Weekend getaway from Surat · #4 of 10
Silvassa
Leafy capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli on the Daman Ganga, once Portuguese, with riverside gardens, a lion-safari park and quiet forest roads to Khanvel and Dudhani. Alcohol is legal, unlike neighbouring Gujarat.
Just 130 km from Surat, this former Portuguese outpost is the ultimate green escape: think lush riverside gardens along the Daman Ganga, an easy lion safari, and dreamy forest drives down to Dudhani backwaters.
Getting there
Cruise down the highway to Bhilad, then take the scenic shortcut inland. Not driving? Hop on a train to Vapi (18 km away) and grab a quick cab.
Day 1 - Saturday
Lush gardens, roaring safaris and riverside vibes- 17:30 AMDrive
Drive Surat to Silvassa
Zip south down NH48 past Valsad and Vapi before cutting inland at Bhilad. It is a breezy 2.5-hour cruise door to door.
- 210:15 AMSight
Vanganga Garden
Silvassa's prettiest lake garden, packed with breezy lawns, wooden bridges, and paddle boats. It is super shaded and easy with kids.
📍 Vanganga Lake Garden, Silvassa
Tip · Get in early for quiet paths - the lively picnic crowd rolls in after noon.
- 312:30 PMFood
Lunch in Silvassa town
Khanvel Road is where the feast happens - tuck into Gujarati thalis, tribal chicken, or Portuguese bites. Resort restaurants are your safest bet.
📍 Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- 42:00 PMActivity
Lion safari at the wildlife sanctuary
Hop on the caged safari bus for thrillingly close sightings of Asiatic lions and antelopes roaming the forested park just outside town.
📍 Vasona Lion Safari, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Tip · Safaris run in batches and close one weekday, so have your hotel double-check today's schedule before heading over.
- 54:30 PMSight
Vandhara Garden on the Daman Ganga
Stroll along the tranquil Daman Ganga right next to the town's Portuguese-style resort strip. Perfect for golden-hour riverside walks.
📍 Vandhara Garden, Silvassa
- 66:00 PMSight
Balaji Mandir
Catch the serene evening aarti at this Tirupati-style Balaji temple. It is peaceful, beautifully kept, and a lovely dusk pause.
📍 Balaji Mandir, Silvassa
- 78:00 PMStay
Overnight at a riverside resort
Unwind at a riverside resort with sprawling lawns and pools. Plus, unlike Gujarat next door, you can legally enjoy a sundowner here.
📍 Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Tip · Book a weekend package that includes meals - it is usually the best bang for your buck.
Day 2 - Sunday
Teak canopy drives and breezy lake backwaters- 89:00 AMDrive
Drive the forest road to Khanvel
A 20 km stretch of pure driving bliss winding through thick teak forest and rustic tribal hamlets. One of the region's prettiest routes.
Tip · Take those blind curves gently - you will often share the road with local cattle and bikes.
- 910:00 AMSight
Khanvel riverside
A leafy hamlet along the Sakartod stream enveloped in green woods. Step out, stretch your legs, and soak in the stillness before Dudhani.
📍 Khanvel, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- 1011:15 AMActivity
Dudhani backwaters
Here, the dammed Daman Ganga opens into a huge, hill-framed reservoir. Grab a boat ride with local operators to glide across the water.
📍 Dudhani, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Tip · Boating depends on water levels, so post-monsoon visits will give you the fullest, prettiest reservoir.
- 111:00 PMFood
Lunch back at Khanvel or Silvassa
Grab a quick, no-fuss thali in Khanvel, or hold out for a massive comfort spread back in Silvassa before hitting the highway.
📍 Khanvel, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- 123:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Surat
Rejoin NH48 at Bhilad and point the car north. It is an easy 2.5-hour spin that gets you back home well before dark.
- 135:30 PMFood
Snack halt on NH48
Pull over along the Valsad-Navsari stretch for hot highway chai and sweet roadside chikoos before wrapping up the trip.
Where to eat
Classic Gujarati-Maharashtrian buffets reign supreme here, with several resort kitchens adding delicious Portuguese twists.
A must-try local specialty slow-cooked inside bamboo stalks - call ahead along Khanvel Road to have it made fresh.
As a union territory, Silvassa serves alcohol legally - easily half the reason it is such a hit with weekenders from Gujarat.
When to go
Peak perfection: sunny, breezy days, cool nights, and water levels that make every view pop.
The hills turn glowing emerald and pop-up waterfalls show up everywhere, though boat rides pause and roads get slick.
Good to know
- Do not forget original IDs for resort check-ins since you are entering a union territory.
- Gas up before heading back into Gujarat - union territory fuel taxes mean cheaper rates at the pump.
- Take day two at your own pace; the Khanvel-Dudhani route is all about the vibe and the winding drive, not rushing a checklist.
