Stretching like a liquid emerald across 15 km of the Western Ghats, Dudhni Lake – officially Madhuban Reservoir – stands as Dadra & Nagar Haveli’s grandest waterbody, formed by the Damanganga River and cradled by lush forested hills dotted with Warli and Kokna tribal hamlets. Located 35 km north of Silvassa, this tranquil reservoir offers speed boating, kayaking, shikara rides, and breathtaking sunset views from hilltop decks. A wild, soul-soothing counterpart to Vanganga Lake’s manicured charm, Dudhni enchants with its misty mornings and tribal drumbeats echoing across the water. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, it is the ultimate nature retreat – ideal for adventure, photography, and peaceful escapes. With 2025 electric boats and the Dudhni Water Sports Festival, this “Sapphire of DNH” is an unmissable destination for anyone craving the untamed beauty of India’s smallest Union Territory.
Key Attractions
Madhuban Dam Wall – panoramic reservoir views
Speed Boat & Kayak Zone – 500+ acres of open water
Tribal View Deck – hilltop overlooking Warli villages
Shikara Jetty – traditional Kashmiri-style boats
Dudhni Amphitheatre – cultural shows on weekends
Butterfly Park – seasonal winged visitors
Children’s Adventure Zone – zip-line and rope bridge
Things to Do
Speed boat ride across the lake (~₹300–500 for 15 min)
Kayak or paddle solo/duo (~₹200–400 per hour)
Romantic shikara cruise at sunset (~₹600–800)
Trek to Tribal View Deck – 30-min uphill walk
Attend Dudhni Water Sports Festival – kayaking races & music (Jan 17–19, 2026)
Photography of misty mornings and golden-hour reflections
Try tribal lunch – jungli chicken or rice bhakri at lakeside stalls
Zip-line over water (weekends only)
Local Culture and History
Created in 1986 when the Madhuban Dam was built across the Damanganga, Dudhni submerged old tribal settlements and created a lifeline for local irrigation. Warli and Kokna communities still fish and perform tarpa dance on the banks. The 2025 electric boat fleet, highlighted by DNH Tourism and X posts, ensures zero-emission rides. Dudhni’s blend of tribal heritage, dam engineering, and natural splendour crafts a uniquely peaceful narrative.
Best Time to Visit
Open 8 AM–6 PM (boating till 5:30 PM), with November to February (winter, 18–30°C) ideal for water sports, Water Sports Festival (Jan 17–19, 2026), and cool breezes. October to March offers perfect weather. Monsoon (June–September) fills the lake to brim but suspends some activities.
How to Reach
By Air: Mumbai (170 km) or Surat (140 km). Taxis ~₹3000–4500.
By Train: Vapi Railway Station (40 km). Taxis ~₹1000–1500.
By Road: From Silvassa (35 km, 1 hour) via Khanvel. Shared jeeps (~₹100), taxis (~₹1200–1800). Parking at jetty (~₹50).
Local Transport: Tourism Department shuttle from Silvassa (~₹200 return).
Travel Tips
Booking: Boating tickets on-spot; pre-book shikara during weekends.
Cost: Food ~₹150–400; taxi from Silvassa ~₹1200–1800; resorts ~₹3000–8000/night.
Dress: Quick-dry clothes; caps; water shoes.
Safety: Life jackets mandatory; no swimming outside marked zones.
Respect Local Culture: Ask permission before photographing tribal people.
Connectivity: Patchy mobile; Wi-Fi at resort.
Environment: No plastic; carry reusable bottles.
Accessibility: Jetty reachable; boats have steps.
Nearby Attractions
Khanvel (15 km) – lush tribal resort area
Bindrabin Temple (25 km) – lakeside Shiva shrine
Satmalia Deer Park (30 km) – wildlife sanctuary
Kauncha (10 km) – Warli cultural village
Vanvihar Resort (on-site) – lake-facing cottages
Explore More
Discover other Dadra & Nagar Haveli treasures like peaceful Vanganga Lake Garden or wild Satmalia Deer Park on our DNH destinations page. Plan your lakeside adventure with indiatourisminfo.com today!
