The short answer
Khanvel and Dudhni Forest Walks: what visitors should know first
Choose this for an easy green day: short riverside and forest walks at Khanvel, then the drive on to Dudhni. These are strolls, not treks. Go between July and February, in the morning.
History and context
The story behind Khanvel and Dudhni Forest Walks
Khanvel lies in the forested south of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, near the 97 sq km Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, while Dudhni grew up beside the lake formed by the Madhuban Dam on the Daman Ganga.
Useful facts
Khanvel and Dudhni Forest Walks facts at a glance
- Location
- Khanvel (20 km) to Dudhni (40 km) from Silvassa
- Altitude
- Low forested hills, roughly at plains level
- Experience type
- Easy forest and riverside walks
- Known for
- Sakartod river, Van Vihar complex, Dudhni lake
- Time or schedule
- Half a day to a full day; best July to February
Why it matters
Why Khanvel and Dudhni Forest Walks is worth your time
Much of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is forest, and Khanvel and the Dudhni road are where visitors from Silvassa most easily feel it. The area is home to a large tribal population and is part of a small but varied wildlife sanctuary.
It suits families who want green, quiet hours rather than a hard climb, and it pairs easily with the lion safari and deer park on the same road. Keep noise down, stay on paths, and take litter back to town.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Sakartod riverside
Easy walks along the river at Khanvel's Van Vihar complex.
- 02
Forest road
A green drive through the hills between Khanvel and Dudhni, with short stops.
- 03
Dudhni lake
The long reservoir behind the Madhuban Dam, a calm end to the day.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Khanvel is about 20 km south of Silvassa on the road past Vasona Lion Safari Park and Satmaliya Deer Park. The Van Vihar tourist complex there sits by the Sakartod river, with a deer park, a greenhouse, a cactus house and riverbank stays. Walk the riverside and the paths around the complex in the early morning, when birds are active and the air is cool.
From Khanvel the road continues through forested hills to Dudhni, about 40 km from Silvassa, where the Madhuban Dam has formed a long lake on the Daman Ganga. Stop at pull-offs on the way for short walks into the trees, and finish at the lakeshore.
These are gentle walks rather than marked trekking routes. For a longer guided trail, ask the forest department in Silvassa about its nature trails, such as the one at Satmaliya.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early for cooler air and birds
- Wear shoes that can handle mud in the monsoon
- Keep to paths inside sanctuary land
- Ask the forest department about guided nature trails
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Khanvel and the road to Dudhni, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Time needed
- Half a day for Khanvel; a full day with Dudhni
- Best time
- July to February; mornings are best
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The walks are short and mostly level near Khanvel's riverside complex, so older parents can choose how far to go and sit by the river. Paths can be muddy in the monsoon, and the forest road to Dudhni is winding.
- Tickets and access
- Khanvel's tourist complex and the wildlife parks along the road have their own rules and fees. Confirm current timings and any fees locally; keep to marked paths inside sanctuary land.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khanvel and Dudhni Forest Walks
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The walks are short and mostly level near Khanvel's riverside complex, so older parents can choose how far to go and sit by the river. Paths can be muddy in the monsoon, and the forest road to Dudhni is winding.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is this a trek?
No. These are easy forest and riverside walks; most of the distance between Khanvel and Dudhni is covered by road.
How far are Khanvel and Dudhni from Silvassa?
Khanvel is about 20 km south of Silvassa and Dudhni about 40 km away.
Are there guided trails?
The forest department runs nature trails in the territory, including one at Satmaliya near Khanvel. Ask locally for current details.
Sources and further reading
- Incredible India: Spirituality and adventure in Silvassa
- Wikipedia: Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli administration: tourism
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
