Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Location: Western India, consisting of four separate districts:

Dadra & Nagar Haveli (landlocked enclave between Gujarat and Maharashtra)

Daman (coastal enclave in Gujarat)

Diu (island off the coast of Gujarat)

Merged Territory: Since January 2020, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu function as a single union territory.

Language: Gujarati, Hindi, English (commonly understood in tourist areas)

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone: IST (Indian Standard Time) - GMT+5:30

Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather, ideal for beaches), April-May (shoulder season with fewer crowds), June-September (monsoon season with lush greenery, fewer crowds, but limited outdoor activities)

How to Reach:

Air: Nearest major airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.

Train: Vapi Railway Station is the nearest major railway station for both Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

Road: National Highway 8 (NH8) connects both territories to major cities in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Places to Visit:

Dadra & Nagar Haveli: Silvassa (capital), Vasona Lion Safari, Tribal Museum, Island Garden Dadra, Moti Masjid, Satmalia Deer Park

Daman & Diu: Daman (beaches), Diu (beaches, Diu Fort, St. Paul's Church, St. Thomas Cathedral, Gangeshwar Temple Complex), Mirasol Lake Garden (Daman)

Things to Do:

Dadra & Nagar Haveli: Explore tribal culture, wildlife safaris, boating, trekking, enjoy local cuisine

Daman & Diu: Water sports (jet skiing, parasailing), scuba diving/snorkeling (Diu, seasonal), heritage walks, relax on beaches, casinos (Daman, age restrictions apply), banana plantation tours, Ayurvedic treatments, participate in festivals

Visas: Foreign visitors require a valid visa to enter India. Visa requirements can vary depending on nationality. Check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for details.

Currency Exchange: Currency exchange facilities are available at airports, major cities, and tourist destinations.

Safety: Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu are generally safe destinations. However, exercise normal precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables safe.

Local Customs and Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious places. Bargaining is common in local markets, but do so respectfully.

Packing Essentials: Comfortable clothing for various weather conditions (light clothes for summers, light jackets for winters in Dadra & Nagar Haveli), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear (if planning beach activities), comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent (monsoon season).

Additional Information:

Four Wheel Drive India (FWD) can help plan your trip, create a personalized itinerary, and arrange transportation, accommodation, and activities.

This is a union territory with a blend of Gujarati and Portuguese influences reflected in its culture, cuisine, and architecture.

Enjoy your trip to Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu!