It is a refreshing change when you arrive in Silvassa. “Silva” in Portuguese means wood and you will see trees all around as you walk along. Perhaps this is one of the States/Union Territories that boasts of a forest cover of about 42 per cent of the geographical area. No touts or hordes of tourists breathe down your neck to make your stay miserable. There is an old world charm as you amble along the streets of the town which is not on the tourist circuit of most tourists, but nevertheless you could enjoy the peace and tranquillity as you savour the sights and sounds of a place that has a long history. However, there is little left of the legacy of a long Portuguese rule.

As you walk along the streets, you might be justified in assuming this town is an extension of Gujarat due to numerous sign boards in Gujarati, people’s food habits, as evidenced by advertisement for Gujarati thali meals and women wearing colourful sarees worn the Gujarati style. But look again— you will notice men and women with a distinct tribal dress walking along in animated conservation, often bursting into peals of laughter. You might be tempted to take a snap shot of an old man, with an ancient musical string instrument, who is sitting on the pavement.

The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (D&NH), has a population of about 2.2 lakhs of whom about 62 per cent are tribals. Silvassa is the capital town with about a lakh population. The main tribes are Dhodhia, Dublas, Kokana and Varlis. They have their own dialect and their distinct culture. They celebrate major Hindu festivals. Colourful dances, in which both men and women participate, highlight their centuries old customs and traditions. The major dances are Bhavada, Dhol, Gherria and Tarpa. No marriage, harvest or social function is complete without a foot-tapping folk dance. The Portuguese had the right to collect revenue from D&NH as per the treaty signed with the Maratha rulers in the year 1779. Their rule ended when the territory joined the Indian Union after independence.

Do visit the tribal museum, which though small is well stocked with objects from tribal households including items they use daily as well as dance and music items. The children will enjoy the beautiful park with a water fountain. The ancient church of Our Lady of Piety Church has been renovated and has links to the past when the Portuguese ruled this territory. The Town Hall is an impressive red brick building with a tall clock tower that is a landmark in the town.

Fortunately, a few ancient heritage buildings do exist relating to the colonial rule. While in Silvassa do visit the Vanganga Lake Garden situated in Dadra, a place to relax and enjoy boating.

The other interesting and tourist places that can be visited from Silvassa are Hirwavan Garden, Piparia, Water Sports Centre, Dudhani, Lion Safari, Vasona, Madhuban Dam, Rakholi and Himaivan Health Resort, and Kauncha. All these are linked to Silvassa by fairly good roads and can be done by hiring a bus/taxi.


Fact file

How to get there: By road from the town of Vapi (W.R), a distance of 8 km. Mumbai is 180 km away.
Language: Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi and English.
Local transport: auto-rickshaw, taxi.
Website: www._sivassatourism.org