Daman and Diu, situated on the west coast of India on the Arabian Sea are exotic locations blessed with sun, sand and sea and very easily accessible. They along with Goa were taken back from the Portuguese in 1961. For a time they were governed from Goa, but both now constitute a Union Territory that is governed by the Central Government from Delhi.

Known for their beaches and exotic liquors, these twin towns are a tourist's haven for escaping the cacophony of mundane life. Be it the rich historic past or the faint songs of the anglers, everything in Daman and Diu assist in creating a paradise for one in search of tranquility. The forts and churches of the past, and the pubs of today, combine to engender a strange ambience of nostalgia and experience.

DAMAN

Area: 72 sq. km
Population: 62,101
Main Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English & Portuguese
Best time to visit: September to May

Daman is a picturesque port town hugged by the Arabian Sea and swaying casaurinas. The location advantage of Daman is its close proximity to Bombay, which is just 160km away. The nearest railhead is Vapi, which is just 8kms away. Most of the Express trains from Mumbai to Surat, Baroda, Ahmedabad and Delhi stop here. It is also located close to the National Highway. It is situated in the Surat District of Gujarat.

Daman boasts of a rich historical heritage spanning over more than 2000 years. From 2nd century AD it formed a part of the country known as Lata, which was one of the seven divisions of Konkan Vaishaya. Daman has been a coveted prize for which princes, monarchs and alien powers waged wars. The Portuguese seized Daman in 1531 and were officially cede the region by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat in 1559 and it remained a Portuguese enclave till 1961. There's still a lingering Portuguese flavour to the town, with its fine old forts and churches.

The town is divided by the Daman Ganga River. The Northern section is known as Nani Daman or Little Daman. Most of the hotels, restaurants and bars are located here. The Southern part is Moti Daman or Big Daman. Here, the government buildings and churches are enclosed within an imposing wall. The two sections are connected by the Daman Ganga Bridge over the river.

Daman can boast of a rich and multi-faced cultural heritage. It had been a melting pot, where races and cultures met and mixed to bring forth a multi-coloured identity. Here is a true fusion of cultures - tribal, urban, European and Indian. This ornate amalgam is reflected in the traditional dances of Daman. Various Portuguese dances are well preserved and still widely presented. Tribal dances with caustic social comments are much in vogue.

An interesting feature of the region is the festival of Nariyal Poornima, which marks the commencement of the fishing season. The people of Daman flock to the seashore to offer coconut to the mighty Gods who preside over wind and water. It is a day of joy, feasting and revelry. A variety of colorful water sports and cultural programs are held on the occasion.

Places to See -

Nani Daman - has some interesting sites like Fort of St. Jerome or Nani Daman Fort. The most conspicuous part of the fort is the giant gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome who was one of the most eminent father of the Catholic Church. The principal building inside the fort is the imposing church of Our Lady of the Sea. This Catholic Church is one of the ancient seats of office and has a fine altar with superb paneling. The ramparts are a good place from which to watch the fish market and small fishing fleet which anchors alongside. To the north is a Jain Temple whose inside walls are covered with glassed-over 18th century murals that depict the life of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.

Moti Daman - is a pleasant place to wander around. The place has a sleepy atmosphere and there are fine views across the river to Nani Daman from the ramparts near the Light House. The massive Fort that runs round the settlement like a girdle dates back to 1559 AD. On the Northern side within the confine of the Fort were located the palaces. The Secretariat and other official buildings are located here. There are a couple of churches here. The impressive Se Cathedral dates from the 17th century and is totally Iberian. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary has ancient Portuguese tombstones. Its altar is a masterpiece of intricately carved gold-painted wood.

Church of Bom Jesus - is an early 17th century church dedicated to Bom Jesus and is one of the most impressive holy places in Daman. It was completed in its present form in 1603 AD and is a living tribute to the excellence achieved by the Portuguese architects and artisans in ornate and intricate church buildings. In the early days of the Portuguese rule Bom Jesus was a parish church.

Church of The Lady of Dolorous - located in Moti Daman dates back to the 16th century. It has outstanding architectural features, partly Gothic and partly Byzantine. It has a wide hall of prayer and beautifully carved figures.

Beaches - The beaches of Daman are beautiful and largely unspoiled.
Devka Beach - located about 3km from Nani Daman has a long shoreline. There is an Amusement Park here containing landscaped walkways, fountains and children's playground.

Jampore Beach - located about 3km south of Moti Daman is a pleasant spot. The beach line is broad and even and the solitude and serenity is seldom disturbed. This beach is most suited to swimming. During low tide, one can walk on the soft wet sand right into the sea.

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DIU

Area: 38.8 sq. km
Population: 39,485
Main Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English & Portuguese
Best time to visit: September to May

Diu is a tiny island in the Arabian Sea near the port of Veraval in Gujarat and is separated from the southern extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula by a narrow channel running through the swamp. It is connected to the mainland of Gujarat by a causeway. There are also two tiny mainland enclaves. One of these, where the village of Ghoghla stands, is the entry point to Diu from Una in Gujarat. The total length of the coastline does not exceed 21km. Diu has excellent all weather road links with the major cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Baroda. The nearest railhead is Veraval, which is about 50kms away.

The island of Diu has a long and glorious history that stretches back into legends and mythology. It was believed that Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata spent a part of their fourteen years exile here. Legend has it that Diu was once ruled by the great king Jallandhar who was a daitya (Demon) and was killed by Lord Vishnu with his sudarshan chakra (Disc). Diu was ruled by the Mauryans during 322-320 BC and was the main trade center on the Saurashtra Coast. When the Mughal emperor Humayun attacked the Sultan of Gujarat, the latter entered into a treaty in 1535 with the Portuguese for their help against him. Diu was rewarded to the Portuguese Governor Nuno De Cunha, who constructed a fort in Diu and raised his arsenal. Governor Joao de Castro finally seized Diu in 1546. And like Daman it remained a Portuguese enclave till its liberation in 1961 along with Daman and Goa.

Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea. It is a multi-ethnic society, since time immemorial. Traditionally, they carry on the life pattern of Gujarat and Saurashtra cultural region. Diu is an extension of Kathiawar cultural zone, which influence language, dress, food habits, customs and practices and other cultural elements. The ethnic mosaic of Diu comprises of Hindus, Muslims and the Christians (mostly Catholic).

The people enjoy rich traditional values, with folk dances forming an integral part of the culture. There are two traditional dances, the Gujarati Garbha and the Portuguese folk dances. A grand festival of culture and sporting activities is held for a period of 5 days from 19 to 23 December every year to commemorate Diu's Liberation Day, a good occasion for folk performers and traditional craftsmen to expose their talents and to keep the heritage alive.

Places to See -

Diu Fort - is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the defence alliance concluded between the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. The fort is skirted by the sea on the three sides and a canal on the fourth. On the Fort stands a giant structure now housing a Light House and the Diu Jail. Several canons still stare menacingly from top and some are peeping out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure.

Fortress of Panikota - is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. It can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it also has a light house and small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress makes for a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.

St. Paul's Church - is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Built during the 17th century, the main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs.

Jallandhar Shrine - is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome, contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of the demon Jallandhar is seen. Nearby, is the temple of Goddess Chandrika.

Gangeshwar Temple - is situated 3km away from Diu town in Fudam village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are five lingas here that are located in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, and are washed by the waves of the sea. It is believed that these lingas were established here by the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata during their exile.

Diu Museum - since there was no building in Diu to house the antique status and various stone inscriptions, the old St. Thomas Church was converted into museum. It houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other important artifacts collected from various sites.

Beaches -

Nagoa Beach - a 20min refreshing drive from the town through the open arid land and dense coconut groves brings you to the Nagoa Beach. It is located in the Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada. The beach stretching about 2km from one end to the other is exceptionally beautiful and quiet and its horse-shoe shape is unique. It is safe for swimming.

Ghoghla Beach - is among the six beautiful beaches in Diu District. It also has facilities for water sports like parasailing, water scooters etc.

Chakratirtha Beach - is centrally located and contiguous to the town at Diu. It is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his sudarshan chakra (disc) after killing the demon Jallandhar. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape has been beautifully illuminated.

Gomtimata Beach - is one of the best beaches of the region. Secluded and spread with natural white sand, it is located at the western corner of the island.

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