DAMAN

a picturesque port town of indescribable loveliness. So near Mumbai, yet far from its maddening crowd, Daman an erstwhile Portuguese enclave, and a picturesque port town, is a popular getaway for most city dwellers. Within its 72 sq. km, there is everything a tourist looks for: gentle winds, soft sand, inviting waters, historic churches, majestic forts in their imposing splendour, coconut groves, stately palms and sleepy villages nestled on the creeks !

Specialities

Daman once and you'll be drawn to this scenic spot again and again. Pest, repose, fun and laughter with friendly and hospitable people: Daman is non-pareil. It has, what it takes and more, to gratify the whims of sun bathers, beachcombers, sight-seers, swimmers, monument lovers, shoppers and ultimate escapists ! There is exquisite sea food to satisfy the palate : pomfret, prawn, dadha, Bombay duck, crab, the list is endless; while the quaint bars and modern restaurants satisfy the pleasures of life.

Beaches And Resorts

The beaches of Daman are beautiful and unspoilt. Devka sea face and Nani Daman afford excellent recreation to the tourist These beaches attract travelers from far and wide and some of the biggest hotels in Daman are in the vicinity.

Devka: The long short-line at Devka has always fascinated the tourists. The beautiful and well tended amusement park with its musical fountain and kid's corner has become very popular, attracting bus loads of tourists every weekend. When the park is illuminated on festive days, it provides an enchanting sight. Most of the food joints and posh hotels am just within walking distance. 

Jampore Beach : Towards the south, Jampore Beach leads on to the border of Gujarat. It is a pleasant spot, where one communes with nature in sublime solitude. This beach is most suited to swimming as it is danger-free. During low-tide, one can walk on the soft wet sand right into the sea. Don't miss a picnic with your family in the shade of Casurina plantation on the sea-shore.

Nani Daman : Nani Daman offers some wonderful sites to the traveler: Gandhi Park near Nani Daman jetty, Nani Daman Fort and the church inside and the fishing jetty where boats are anchored to name a few. The tourist crosses over to Moti Daman through the Daman-Ganga Bridge where an old world of broad roads, the massive Fort, the stately Light House, Gardens, Historic Monuments and ancient Churches in Gothic style provide a feast to the aesthetic taste.

Festivals

Daman can boast of a rich and multi-faceted cultural heritage. Dance and music am very much part of the daily life of the people of Daman. Here is a true fusion of cultures-tribal, urban, European and Indian. This ornate amalgam is reflected in the traditional dances of Daman. Various forms of Portuguese dance are still popular. Tribal dances with caustic social comment are very much in vogue.

Nariyal Poornima: Nariyal Poornima marks the commencement of the fishing season and the people of Daman flock to the sea-shore to offer coconut to the mighty Gods who preside over wind and water. Nariyal Poornima is a day of joy, feasting and revelry Hundreds of tourists come to Daman to witness a variety of colorful water sports and to attend the cultural programmes.

Christmas: Daman explodes with light, laughter song and dance during the happy season of Christ's Nativity. It is a season of good-will and fellowship. The Administration of Daman celebrates Christmas as part of its tourism promotion programme and people from far and wide come to witness the fascinating Portuguese dance and to taste the well-known Christmas cookies of Daman.

DIU

Diu is a beautiful blend of sun, sand and sea. It is an island retreat gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea. It offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. History: Diu a former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union Territory is steeped in history.

Sightseeing

Nagoa Beach : If you are not keen on sightseeing, take a 20-minute refreshing drive through open arid land to dense coconut groves to reach the semi-circular Nagoa Beach in Bucharwada village. An exceptionally beautiful and quiet beach, . it has various facilities for water sports. It is also safe for swimming. Plenty of Palm Hoka trees whisper and sway here in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings give you peace and pleasure beyond expression. 

Jallandhar Shrine : Jallandhar Shrine is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome and contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of Jallandhar is seen. Nearby there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of 1 km from Diu Town. St. Paul's Church: is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Begun in 1601, the church was completed in 1610. 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, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been illuminated by floodlights adding to the evening city glow. 

Diu Museum : The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have been collected from various sites and displayed. Diu Fort: Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort of Diu occupies a prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. 

Fortress of Panikota : The 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 lighthouse and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. Located in the middle 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.