Daman & Diu

Daman and Diu is a union territory in India. For over 450 years, these coastal enclaves on the Arabian Sea coast were part of Portuguese India, along with Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Daman

Daman is situated on the west coast of India on the Arabian Sea are exotic locations that are blessed with sun, sand & sea. Due to their Locational advantages, they offer excellent potential for tourist traffic.  It is surrounded by the Kolak River on the north, Gujarat on the east, Kalai River on the south and Gulf of Cambay on the west. The clean and picturesque beached of Daman are very inviting to all the tourists especially the ever tensed and tired urbanites. The easygoing land of Daman is adorned with sun-kissed beaches, the bubbling waves of which portray this sedate land as a dancing diva. Shores of childlike waves running to wash your feet is indeed impressive. Kick back one holiday afternoon at the casuarina-lined Devka Beach, nestling 5 km to the north of Daman. It is a fun to mess with the blackish sands while they tan your body. However, this sandy beach is unsafe for swimming because of the rocky formations underwater. Come here through the bright lights of the restaurants, bars and fancy hotels that promise a rocking evening. The local tourism department has recently developed a beachside amusement park which is a nice option for children to enjoy. Enjoy with your loved ones the forgotten pleasures of childhood by riding the Toy Train and the merry-go-round, located inside the park premises, before you move to fill your appetite with mouth-watering delicacies at the nearby fast-food restaurant and ice-cream parlour.

The amusement park on the Devka beach and Nani Daman rejuvenates and recreates the tourists. The illumination on festive days is a treat to the eyes.

The Jampore beach offers a very silent and serene atmosphere, an ideal place for 'solitude-hunters'. Other tourist places in Daman are Nani Daman Jetty Garden, old churches, forts, lighthouse and a summerhouse.

Places Of Interest:

In Daman, one can visit the Fort of St. Jerome at Nani Daman, where there is a Jain temple as well. The 17th-century-old Cathedral and the Church of Lady of Rosary in Moti Daman are also worth a visit, and one can see the exquisite Portuguese carvings on the walls of these churches. Built in ancient Gothic style, these are a feast for the eyes. The stately Light House, the amusement park and the Gandhi Park at Daman jetty are also places of interest. Among the beaches, Devka beach is the most famous. Others include the Jampore beach, which is of interest to the swimmers and is very near the Gujarat border. The lake garden of Satya Nagar Udyan is famous for its fountains and promenades.

Beaches:

Devika Beach- 4 km, Near Devka Colony, Nani Daman, Jampore Beach-6 km, Near Jampore Village, Moti Daman.

Diu

Pandavas during their fourteen years of exile are believed to have passed a few days at a place known as Mani Nagar (DIU) which was under the Yadavas led by Krishna Vasudeva during Mahabharata period. According to mythology, Diu was ruled by the great king Jallandhar who was a daitya (Demon) and was killed by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan Chakra. The temple of Jallandhar still exists in Diu.

A palm-fringed, largely deserted and secluded beach, Nagoa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in India. The unique shoe-shape of the beach makes it all the more beautiful.

The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is situated off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat bordering Junagadh district. The other equally beautiful beaches are Ahmedpur, Mandvi,Chakratirath, Jallandhar, and Gomtimata all having their own charm and thrill.The word 'Diu' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dweep'. During the period from the 14th to 16th century Diu was one of the best Sea Ports and a Naval base.

Places Of Interest:

In Diu, the Zampa Gateway is of particular interest. It has carvings of lions, angels and a priest and has a chapel inside with an inscription dating back to 1702. The artificial Zampa waterfall is also attractive. St. Paul's Church is the only active church till date. Nearby is the old St. Thomas's Church that has now been taken over by the authorities and converted into the Diu Museum. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been converted to a hospital. The Marwar memorial commemorates the victory over the Portuguese. The massive fort built in 1541 is now weathered and weak. It is of major tourist interest. Other places include Jallandhar and Gangeshwar temple. The Nagoa beach is the most famous in Diu. Gomptimata, Chakratirth and the beautiful Sunset Point are the other famous beaches. The Jama Masjid is also famous.

Excursions:

Girnar Hill, Junagadh-185 kms, Palitana-195 kms, Somnath Temple- 72 kms, Sasangir-128 kms, Tulsi Shyam- 45 kms, , Chorwad- 97 kms, Ahmedpur Mandvi-130 kms.