The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is wedged between the highly industrialised cities of Mumbai, Surat and Vapi. From 1779 to 1954, the land was administered by the Portuguese colonialists and later, after its liberation, by a local administration until 1961 when it merged with the Indian Union. Silvassa is the capital of the Union Territory.

'Silva' the capital of Dadar and Nagar Haveli, in Portuguese means 'woods' and this can be seen when you visit Silvassa, the tiny, sleepy capital township, with tall trees lining the roads, lush green forests.