It was during one of our tea breaks in office, when everyone was cribbing about how our life has turned monotonous! How our life only revolved around office-home for quite sometime now. Why Silvassa? Because 2 of us have already been to Daman and we always used to brag about the awesome road and amazing riding experience that we had. We knew about Silvassa back then, however due to time constraint we could only cover Daman. This time it was going to be more fun.
4 Friends 2 Bikes and the very next weekend, we decided to ride. It was early morning when we started from Vasai.
We were cruising at amazing speed, putting our bike and riding skills to test. We were careful not to miss the exit, the right turn from the Mumbai-Gujarat highway towards Silvassa. The road since maintained by the Gujarat government was so well kept and ride here felt heavenly. A switch from our regular jam packed roads with hateful traffic. We enjoyed every bit of our moment on the road with our bikes.
Silvassa
Silvassa is the headquarters of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The city has many factories and industries providing significant government revenue, which allows the city to maintain a low level of taxation. This would be visible when you stay and eat here, the tax levied is comparatively less than any other place. Silvassa is 170kms from Mumbai and could be reached in roughly 3 hours.
Below is the road map that we followed during this trip. I am sharing the below images as it would be helpful to some.
Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Apart from the religious importance of this temple, you will surly admire the architecture of the temple. The temple displays elaborate carvings all over its premise on marble, granite and other stones, housing a gilt-statue of Lord Hanuman. The color chose for this temple is amazing as well. The temple offers mesmerizing view during the sunset, reflecting various hue from the surrounding.
During our ride we reached the temple first when in Silvassa. However we decided to keep it for evening, that is when riding back home.
Vasona Lion Safari Park
Now this is a park that will amaze you. Having never been to a wildlife sanctuary, i was excited to see LIONS! About this place, it was a great effort by the management here to have a well kept park. It has a ticket counter, with tickets as minimal as 25rs for an adult. Now you should be well informed that the mode of payment here is strictly cash-less. Didn't that amaze you!
The ticket counter is surrounded by huge trees. Small ride for kids to enjoy, a shelter with wooden roof for refreshment of the visitors. You can have a great time here sitting an enjoying the breeze, before it is your turn to go for safari.
must read: essel world, siddhivinayak temple, kidzania mumbai
Asiatic Lions are the main attraction here. The park is spread across 25 acre land and is enclosed with high walls. Tourists are taken on a ride through the park in mini bus fitted with net screen mesh across the window. Lion sighting, is guaranteed here, and it is a memory you will long cherish. We spotted nearly 10 peacocks too.
Silvassa Tribal Museum
The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is primarily inhabited by various indigenous tribes and this museum gives tourists a peek into the life and culture of the natives. Silvassa Tribal Museum contains ornaments, musical instruments, fishing and hunting gears, agricultural and house hold articles and several other artifacts as part of their offering to the tourists. Some sections of the museum showcase the tribal way of life through life size models and photographs. Tourists can get a glimpse of the vibrant culture of the tribes under one roof.
The art work on the walls throughout the museum is worth watching. You can relax here and have some snacks in the food court before zooming ahead.
Our Lady of Piety Church
Our Lady of Piety was built by the Portuguese in Silvassa around 1886 and 1889. The church has grey exteriors built in stone. But the stunning interiors resemble more of the European Gothic architecture. The region around the Church was damaged by an earthquake that shook this area back in 1912. It was closed for renovation and was again opened in June 1924.
Madhuban Dam Viewpoint
This is one spot that is less popular among the tourists. However I highly recommend this one. Tucked in the interiors of the thick vegetation, along side the road leading to the Madhuban dam, this spot offers spectacular views of the surrounding forests, the vast stretched waterbody. Roaming around here is soul soothing. The pretty garden, the scenery is apt for a photo-shot. I would say do not miss this spot when in Silvassa.
Madhuban Dam
Madhuban Dam is located approximately 40 km on the downstream of the river Damini Ganga. It was built jointly by the Government of Gujarat and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The construction of the dam has resulted in the formation of a number of water bodies near Dudhani, approximately 40 km from Silvassa. The area is an ideal spot for the lovers of water sports and general tourists. They can enjoy rides in speed boats, water scooters, aqua bikes, canoes, kayaks, passenger boats and bumper boats which are easily available on hire from the tourist department. Riding to the dam is pleasant.
Dudhani
Dudhani was only a picnic spot popular among the locals. But things are much different now after the construction of the Madhuban dam. Tourist thong this spot now making it one of the must visit when in Silvassa. The drive to Dudhani is thoroughly enjoyable. The road is filled with scintillating twists and turns. The lake is scenic and offers a multitude of water sports activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, speed boating, hiking.
With this ends one of our most memorable road trip. Ride to Silvassa offered us the much needed break from the routine. It took us to landscapes which are not much discussed in the travel circle. One seldom hears much about this UT and that is exactly the reason why Dadra and Nagar Haveli tourism is yet to blossom. But when you are planning an offbeat holiday, Silvassa, believe me offers you all the right ingredients!
I would like to leave you with links to a couple more trip which we have took. If you are in search of offbeat destination for your next trip you would surely love to read about Daman and Saputara. Do check out the links :)
Daman - https://www.tripoto.com/trip/daman-a-perfect-weekend-getaway-from-mumbai-5ea7dbcb4e0bf
Saputara - https://www.tripoto.com/trip/mumbai-to-saputara-2-days-itinerary-5c22e81cbcce8
Kasol - https://www.tripoto.com/asia/trips/mumbai-amritsar-kasol-a-budget-trip-5807711fca8f9
Happy travelling :)