Silvassa, the lush, beautiful capital of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and of Daman and Diu, is a prime location for city-dwellers needing a little bit of a reset. Located a mere two to three hours from both Mumbai and Surat, this hidden paradise has everything from dense forests, flowing waterfalls, and even rich tribal heritage with modern conveniences. Silvassa outshines the competition in terms of tranquil hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and adventures without the craziness of people. If all you want is to relax for the weekend, Silvassa is where you need to be.
Lush Landscapes and Easy Access
Picture yourself waking up in the middle of a forested area with approximately 80% forest cover and the misty, foggy air hanging over you, with the beautiful Daman Ganga River running through the lush green valleys. With Silvassa being so close to the big cities, leaving the daily grind behind is easy; you can get there on a Friday evening. There are plenty of great places to find beautiful picnic spots, like Vanganga Lake and Sadholi Waterfall, and the Khanvel Safari offers jeep rides through a stunning teak tree grove, full of deer and birds of all kinds. Enjoying nature without travelling long distances makes for an incredible nature experience.
A nice way to get your adrenaline fix is to hike the sloping hills of Bal Udhyan or try zipping across the treetops at Silvassa Adventure Park! You can also experience the local culture up close and personal at the Tribal Museum. The museum features artwork from the Warli tribe of India and woodwork crafts created by the Dhodia tribe, both of which represent the indigenous roots of the area. For couples, families, and solo travelers, the evening barbecue or yoga session next to the river is an excellent way to decompress after an action-packed day.
Eco-Luxury Accommodations Amongst Nature
When it comes to choosing luxury accommodation when you're visiting the Dadra and Nagar Haveli region of India (and are looking to pamper yourself), the Praveg Resort Silvassa has everything you could ever want in a luxury hotel/resort. Located within the Dadra and Nagar Haveli forest reserve, Praveg Resort Silvassa offers eco-luxury accommodation that includes opulent tents and villas complete with private plunge pools, giant-sized beds with the finest linens, panoramic vistas of dense green foliage, multi-themed fine dining options, pool decks that are nearly at one with nature, and individualized spa services—at least one of which will use natural forest-based materials. All in all, Praveg Resort Silvassa provides guests the ultimate luxury experience and will undoubtedly give you the best of both worlds— high-end comfort and the ability to escape into nature on a five-star level. You'll want to book ahead for the best chances at their upscale glamping experiences, which take weekend getaways to a whole other level!
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Prepare to dress in several layers for fluctuating temperatures, bring comfortable shoes for trail walking or running and wear bug spray. The prime time for visits will be from October-March due to the possibility of heavy rains during monsoons. Renting a car or taking a taxi from Mumbai will make it easy for Indian citizens to enter; whereas most foreign travellers can easily travel with the use of e-Visas. Eating fresh seafood at the local shacks, along with enjoying fine dining at a resort location, would likely be very budget-friendly.
If you want to escape to nature without having to take an entire week off from work, Silvassa is within driving distance, allowing a 48-hour getaway to recharge your batteries.
