DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI
 Dadra & Nagar Haveli has brilliantly been endowed with nature's munificence. A wonderful land of spell-binding beauty, this small yet extremely striking union territory is marked by lush green forests, rumbling rivers, beautiful waterfronts, elevated mountain ranges and a wide array of flora and fauna. For its calmness and quaint sylvan surroundings, Dadra & Nagar Haveli has always been a heaven for those who look for a tranquil holiday. Located between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, in the western corner of India, it has an area less than 500 sq. km. It enjoys a pleasant climate from November to March and attracts tourists from all parts of the globe.
History
Dadra & Nagar Haveli is a quiet and magical land of 72 villages with a historical past. For more than a century, the land was in the possession of the fiery Portuguese. In July 1954, the land was liberated and a pro-India administration was set up. It was made a centrally administered union territory with effect from August 11, 1961.
Culture
Tribals are the major inhabitants here. The tribals here enjoy their own rituals and colorful Tarpa Dancefolklore and celebrate occasions and functions in their own unique way. A folk dance easily forms the basis of each occasions for tribals. This territory marks the festivals of Hindus, Muslims and Christians in equal measures. A sizable population of all religious people make this union territory a truly cosmopolitan place.
Attractions
The Tribal Cultural Museum at Silvassa would be a perfect bet for those who are not willing to indule into further exploring. You would get to see a rich array of masks, life-size statues, musical apparatus and fishing gadgets.
Khanvel, located at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa, would give you a glimpse into nature through its tall trees lined on both sides of the road. This is a peaceful place and encircled by lush green hills. It attracts tourists for its rolling meadows and indigenous cottages.
The Vanganga Lake and Island Garden would truly be a delightful experince in the form of a splendid lake garden. For its all round natural splendor, it has grown into an ideal place for the honeymooners.
Just about at a half hour drive from Khanvel is Dudhni that gives tourists a delightful view into the large waterfront of river Damanganga. You can have tents pitched right near the bank to enjoy a wonderful and calm countryside experience.
Hirwa Van is a beautiful garden and will surely charm you through its waterfalls and other inherent features like rustic stonewalls and wide range of flowers. Vandhara Udyan at Silvassa is a riverside park which would be a good place to enjoy picnic.
A Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan at Silvassa would surely delight you and kids. It will have colorful birds, naughty monkeys, splendid pythons and giant crocodiles. More so, kids can also enjoy swings, slides and merry-go-rounds.
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