Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Tradition and Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli:

It is mainly populated with different types of tribal people namely Varlies, Koli, Kokana, Dhodia, Dublas, Naika and Kathodi and they have their own traditions and culture. As it bordered with the States of Gujarat and Maharashtra the traditions and culture of this place is almost similar to these states. The people over here celebrate their own traditional festivals. Dadra and Nagar Haveli also offer some specialty cuisines that are not only popular among the natives but are also loved by the tourists and have found a place in the restaurant menus across the country. Just as the culture, the food here is also influenced by its neighboring state, Gujarat. Even the salty and spicy vegetables and cuisines prepared here have a tinge of sweetness. Some of the famous cuisines of the region include bamboo shoots, mushrooms, pulses, gamthi, paunk, ubadiyu, khaman dhokla and doodh pak. People here also love having rotis prepared with different flours.

• Akha Tij: This is a small festival of the women community of the Kokhna tribe.
• Barash: The tribes of Kokna and Varli celebrate this festival of Barash during Diwali. They celebrate this as a festival similar to Diwali.
• Raksha Bandhan and Divaso: With a belief that Goddess Kali's good spirit is invoked in the villages during crop harvesting, this is a popular festival of the Dhodias.

Must Visiting Places of Dadra and Nagar Haveli:

• Lion Safari Wildlife Park: True to its name, this park is mostly visited for the lion safaris here. It is a part of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading over an area of 25 hectares. It is also home to the Asiatic Lion.
• Vangana Lake: Vanganga Lake situated amidst the Island Gardens offers paddle boat rides for its visitors as well as a peaceful setting with flowerbeds and lush green gardens around the lake.
• Island Garden: Placed around a lake, this place can leave you spellbound for hours with its quaint wooden bridges, pretty thatched huts and paddle boat rides. The sea of flowers and the path within it provide an enjoyable track for joggers and health freaks.
• Hirwa Van Gardens: Literally meaning Green Forest, this name is a perfect description of this place. Hirwa Van Garden is a popular picnic spot with cascading waterfalls and colorful flowerbeds interspersed amongst the lush green gardens offering its visitors with mesmerizing sights.
• Tribal Museum: The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is predominantly inhabited by the tribes of the region. The museum showcases their ornaments, musical instruments, fishing and hunting gadgets, agricultural and house hold articles and several other artifacts.
• Dudhni: It is one of the major family picnic spot situated at a distance of 40kms from Silvassa. One can experience various leisure sports and enjoy the scenic beauty of this place.
• Khanvel: A quiet and serene place 20 kms to the south of Silvassa, Khanvel is a popular tourist destination among nature lovers. It makes for a perfect getaway for those who want to holiday the lazy way, not doing much, just being there, getting lost in the quietness of the valley and in the process relaxing and refreshing themselves with the proximity to nature. A crystal blue river flowing by, a forest with rich biodiversity in close proximity, ancient history and the tales of the eras gone. Khanvel has all this and more in store for you.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli also offer some specialty cuisines that are not only popular among the natives but are also loved by the tourists and have found a place in the restaurant menus across the country. Just as the culture, the food here is also influenced by its neighboring state, Gujarat. Even the salty and spicy vegetables and cuisines prepared here have a tinge of sweetness.Some of the famous cuisines of the region include bamboo shoots, mushrooms, pulses, gamthi, paunk, ubadiyu, khaman dhokla and doodh pak. People here also love having rotis prepared with different flours.