Top Tourist Places Where You Can Witness the Best of Silvassa

When you’ve explored all the amazing places to visit in Gujarat, you may want to consider heading towards Silvassa for some rest and relaxation amidst mesmerizing scenic beauty. Nestled in the Western Ghats, between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, surrounded by lush greenery, Silvassa is a small city on the banks of the Daman Ganga River and the capital of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The city gained fame because of its tribal heritage, the traces of which can still be found in Silvassa. It is also no less than a paradisical haven for travellers, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, there are so many places to see in Silvassa that you will be spoilt for choice!

Best Places to Visit in Silvassa

There are several tourist spots in Silvassa that you can consider visiting. This hidden gem is often overlooked by mainstream travellers, and even though it is a full-fledged commercial city that is on its way to becoming a smart city, Silvassa still holds on to the rustic charm of the quaint Portuguese town that it used to be. Some of the best places to visit in Silvassa that you can add to your itinerary include:

1. Satmalia Deer Sanctuary
2. Lion Safari Wildlife Park
3. Dudhni Lake
4. Vangana Lake
5. Island Garden
6. Swaminarayan Temple
7. Tribal Museum
8. Our Lady of Piety Church
9. Dadra Park
10. Hirawavan Garden

1. Satmalia Deer Sanctuary

Located near the Vasona Lion Sanctuary on the Khanvel-Silvassa Road is Satmalia Deer Sanctuary, a popular picnic spot in Silvassa. The sanctuary is home to several species of deer and antelope, including the Sambhar, Nilgai, Chital, Black Buck, etc., and a diverse population of birds like the woodpecker, peacock, paradise flycatcher, and thrush. Inside the park, there is a machan (watchtower) near the watering hole, which is the best place in the park to spot wildlife around feeding time. The machan also offers splendid panoramic views of the entire sanctuary, against the backdrop of the distant Madhuban Dam. Satmalia is one of the top places to visit in Silvassa for nature and animal lovers.

2. Lion Safari Wildlife Park

One of the most popular tourist spots in Silvassa is the Lion Wildlife Safari, which is a part of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Asiatic Lion. The wildlife safari at the park is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. During a safari, you can spot various wild animals that live within the sanctuary, including deer, bears, monkeys, elephants, and tigers. There are also several exotic bird species that you can spot during your visit. And if you’re lucky, you may even come face-to-face with the king of the jungle, the mighty lion.

3. Dudhni Lake

Another one of the popular places to see in Silvassa, Dudhni Lake is a family-friendly destination and a popular picnic spot in Silvassa, with adrenaline-pumping water sports, like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating. Dudhni Lake is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can also enjoy a calm shikara ride or sit back and relax and watch a beautiful sunset that paints the entire sky in hues of pink, blue, and yellow. The lake is considered to be one of the top attractions of Silvassa and with good reason.

4. Vangana Lake Garden

One of the most picturesque places to visit in Silvassa, a trip to this small town would be incomplete without visiting Vangana Lake Garden. Here, you can bask in the tranquil environment, surrounded by lush greenery. The garden covers around 7 hectares of land and is one of the top attractions of Silvassa, with calm waters for boating, serene environs for a stroll, and even a few walking tracks surrounded by beds of flowers that make you feel almost as though you were on a beautiful trekking trail.

5. Island Garden

The Island Garden is one of the best places to visit in Silvassa for nature lovers. The family-friendly attraction provides a refreshing retreat for visitors amidst natural beauty. The garden sits around a pristine lake and offers picture-perfect settings with pretty thatched huts, quaint wooden bridges, and paddle boat rides on the calm waters of the lake. The garden also features a jogging track that is offset by a sea of beautiful flowers that surround it, making it the ideal place for a little evening or morning stroll. Another reason why the Island Garden is counted amongst the top places to see in Silvassa is the musical fountain that is located inside the garden, adding to the overall appeal of the place.

6. Swaminarayan Temple

The Swaminarayan Temple is another one of the top places to visit in Silvassa. This huge temple has been made using pink marble stonework with intricate carvings, making this temple no less than an architectural marvel. The spiritual ambience of the Swaminarayan Temple has a touch of divinity that makes it easy for one to find solace. The temple sits on the banks of the Daman Ganga River and displays some exquisite artworks and beautiful idols of well-known Indian saints. A green lawn stretches away from the temple, replete with statues of deer. Dotting the green. The temple is very well-maintained and has a main wing and an underground chamber. In the underground chamber, you will find an array of amazing pictures that document the life of Swaminarayan. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple and photography is permitted.

7. Tribal Cultural Museum

Among all kinds of tourist places, Silvassa is one of those destinations that have managed to retain their culture and traditions despite changing times, and the Tribal Cultural Museum is one of the most significant places to visit in Silvassa for those who wish to journey through the diverse cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes of the area. The museum is among those tourist spots of Silvassa that also let you learn more about the traditions, art, and history of the native communities, which together made Silvassa what it is today. This museum is considered to be one of the top places to visit in Silvassa as it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the land and its tribes through the centuries.

The museum showcases an extensive collection of ornaments, tools for hunting and fishing, agricultural tools and equipment, household articles, and much more. Throughout the museum, you can also see life-size models and photographs that have been used to depict the traditions and lifestyles of the local tribes.

8. Our Lady of Piety Church

Your list of places to see in Silvassa should also include the Our Lady of Piety Church, a magnificent structure that stands about 2 kilometres away from the city centre. One of the more well-known places to visit in Silvassa, Our Lady of Piety Church showcases resplendent Portuguese-style architecture, with its grey façade, Gothic elements, and impressive glasswork. The church was established in the 18th century and to date, it stands perfectly preserved, attracting architecture lovers from all across the world. Located right opposite the Tribal Cultural Museum, the Our Lady of Piety was built by the Portuguese settlers and is one of the oldest churches in the region.

9. Dadra Park

If you are looking for other places to visit around Silvassa, you should consider heading to Dadra Park. A tranquil, family-friendly destination that boasts of a relaxed environment, perfect for leisurely outings. Dadra Park is an off-beat, eco-friendly tourist spot where you can plan a picnic, go for a nature walk, or just relax. This is one of the best places to visit around Silvassa to connect with nature.

10. Hirwa Van Gardens

Any list of the best places to visit in Silvassa will be incomplete without a mention of the Hirwa Van Gardens. The garden has a colourful array of verdant trees and flowers, making for a surreal landscape, which is why the Hirwa Van Gardens is considered to be one of the top tourist places in Silvassa, which you should definitely consider adding to your itinerary.

Tourist places in Silvassa have a lot to offer for all kinds of visitors, so make sure you do some research and make a list of all the places you want to explore. You can also visit Silvassa on all-inclusive Gujarat tour packages that take care of the entire itinerary, so you can focus on having a good time.