DAMAN AND DIU YATRA Location : Western part of India Political Mark : Union Territory Famous For : Portuguese Monuments Major Attractions : Jampore Beach, Satya Sagar Udyan, Portuguese Monuments

Daman And Diu - Revive The Bygone Portuguese Charm Blended With Gujarati Cordiality

Grand Cannons Still Guarding The Portuguese Heritage In Daman

As you drive off the dusty NH8 towards the cool breezes of Daman, you will be greeted with a cordial Gujarati heart, offbeat from the bygone Portuguese aroma of Western Ghats. Even the lanky palm trees are freakily opulent, rich in green spheres evenly strewn on the candelabra of imperious branches. An erstwhile Portuguese enclave and a picturesque port town, Daman is situated on the Western coast of India, sandwitched between Portuguese posts of Diu to the north and Goa to the south. Burstling with the Mediterranean charms of Goa, but without the hordes of Euro-laden foreign tourists bidding up the prices, so common to Goa, this serene coastal strip offers a rejuvenating ecstasy that thrills sun-bathers, beachcombers, sightseers, monument-lovers and shoppers ad interim.

Within the 72 sq km area there is everything a tourist looks for; gentle winds, soft sands, inviting waters, majestic forts in imposing splendour and sleepy villages nestling cheek by jowl in a dream to be waken someday by the hands of modernity. There is accommodation to suit every taste and pocket. There is exquisite seafood to titillate the palate while modern restaurants satisfy the pleasures of life. All these miracles together with a cheerful fishermen community make Daman a heartwarming place. Come on in, Daman seems to say, everyone’s welcome.

Feel The Kiss of Sands And Kick of Waves

Children Having A Fun Time At Jampore Beach

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.

If you are marine minded, head for the sands of Jampore Beach, located 4 km from the city centre. The waters are safe, there are picnic spots and sunshades, the horizon over the sea looks like a picture postcard and nature puts on a quiet show just for you. Go for a horse ride for a perfect end of your holiday.

Go on A Portuguese Heritage Safari

The Famous Saint Thomas Church In the Evening Sun

Soak up the spirit of the golden times gone by as you stroll down the main street of Daman, garnished with imposing gateways carved with old-fashioned coats of arms and carrying the same old colonial aroma. Look to your right, there is the Governor’s Palace, with its spectacular flight of stairs and its ornate chandeliers, focussed on the pages of time. Relatively undisturbed by mass tourism, Daman’s churches are said to be among the best preserved examples of Portuguese religious architecture in Asia! Visit the Cathedral of Bom Jesu, consecrated in 1603. The sacred church with its golden altar is a gilded wonder of wood and brick. Nearby lie the tree-grown ruins of a Dominican Monastery. The mossy fort walls, beyond the slimy moat in Moti Daman (Bigger Daman) once contained the colossal homes of Portuguese administrators. Walk a bit farther to reach the Lighthouse on the north-west end of the fort, offering the finest views of the shimmering sea. The fountains and promenades at the lake garden at Satya Sagar Udyan make for a good evening stroll before you amble into one of the bustling restaurants for food of different regional varieties.

Moments of Merriment

The seafaring people of Daman look forward to the end of the monsoon to resume sailing in a thirst for action. The unique Nariyal Poornima (Coconut Full Moon Festival) marks the commencement of the fishing season in September. People from all corners of Konkan flock to the seashore to offer coconuts to the gods and is a must see for every international tourist. The whole ambience pulsates with the rhythm of cheerful boat races, swimming competition and cultural shows. You can also participate in water-sport competitions organised by the West Zone Cultural Centre and Daman administration.

Cheerful Nightouts

Though Daman has no distinctive cuisine, dining and wining is the most popular channel to pleasure. Dining tables are dressed up with delicious seafood items that make for the best culinary holiday. Seeing carloads of men driving across the border from Gujarat on every weekend to shake off the cares of the worls is areal pleasure. For along with imbibing Portuguese architecture, Daman has also soaked in Iberia’s nonchalant acceptance of liquor - an easy attitude towards the happy spirits to which the little bars in Little Daman bear witness. Lower excise duties than in Maharashtra mean that your tipple comes cheaper; bottles of your favourite brands makes perfect souvenirs. After a hard day’s tramping around monuments or working on your tan, what better way to enjoy the sunset than with a refreshing glass of euphoria.

Drive Your Way

Vapi, 13 km, is the primary access point for Daman. It is the railhead, the turn-off point on NH 8 (Delhi - Mumbai) and the main feeder station for communications. Daman is only linked by road to the rest of the country. Nestling on the Western Railway’s intricate network, Vapi is well linked to all major destinations of the country via Delhi-Mumbai and Ahmedabad-Mumbai lines. There are frequent intercity express train services from both Ahmedabad and Mumbai, including the premier Shatabdi Express. From Vapi, get into a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach to Daman. For more tourist related information, contact Department of Tourism, Government of Daman and Diu, at Paryatan Bhawan situated opposite the main bus stand.