A quiet tiny township nestled in the Sahyadris, Silvassa is engulfed in lush greenery that beckon travelers. Capital city of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Silvassa is made of over 70 villages and is located between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Once a stronghold of the Portuguese, it has green forests covered with tall trees, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, tiny tribal huts and some rare flora and fauna. Apart from sanctuaries, gardens, lakes and rivers, Dadra-Nagar Haveli is rich with history and culture. Dilapidated ruins of huge havelis with intricate carvings are a reminder of a glorious historical past. Old churches and temples standing side by side speak of the harmonious co-existence of different religious faiths. The onset on monsoons, covers Silvassa in multiple shades of greens. Watch the tall trees as their leaves glisten with the rain drops. If you’re traveling at this time, remember to carry your rain-proof shoes and an umbrella or a raincoat.

• Tribal Cultural Museum: A must-visit here, the museum has on display a large number of tribal artifacts. You can explore here the vast world of tribal life. Watch some of the most exotic tribal ornaments, masks, hunting tools, fishing gadgets and even musical instruments. The walls are decorated with sharp arrows and mighty bows, as well as daggers, shields and rustic armors. A highlight of this museum – especially watch out for the clay and plaster models that depict the tribal lifestyle.

• The Church Of Our Lady of Piety: This magnificent church was a construction of the Portuguese and is known for its lavish architecture and a tall steeple.

• Vanvihar Tourist Complex: Deriving its name from the local deity, Hirva, this complex is situated 25Km from Mumbai Silvassa in Khanvel. The Sakartod River runs through the valley and with its green meadows and native-styled cottages it’s absolutely mesmerizing. The misty waterfalls and rusted stonewalls with twin arches make you want to stay even longer.

• Vanganga Lake: 5 kms from Silvassa, this forms one of the most pristine sights. A site for several film shootings, the placid lake offers an option of paddling through or just walking along its rustic wooden bridges.

• The Lion Safari Park: One of the few places where lions aren’t caged, this park is located at Vasona and is home to the Asiatic lion. Especially notable is the Lion Safari here, which covers a 50-acre area and provides a fabulous driving experience.

• Water Sports Complex: Located on river Damanganga at Dudhni, this water sports complex is another major attraction. The vast expanse of water spread sets your spirits soaring high and you can also get a breathtaking view of the Madhuban Dam. Head out for a ride on the motor boat or simply rent out a rowing boat or canoe.

A place as visited as this, Silvassa is brimming with several newly opened eating places. While the best food to try out would be the local cuisine, there are many restaurants serving the usual fares of OF Chinese and Continental. Madhubani Restaurant and Bar in Ras Resorts, serves an excellent selection of Indian, Chinese, Continental & Gujarati cuisine. Kamat-ni-Wadi at Silvassa Resort also has a wide choice of Punjabi, Chinese and Continental meals. Try out Polo Grill a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar and for pure vegetarian food head out to Hotel Woodlands.