Things To Do
in Silvassa

A multi-dish vegetarian platter featuring dal, rotla/phulka, vegetables, rice, papad and sweets—widely available at local thali restaurants and a good way to sample regional flavors.

Must-Try!

A slow-cooked mixed vegetable specialty from the region, typically made in winter or festival seasons—look for it at local sweet & savory shops during season.

Popular breakfast and snack items: soft, steamed dhokla and crunchy fafda served with chutneys and fried green chilis at roadside stalls and local markets.

Simple preparations using local greens, millets and smoked preparations—try specialty items at tribal craft centers or community-run eateries when available.

Small daily markets and weekend bazaars sell street snacks, sweets and fresh produce; try fresh-cut sugarcane juice, chaat stalls, dhokla, jalebi and local fried snacks.

Shops in the town center sell regional sweets like shrikhand and basundi—great places to sample desserts after a thali.

A polite 'Namaste' with folded hands is common; use Mr./Ms. with surnames unless invited to use first names. In Gujarati, 'Kem cho?' is a friendly 'How are you?'.

Dress conservatively in public and religious sites; women may prefer to cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or tribal areas.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in tribal communities; some may expect a small payment for posed photos.

Remove shoes before entering temples and follow any posted rules regarding photography and offerings.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common. Small tips (a few rupees) for porters, housekeeping or guides are customary.

Cash remains widely used, especially in markets and small stalls. Credit/debit cards and UPI mobile payments are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops—carry some cash for rural areas.

Hot and dry from March to May with daytime temperatures often high—best to plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.

June to September brings heavy rains; landscapes turn lush and waterfalls swell, but roads and some trails can be slippery or flooded—carry rain gear and check local conditions.

November to February offers the most pleasant weather with cool mornings and warm afternoons—ideal for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor photography.

Transition months are comfortable with fewer crowds; spring brings blossom and autumn has clear skies—good times for travel deals and outdoor activities.

Forest trails near Khanvel offer shaded walks, seasonal waterfalls and opportunities for birdwatching—best in post-monsoon and winter months.

Gentle walking routes around the lake provide easy hiking and photographic viewpoints, suitable for families and casual walkers.

Short, landscaped trail loops within the garden ideal for early-morning strolls and casual exploration rather than strenuous hiking.

Small hill tracks and village paths in the surrounding countryside offer half-day hikes with scenic overlooks—hire a local guide for best routes and safety during monsoon.

A significant portion of residents speak Gujarati and follow Gujarati customs, cuisine and festivals.

Due to proximity to Maharashtra, Marathi speakers and cultural influence are present in food and local traditions.

Local tribal communities contribute to the cultural fabric with traditional crafts, festivals and performances—visitors can often learn about these traditions through museums and cultural programs.

Silvassa hosts small manufacturing and industrial units, bringing in workers from various parts of India and adding to the town’s linguistic and cultural mix.

Vegetarian food is abundantly available due to Gujarati influence; most restaurants and street vendors offer vegetarian thalis and snacks, making it easy to find options.

Vegan options are possible but require caution—ask about ghee, milk and curd used in preparations; simple lentil and vegetable dishes are usually safe.

Rice-based dishes and many vegetable curries are gluten-free, but fried snacks and breads like rotla or chapati may contain wheat—confirm ingredients with vendors.

Although many local eateries are vegetarian, non-vegetarian options (including fish and chicken) can be found in select restaurants and at hotels; ask about sourcing if halal is required.