Dadra & Nagar Haveli is a union territory in western India, consisting of 2 geographical entities. It has an area of less than 500 square kilometers.

Silvassa, Capital of the Union Territory

Nagar Haveli is wedged between Maharashtra state and Gujarat state. Dadra is a smaller area surrounded by Gujarat. Silvassa is the capital city of this Union Territory. Daman Ganga River flows through this union territory.

This union territory was part of Portuguese India till 1954. In 1954, residents of Nagar Haveli and Dadra conquered the territory. They requested administrative help from the government of India. An I.A.S. Officer was sent as the administrator, who continued till 1961. In 1961, the Indian military took control of Goa, Daman, and Diu, the other Portuguese possessions in India. At this time, K.G. Badlani, an I.A.S. Officer, was temporarily assigned as Prime Minister of Dadra and Nagar Haveli for a single day, to sign an agreement to merge the territory with India. He signed an agreement with Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India. Thus it became part of India, as a union territory.

In 1974, a formal treaty was signed by India and Portugal to confirm the sovereignty of India over Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli.

This union territory has an area of 491 square kilometers. It is rich in flora and fauna. Nearly 40 percent of the Union Territory is covered by reserved forests. It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

How do I Go to Dadra and Nagar Haveli?

Vapi railway station in Gujarat is around 18 kilometers from Silvassa, the capital city of the Union Territory. Mumbai is the nearest city with an International airport, approximately 180 kilometers away. Surat is around 140 kilometers from Silvassa. There is a domestic airport at Surat, which is connected to Delhi and Mumbai.