Dadar and Nagar Haveli Information

Introduction to Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Green forests, rivers, large waterfronts, waterfalls, the gentle gurgle of streams, the
distant hills, a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna indicate nature of Dadra and
Nagar Haveli.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli enjoys a pleasant climate from November to March. Even the
summer temperature is not very high. Due to its proximity to the sea, the nights are
pleasant.

Geography of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Sandwiched between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is
located in the western corner of India. As a union territory, it is quite small, with an area
of less than 500 sq. km., covered with tall, awesome trees and winding rivers. Forests
cover 40 percent of the total area.

Brief History of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is land of 72 villages has a chequered history. For a century
and half, the fiery Portuguese were the masters of the land.

The Indian nationalist volunteers liberated Dadra and Nagar Haveli in July 1954 and a
pro-India administration was formed. Under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution,
the territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli became a centrally administered union
territory with effect from August 11, 1961.

Government of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

As a Union Territory, the Dadra and Nagar Haveli is nominally under the direct control of
the Indian central Govt.

Economy of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

There are no major industries in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The medium-scale industries
manufacture automobile parts, spectacle frames, cotton, and art silk fabrics, nylon
filaments, foam products, detergent powder, soap biscuits, chemical engineering goods,
candies, fruit juice, wrist watches, etc.

For the local population of this Union Territory, agriculture is the main occupation.

The major food crops are paddy, pulses, and ragi. Wheat and sugarcane are also
produced.
Mango, chiku, litchi, and apple are also produced.

Dadar and Nagar Haveli Travel Information

Silvassa is an ideal place for those who are too lazy to do some actual exploring. It
houses a good collection of masks, musical apparatus, fishing gadgets and life-size
statues. Khanvel is situated at a distance of 20 km from Silvassa. The drive to Khanvel
is lined with tall trees on both sides of the road. This serene landscape, surrounded by
lush green hills, beckons nature lovers with its rolling meadows and native-styled
cottages amidst terraced gardens.

The calm and gentle Sakartod River flows past Khanvel.

The Vanganga Lake and Island Garden is a beautiful lake garden situated at a distance
of 5 km from the capital city of Silvassa.

The rustic wooden bridges, the flowers, jogging paths, thatched huts, and paddleboats
—all constitute an ideal ambiance for the honeymooners.

A 20-km drive from Khanvel is Dudhni where the large waterfront of river Damanganga
provides breathtaking view of the water spread over Madhuban Dam.

The luxurious tents pitched right near the bank provide a countryside experience.

Tourists may also cook their own meals near the camp.

Vandhara Udyan at Silvassa is a riverside park with sprawling lawns dotted with
exquisite pavilions, an ideal site for picnic buffs.

There is also a Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan at Silvassa.

Rivers of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli are in the watershed of the Daman Ganga River, which flows
through the territory. The towns of Dadra and Silvassa both lie on the north bank of the
river.

Education of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Education is of fundamental importance in a backward area like Dadra & Nagar Haveli,
which is predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and
economically backward classes population.

The Union Territory provides free education to all students up to higher secondary level
and free mid-day meals to all students up to elementary education.
There are more than 200 schools offering school education.

There are 9 Social Welfare Hostels run by the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli
in which Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes as well as economically backward classes
students are being admitted and provided with free board and lodging. Necessary
attention is also paid to Physical education and other co-curricular activities. Under the
Unicef program project viz. Primary education curriculum and renewal, and
developmental activities on community education and participation has been started.

The literacy rate of the Union territory, according to the census of 2001, is 60.03%, with
male literacy at 73.32% and female literacy at 42.99%.

Food of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

The tourists may enjoy the delicacies of local food in a variety of restaurants and hotels.

Arts & Culture of Dadar and Nagar Haveli

Eighty-nine percent of the total population of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar
Haveli is comprised of tribal population, majority of them being Kokna and Bhil. Two
major dance forms of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are the Tarpha Nach (nach, dance) and
the mask dance or Bhavada. The Tarpha dance is more popular in the hilly regions
among the Koknas. In this dance, the performers hold each other by the waist and
dance in close formation to the accompaniment of the tarpha or pavri, a wind instrument
made of dried gourd. The dance is known as Pavri Nach. People may also dance
separately, and this includes feats of skill, like forming a pyramid or rapidly revolving a
dancer round a stout pole.