Silvassa is part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu along the Damanganaga River. There are boundless things to do in Silvassa since it is close to picturesque beaches offering exciting water sports, wildlife sanctuaries, sprawling gardens, lush greenery, and structures dating back to the Portuguese era. This charming town is known for its colonial features as well as its rich tribal heritage. It is an absolute treat for nature lovers and is well-known for its connections with the Warli culture.
The Top 11 Things To Do In Silvassa
Curating your itinerary and don’t know what to do in Silvassa? Here is a list of amazing things to do in Silvassa that will surely come in handy:
1. Exploring Lion Safari Wildlife Park
Photo: Tushar Bhandari / Unsplash
The Lion Safari Wildlife Park was established to preserve Asiatic lions and exploring it is one of the best things to do in Silvassa. It’s home to a few lions that you can spot while out on safari; it’s advisable to take a bus or van safari since these vehicles are fitted with mesh screens that allow you to properly see the animals. The park is spread out across more than 20 hectares and also houses other wildlife including reptiles. It is situated next to the Satmaliya Deer Park and is part of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 (Adults) & ₹10 (Children)
2. Driving Down To Tithal Beach
Photo: Keyur Tandel / Unsplash
One of the fun things to do in Silvassa is drive down to one of its nearby beaches such as the famous Tithal Beach in Valsad. It is an absolutely beautiful and tranquil beach with black sand and clear water that is ideal for swimming. If you don’t wish to get in the water, you can spend some time sunbathing or you can take a walk along the shore. Tithal Beach is a great place to watch the setting sun too! You would also find vendors around the beach selling refreshing drinks and yummy snacks.
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. Strolling Through Vanganga Lake Garden
Photo: Raman Patel / Wikimedia Commons
Spread out across an area of about 7.5 hectares, the famous Vanganga Lake Garden is almost like a tiny forest and comprises the pretty Vanganga Lake. It is one of the major things to see in Silvassa owing to its verdure as well as its bridges that are made in the Japanese style. The garden also features a modern bridge that links its small island with the main garden. You can go paddle boating in the lake or simply sit on the grass and take in the garden’s natural beauty.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Monday
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Adults) & ₹10 (Children below the age of 10)
4. Picnic At Hirwa Van Gardens
Photo: Emmanuel DYAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Hirwa Van Gardens, a name that translates to “green forest” gardens, is another one of Silvassa’s renowned gardens. It is a man-made space that is popular for its lush greenery, colourful flowers, a cascading waterfall as well as a play area with slides. The garden is home to small animals like rabbits which also makes it a fun place for children. Many people come here for a nice picnic with their loved ones since it is such a scenic site. You can also walk around the garden and enjoy some quiet time.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Monday
Entry Fee: ₹20
5. Visiting Our Lady Of Piety Church
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for cultural things to do in Silvassa, paying a visit to Our Lady of Piety Church would be an excellent idea. It was built in the 19th century by the Portuguese and is one of the town’s oldest churches. It boasts of simple but beautiful Gothic architecture with a grey facade. The church’s main altar is one of its best features and one of its walls is adorned with a mural of the Last Supper. Don’t miss out on its lovely stained glass windows that only add to its charm!
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
6. Discover The Tribal Museum
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the things to do in Silvassa is to spend some time at the Tribal Museum here. Dadra and Nagar Haveli is known for its tribal groups and the museum is essentially a tribute to the region’s rich tribal heritage; it features collections of fishing and hunting equipment, musical instruments, clothing items, household goods, ornaments and much more that have been used by the tribes that inhabit the region. You would also see representations of the different aspects of tribal life in the form of images as well as life-sized models.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
7. Pay Respect At Baps Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Baps Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Silvassa is a must-visit attraction. It is situated by the banks of the Daman Ganga river and is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan as well as some other Hindu deities. It is an important pilgrimage site for many Gujarati people. This temple is not only known for its religious significance but also its splendid architecture. Its impressive structure features beautiful intricate carvings on almost every surface. You can also walk around the lovely gardens that surround the temple.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
8. Admire Island Garden
Photo: Kararkadeep / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Island Garden is an attraction in Silvassa that would surely leave you impressed. It is a splendid garden that lies around a lake and is known for its tranquillity as well as lush greenery. The garden consists of wooden bridges, charming huts with thatched roofs and also small gazebos where one can sit and enjoy the views. The garden is filled with colourful flowers, making it a great place to take some photographs. You can also opt for paddle boat rides in the lake or if you’re in the mood for some exercise, you can jog along the garden’s paths.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
9. Shop For Memorabilia
Photo: Lewis J Goetz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the things to do in Silvassa is buy souvenirs and memorabilia for yourself and your friends or family. Several shops in the markets here sell a variety of items that will remind you of your trip for years to come. Silvassa is known for its handicrafts and other handmade items. You can find beautiful Warli paintings, paper bags, mats made out of palm leaves, crafts made using bamboo, caved smoking pipes and more.
Popular Shopping Spots: Panchayat Market, Silvassa Market, Tokarkhada Market, and Kilvani Road
10. Head To Dudhani
Photo: Tushar Bhandari / Unsplash
Dudhani is a lake a few kilometres away from Silvassa that boasts breathtaking panoramas and natural beauty. It came to exist as a result of the construction of the Madhuban dam on the Daman Ganga River and is now a major tourist attraction. It is a well-known picnic spot but you can also engage in some fun water sports here, perhaps get a chance to see or interact with the tribes that live around, spot local wildlife or go boating.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Boating Price: ₹250 per person
11. Sitting By The Daman Ganga River
Photo: Tushar Bhandari / Unsplash
Don’t forget to go and stop and witness the beauty of Daman Ganga riverfront, one of the things to do in Silvassa. This public site offers unmatched views of the river and its surrounding beauty and serves as a place to not only relax but also participate in recreational activities. Many events like dance and music performances, games and other cultural shows are organised here alongside different morning fitness programs in an attempt to promote health and wellbeing.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Silvassa is one of the most visited destinations, not only within the union territory but also in western India. Its tribal as well as colonial heritage, lush green gardens and sanctuaries, diverse flora and fauna and other cultural sites make it a very popular tourist site. There are a myriad of interesting things to do in Silvassa so you and your travel companions are guaranteed to have a splendid time here. So go ahead and plan your trip to Silvassa with TripXL now for the experience of a lifetime!
Cover Photo: Shreyash Barot / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only