The milk is thickened and sweetened with a slow boil, and the dish is finished with chopped almonds.
  • Ghari: Ghari is a sweet dish from the Surat area of Gujarati cuisine. Ghari is a sweet dish made of puri batter, milk mawa, ghee, and sugar that is served in round shapes with a sweet filling during the Chandani Padva festival. It also comes in a variety of flavors and varieties, including pistachio, almond-elachi, and mawa.
  • Bhajia: Kand na bhajia is made by deep-frying thin slices of purple yam dipped in gram flour batter, much like all typical bhajias. The addition of coriander seeds, sesame seeds, and freshly ground pepper powder just before frying, however, gives it an advantage over its contemporaries
  • Mixed Dal: This tasty mixed dal recipe is simple to make, quick to cook, and absolutely delicious. It also contains a lot of protein.
  • A mixture of beans and vegetables cooked in an earthen pot with special herbs is a must-try local dish. This dish is known locally as Ubadiyu, which is similar to the famous Gujarati Undhiyu. This dish is best enjoyed during the cold winter months and tastes best when served with buttermilk and a hint of turmeric.
  • Other local delicacies such as Paunk, Gamthi chicken, Khaman dhokla, Khaman, and Doodh Pak are also recommended. Tami, a locally brewed liquor common among the tribal community, is one of the local drinks.
  • Freshly caught crabs are a common non-vegetarian choice available locally. River fish such as Rohu (Carp), Katla, and Mrigals are plentiful. Various locally available aromatic herbs, such as Ambada leaves, Karanda berries, and Ajoola leaves, are also used in combination with raw mangoes to make sweetened pickles and mouth watering chutney by the tribal population. It is possible to get a taste of these delicacies in Silvassa.
 
FAQ’s

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a Union Territory in India, nestled between Gujarat to the north and Maharashtra to the south. Its capital is Silvassa.

The best time to visit is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Surat Airport (120 km away) or Mumbai Airport (150 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Vapi, approximately 18 km from Silvassa.
  • By Road: It is well-connected by roads, and regular buses and taxis operate from nearby cities like Mumbai and Surat.

Some must-visit places include:

  • Vanganga Lake Garden: A scenic garden with boating facilities.
  • Dudhni Lake: Known as the "Kashmir of the West," ideal for water sports.
  • Lion Safari Wildlife Park: A great place to see Asiatic lions.
  • Tribal Museum: Showcasing the rich tribal culture of the region.
  • Satmaliya Deer Park: Home to various species of deer.

Yes, it is a family-friendly destination with activities like boating, wildlife safaris, and nature trails, suitable for all age groups.

Yes, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy:

  • Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing at Dudhni Lake.
  • Trekking: Explore the lush greenery and trails in and around the Union Territory.

The region is renowned for its:

  • Lush greenery and serene landscapes.
  • Tribal culture, reflected in their festivals, crafts, and lifestyle.
  • Handicrafts, especially bamboo and cane products.

The local cuisine includes a mix of Gujarati, Maharashtrian, and tribal flavours. Popular dishes include:

  • Ubadiyu: A traditional mixed vegetable dish.
  • Khichdi: A simple and hearty meal.
  • Puran Poli: A sweet flatbread.
  • Locally prepared fish dishes are also a highlight.
  • Tarpa Festival: A tribal dance and music celebration.
  • Diwali and Holi: Celebrated with great enthusiasm.
  • Kite Festival: Similar to Gujarat's Uttarayan.

Yes, the region has several tribal hamlets where visitors can experience the unique lifestyle, traditional practices, and craftsmanship of the local tribes.

For souvenirs, you can buy:

  • Handicrafts: Bamboo and cane items.
  • Warli Paintings: Tribal art.
  • Local Textiles: Known for intricate tribal designs.

Yes, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take usual travel precautions, especially in remote areas.

The main languages spoken are Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi. English is also widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

You can encounter:

  • Asiatic Lions at the Lion Safari Wildlife Park.
  • Various deer species at Satmaliya Deer Park.
  • Exotic birds and small mammals in the region’s forests.
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