SilvassaA former Portuguese enclave nestled along the Daman Ganga River, known for its lush green woodlands, tribal heritage, and thriving tax-free industrial zones.
Updated November 2026
Local businesses in Silvassa
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Silvassa in one minute
Silvassa — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
The capital of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli district, Silvassa transitioned from a sleepy cluster of tribal villages into a bustling industrial hub. Under Portuguese rule until its liberation in 1954, the town still retains traces of its Iberian past, visible in the whitewashed walls of the Church of Our Lady of Piety. The city is bordered by Gujarat and Maharashtra, making it a unique cultural melting pot.
Modern Silvassa is defined by its scenic Daman Ganga River banks, sprawling gardens, and a highly lucrative tax-exempt manufacturing sector. It serves as the primary gateway to the rich tribal culture of the Warli people, whose distinctive paintings and folk dances are preserved in local museums and celebrated in annual cultural festivals across the union territory.
Fast facts
| Status | Union Territory Capital and District Headquarters |
| District | Dadra and Nagar Haveli |
| Division | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu |
| District population (2011) | 343709 |
| City population (2011) | 98265 |
| Urban agglomeration | ≈150000 — pending |
| Density | ≈3100 per sq km — pending |
| Languages | Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Varli, Konkani |
| Main stations | Vapi Railway Station (VAPI) — 17 km away |
| Nearest airport | Surat Airport (STV) — 135 km away |
| River | Daman Ganga River |
| Sub-divisions | Silvassa, Khanvel |
| District literacy | 76.24 percent |
| Famous for | Warli tribal art, industrial parks, tax-free shopping, Portuguese remnants |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
98,265 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈10,809 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Silvassa
Silvassa beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Tribal Cultural Museum
A curated repository showcasing the lifestyle of local tribes like the Warlis, Koknas, and Dhodias. It exhibits traditional musical instruments, hunting tools, fishing gear, and authentic Warli clay paintings.
Directions ↗Church of Our Lady of Piety
Built by the Portuguese in the late 19th century, this historic stone church features a majestic grey facade and beautifully preserved wooden interiors that highlight colonial-era architecture.
Directions ↗Vanganga Lake Garden
A manicured Japanese-style garden spread around a tranquil lake, featuring wooden bridges, thatched cottages, paddle boating facilities, and paved pathways popular with evening walkers.
Directions ↗Vasona Lion Safari
A dedicated conservation enclosure spanning twenty hectares where visitors can board secured buses to spot Asiatic lions roaming in a natural deciduous forest habitat.
Directions ↗Satmaliya Deer Park
A dense wildlife sanctuary home to several deer species including sambar, chital, and blackbucks, easily explored via forest department open-jeep safaris.
Directions ↗Nakshatra Garden
A unique astro-theme park designed according to Indian astrology, featuring medicinal plants, constellations paths, play areas, and a variety of ornamental shrubs along the river.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Silvassa
Approximate road distances from Silvassa.
Cost of living in Silvassa
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Silvassa's economy
What actually runs Silvassa.
Polyester and Texturised Yarn
The region houses massive manufacturing plants for major textile companies, leveraging historic tax incentives to produce synthetic yarns and fabrics.
Manufacturing ↗Injection Moulding and Packaging
Dozens of units manufacture consumer plastics, industrial containers, and specialized packaging materials distributed across western India.
Plastics ↗Paper Mills and Consumer Goods
Leading packaging board manufacturers and personal care product giants operate automated units utilizing the abundant water supply.
FMCG ↗Speciality Chemicals and Pigments
Medium-scale chemical enterprises produce dyes, industrial solvents, and polymer additives under strict environmental regulations.
Chemicals ↗Formulations and Generics
Several Indian pharma brands run formulation plants here, producing tablets, ointments, and liquid suspensions for export.
Pharma ↗Steel Rolling and Copper Draw
Heavy metal processing units operate furnaces to produce copper wires, steel rods, and structural components for construction.
Metallurgy ↗Famous food & restaurants in Silvassa
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Golden Pond Restaurant
An elegant multi-cuisine venue known for its Gujarati thalis, North Indian curries, and serene ambience near the gardens.
Directions ↗Daman Ganga Valley Resort Restaurant
A rustic, upscale dining room serving authentic Konkani and Portuguese-influenced seafood alongside continental dishes.
Directions ↗Kailash Parbat
A highly popular casual eatery serving North Indian street food, chaat, and traditional South Indian tiffins.
Directions ↗The Bistro at Treat Resort
A modern cafe offering freshly brewed coffee, artisanal pizzas, and continental snacks in a relaxed, green setting.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Kilvani Road Market
The best stretch to purchase authentic Warli paintings, handmade paper bags, bamboo crafts, and traditional tribal masks.
Directions ↗Silvassa Weekly Market
The traditional Sunday bazaar where villagers gather to sell fresh forest produce, local spices, clay pottery, and affordable garments.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Tarpa Festival
A grand cultural celebration showcasing the famous Tarpa folk dance, swimming races, and tribal drawing competitions.
Nariyal Poornima
A traditional festival marking the end of the monsoon, celebrated with offerings of coconuts to the sea and local boat races.
Holi
Widely celebrated by tribal communities with traditional bonfires, community feasts, and unique local mask dances.
Gram Art Festival
An annual event dedicated to preserving Warli art, featuring live painting workshops by master craftsmen.
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FAQ
What is the best way to travel to Silvassa?
The nearest railway station is Vapi in Gujarat, about 17 km away, which is well-connected to Mumbai and Ahmedabad. From Vapi, frequent auto-rickshaws and cabs run to Silvassa.
Is alcohol permitted in Silvassa?
Yes, unlike neighbouring Gujarat which is a dry state, alcohol is legal and sold at concessionary tax rates in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
What are the famous souvenirs to buy here?
Authentic Warli paintings made with rice paste on mud-primed cloth, bamboo crafts, tribal wind instruments, and local handloom fabrics are the most popular purchases.
When is the best time to visit?
The winter months from November to March are ideal for sightseeing, as the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities along the Daman Ganga River are highly enjoyable.