Silva, in Portuguese means woods. And this can be seen when you visit Silvassa, the tiny sleepy capital township. Tall trees reaching for the heavens line the roads. Off the beaten track, little cottages back in the warm sun or lie in

sun or lie in the shadow of the trees. In Silvassa, you can see traces of the Portuguese rule, an old church…

The tribals constitute 80% of the total population of the territory. The main tribes are Dhodia, Kokna and Varli with small groups of Koli, Kathodi, Naika and Dubla scattered over the territory

The Varlis are a tribe of non Aryan origin, who lived in the country, near the Vindhyas and Satpuras from where they came south, towards Konkan

The traditional dress of the Varli men, consists of a loin cloth, a small waist coat and a turban. Lugden, a one yard saree worn by the women is tied around the waist, and is knee length. A separate piece of cloth used is known as Padar. The women adorn themselves with silver and white metal ornaments.

Only 5 kms from the capital town Silvassa is one of the most beautiful lake garden. The rustic wooden bridges, sea of flowers, jogging paths, thatched huts, paddle boats – it’s a right mix of romantic mood for the honey-mooners!

Drive 20 kms away from Silvassa on a road lined with tall trees in midst of forest, it is Khanvel. The beautiful verdant land surrounded by lush green hills beckons you with its rolling meadows, terraced gardens, cottages in native style and river Sakartod flowing past it.

Another 20 kms drive from Khanvel is Dhudni where the large waterfront of river Damanganga provides breathtaking view of the water spread of Madhuban Dam.

The men wear ornaments such as earrings, and silver chains around the waist. The women adorn themselves with colourful bead necklaces and other silver ornaments. They wear metal bangles on their hands and thick metal kadas around their ankles

The Koknas derive their name from Konkan, a region in Western India, which extends from the coast to the foothills of Western Ghats.

The men and women are well built. The men wear dhoti up to the knees, a waist coat or shirt, and a turban on their head. The women wear colourful knee length or full length sarees. The Kokna men and women often tattoo their forehead, and other part of their body.

Kathodis are Katkari as they are called in the neighbouring Thane district of Maharashtra, are considered to occupy the bottom rung of socio-economic ladder of the tribes.

They lead a forest life. Tribal men and women are fond of ornaments like necklaces, noserings, earrings, anklets, waist and armbands mostly made up of white metal or silver. Necklaces made up of coins called ’Ganthla’ is very popular with the women folk. Varli and Dhodia women also adore themselves with the necklaces of glass bead.