Silvassa

Silvassa
Silvassa Location of Silvassa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Coordinates	20°16′N 73°01′E / 20.27°N 73.02°E / 20.27; 73.02
Country	India
Territory	Dadra and Nagar Haveli
District(s)	Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Population	21,890 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 32 m (105 ft)
Codes • Telephone • +0260 • Vehicle • DN -09

Silvassa pronunciation (help·info) (Marathi: सिल्वासा, Gujarati: સેલ્વાસ) is the capital of the Indian Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The city has a large number of factories and industries providing significant government revenue, which allows the city to maintain a low level of taxation.

Geography

Silvassa is located at 20°16′N 73°01′E / 20.27°N 73.02°E / 20.27; 73.02^[1]. It has an average elevation of 32 metres (104 ft).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census^[2], Silvassa had a population of 21,890. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Silvassa has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 68%. In Silvassa, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age. Marathi and Gujarati are the main languages spoken.^[3]

Silvassa is also considered to be the home of Warli culture. Warli is the language spoken by the Warli people which is basically a mixture of Marathi and Gujrati languages with a local twist.

Silvassa is famous for its natural beauty with number of beautiful gardens. Shooting of well known Hindi movie "Phool aur Kante" has been done here. The Lion Safari and Vasona Deer Park are new upcoming tourist attractions. The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a paradise for trekkers.

Silvassa also has a considerable number of Roman Catholic Christians as it was a part of the Portuguese colonies in India along with Goa, Daman and Diu for many centuries. A distinct Indo-Portuguese culture has evolved and is clearly distinguishable.

Industry

Far from being a tribal region, it has now developed into a full blown industrial hub. With major industrial houses setting up manufacturing bases in the region. The initial tax free status granted by the Govt. of India to boost industrial investment in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli has greatly contributed to the industrial growth of the region.

With groups like Sterlite, Hindalco, Gulf, Castrol, Reliance Industries, Blue Star, Global Wind Power(Reliance ADAG), Hindustan Unilever, and host of other players in the field of Textiles like Alok Industries Limited, VRIL, and many other FMCG, Gensets, Electronics, Heavy Engineering goods, Chemical, insecticides, Paints, to name a few, the landscape of Silvassa and surrounding region has altered dramatically. It is one of the largest states in collection of Excise duty from more than 3500 small & medium industries.

Silvassa is also a host to more than 200,00,000 floating population, coming from all parts of the country, mostly the labourers hail from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar & Orrisa. Other floating community being from the state of Maharashtra, Gujarat, kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan.

Due to the mixed population of the city, it is a city in transition struggling to establish it's true identity. Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi being largely spoken by the population.

Transport and Connections

Silvassa, even though being a manufacturing hub lacks very much in transport. The local transport is provided by Gujarat State operated Buses. The roads are very poor and ill maintained. There is no railway in Silvassa. The only way to access Silvassa is by getting down in Vapi railway station which is 17 km west of Silvassa and getting either an auto or a bus. The local transport is mainly catered by auto and Mini-buses, both privately operated.

Places of Interest

• Roman-Catholic Church located near to Bus stand built on Portuguese style.
• Silvassa Museum- a small museum which explains the history and the people of Silvassa.
• Lion Safari- Supposed to be good if you get a glimpse of lion.
• Madhubhan-A dam with boating facility, built across River Daman Ganga.
• Dadra Park- A scenic beauty with lush green trees and boating facility, 5 kms from Silvassa.
• Dudhani- A vast lake having water sports complex. A must see for all Silvassa goers. Located at 35 kms from Silvassa.
• Vrindhaban-A temple dedicated to lord Krishna and Shiva, en route Dudhani.

Boarding & Lodging

Silvassa attracts more people every year both for Business and Leisure visits. To accommodate the increasing growth of visitors Silvassa has many hotels, lodges and resorts. Many good lodges are available just around Silvassa Bus stand.

For those who wanna enjoy the stay, there are some high end resorts on the banks of river Daman Ganga and one near Dadra park.

There are many decent hotels which offers the entire Indian cuisine range.

Education

Silvassa has some very good schools and colleges, the missionary school started by the Agnelo group, i.e Fr. Agnelo English School is one of the oldest convent school run by the Our Lady of Piety.

The Rotarct Club runs the Lions English School, whereas new schools like Prabhat Scholars Academy and Kendriya Vidyalay & Swaminarayan school have also started to over quality education to the ever growing population of Silvassa. jjkk

References

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www.silvassa.com

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