We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Can you hear the small waves lapping quietly? See the ripple of water rolling to the coast? Feel the wind comb its restless fingers through your hair and the sand worm its way through your toes? Then you’re experiencing a small slice of the Daman and Diu Union Territory. These twin enclaves were previously a Portuguese colony. Daman and Diu still exude traces of their colonial past, reflected in the iconic landmarks, the architecture and traditions seen in the area today. Old forts and churches stand proudly as a test of time. The water calls out to the curious and the adventurous. Quiet gardens contrast with windy beaches. If you’re looking for the perfect vacation – seafood, sun and sports await you at Daman and Diu.
| Daman and Diu: A Quick View of the state | |
| Capital | Daman (Headquarters) |
| Official Language | Gujarati |
| Dial Code | 02875 |
| Population | 3.14 million (as of 2018) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 112 square km |
If you’ve missed out on your share of sunrays, then make your way to the beaches of Daman and Diu. If you are an adventure junkie, then the curling waves of Jampore beach provide you with enough thrills and chills. Low tides and calm waters invite swimmers, while the more adventurous can indulge in jet skiing, motor boat rides, parasailing and sand biking. The spectacular sunsets at Devka beach draw in those looking for a romantic stroll along the shore. Ghogla beach offers serenity and quiet for those who only want the waves and wind for company. The horseshoe shaped Nagoa beach is fringed with fluttering palm trees, adding a splash of green to this beachy canvas. It doesn’t end there – Daman and Diu are gifted with a wealth of beaches like Jallandhar Beach, Tithal, Chakratirth, Udvada, Gomatimata and more. Do note that the waters at some beaches might not be safe, make sure to consult with locals and do your due diligence before wading into the waters.
The Portuguese left an indelible stamp on Daman and Diu, as evidenced by the number of heritage buildings found in both enclaves. If you are a history buff, every fort will sing a story of its own. Explore the understated charm of the Nani Daman Fort which boasts of three bastions and 2 gateways. Marvel at the massive statue of St. Jerome, which welcomes visitors to the wide and sea weathered fort. If you are looking for the grand and gorgeous then spend a few hours at the Moti Daman Fort. Built by the Portuguese in 1559 AD, the fort features ten bastions and two incredible gateways. Winding their way through the old battered stone of the fort are fresh tufts of greenery, creating an incredible contrast between the old and new. You can also visit the magical lighthouse near the fort that guides ships and guards the coast. If you’re looking for legends, why not visit Fortim-do-Mar in Diu? It is said that fort was once linked to the land by an undersea tunnel.
Holy sites and places of worship have graced the enclaves of Daman and Diu for over 2000 years. The motifs, designs and carvings on the older churches speak of the area’s Portuguese past. Here, cathedrals and churches spear the blue skies and can be found in almost every corner. The crisp white St. Paul’s church in Diu will dazzle you. The sandy curves of St. Thomas Church will charm you. The 17th century Se Cathedral in Daman, wrapped in tidy green lawns will soothe you. Visit the once world-renowned seminary in the ancient Daman Monastery. If you are looking for temples, you will find them in spades. Feast your eyes on the ivory lines of the old Jain temple in Daman.
Let the flavours of Indian, European and African cuisines swirl around on your palette when you visit Daman and Diu. Sea food is king in these areas, so you will have plenty of chances to feast on fresh lobster, fish and crabs. Dig into authentic dishes like Cozido (a Portuguese stew made with beef and pork) or indulge in popular pan-Indian dishes like pav bhaji, chaat and the signature Jetty roll (a local take on the katti rolls). Other than the local cuisine, you will be able to eat your heart out at top-rated restaurants that serve everything from Chinese to Parsee to Punjabi food.
Take back a slice of this wonderful region by exploring and buying the local art and crafts. Here you will find beautifully woven mats, stunningly carved ivory and tortoise shell crafts. The festivals of the area will give an insight into this rich stew of Portuguese and Gujarati culture. You’ll get to view local dances like the Mando dance, Veridgao and the Vira dance – all of which form an important part of the festivals in this area. Garba is especially popular here and people from all communities, faiths and ethnicities come together to celebrate.
Daman and Diu are together considered as a Union Territory of India. While Daman is a small city perched at the mouth of the Daman Ganga river, Diu is a small jewel-like island which lies off the Gujarat coast. Geographically Daman and Diu are separated by the Gulf of Khambat and are approximately 650 kilometres apart from each other, by road. While Daman is locked in Gujarat’s embrace, the Arabian Sea swirls around the borders of Diu.
Click here to view Daman and Diu on Google Maps.
The sun-kissed and sea-bathed lands of Daman and Diu welcome visitors throughout the year because of the pleasant climate in the region. Although temperatures spike to as high as 37 degrees Celsius in summer and drop to as low as 18 degrees Celsius during monsoons, winter is the ideal time to visit. The weather stays cool, dropping down to 10 degrees Celsius. Sea breeze and sun rays – the ideal combination for a relaxed vacation.
About 193 kms away from Daman and Diu territory are the international and domestic airports in Mumbai – all major international and national airlines ply to these airports. Daman and Diu are also accessible through the Bhavnagar and Porbandar airports in Gujarat. From these airports, local taxis and buses are available and you can choose one of them to complete the journey to these enclaves.
Daman and Diu are well connected through the roads. You can take the National Highway 8 and drive to Daman from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
The closest station to Daman is Vapi, which is a mere 12 kms away. If you are looking to access Diu, then Delwada railway station is your best bet. Bigger stations like Ahmedabad and Mumbai, which have a greater number of trains passing through them, are also close enough to Daman and Diu. You will need to complete the rest of the journey from these 2 stations by road.
For 450 years, Daman and Diu belonged to the Portuguese India (a state of the larger Portuguese Empire), along with Goa and Dadra Nagar Haveli. In 1961, Goa, Daman and Diu were folded back into the Republic of India through military conquest. However, the Portuguese refused to consider the annexure of these territories until the Carnation Revolution (a military coup in Lisbon, where the authoritarian regime of the area was overthrown) in 1974. While Goa was granted statehood, Daman and Diu were designated as a Union Territory.
Daman and Diu now reflect two strong influences in their architecture, their heritage and their culture. Let’s explore the delightful meld of the Portuguese past and the present India at Daman and Diu.
null
