DAMAN AND DIU:
Fast Facts
Area: Daman-5.67 sq km Diu-17.76 sq km
Population:
Daman - 35, 743
Diu - 21, 576
Altitude: Daman-12 m, Diu-29 m above sea level
Languages: Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, English
INTRODUCTION:
Situated on the southern border of the state of
Gujarat, off the Saurashtra coast bordering Junagadh district, is the Union
Territory of Daman and Diu. A colony held by the Portuguese for a long period
even after India got independence, Daman and Diu became a part of the erstwhile
Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu in 1961.
When Goa was conferred with statehood in 1987, Daman and Diu became a separate
Union Territory
The word "diu" is derived from the Sanskrit word dweep, meaning island. From the
14th to 16th century, this tiny island (coastal length 21 kms) was one of
India's best sea ports, an important trading centre and a naval base.
Today, it is a serenely beautiful getaway with golden beaches, dense palm-groves
and historical monuments, but minus the commercial exploitation and
environmental degradation that have spoiled so many other destinations.
The union territories of Daman and Diu lie on the
edge of the southern borders of Gujarat, in western India. The northern side of
the isolated island, Diu, facing Gujarat, is made of tidal marsh and saltpans,
while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky coves and
sandy beaches. This wind beaten and somewhat arid island is filled with quarries
built by the Portuguese rulers. The rocky and sandy interior reaches a maximum
altitude of 29 m above sea level, and palms and coconut trees abound on this
island. It is about 786 km from Daman and is bound by the Chasi River on the
north and the Arabian Sea on the other three sides.
Daman is an underdeveloped town with a tropical flavor, and its beaches are very
welcoming. It was earlier called Damao and is bound by the Kolak River on the
north. The northern part is called Little Daman or Nani Daman and is filled with
restaurants while the southern part is called Moti Daman or Big Daman and is
known for its ancient architecture.
Known for their beaches and exotic liquors, these twin islands are a tourist's
haven for escaping the cacophony of mundane life. Be it the rich historic past
or the quaint 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 pleasure.
TOURIST ATTARACTIONS:
There
are several places of tourist attractions in Daman and Diu that are worth
visiting.
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 Se Cathedral and the Church of
Our 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, they are 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.
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.
Weekend Trips/Excursions
There are several places to visit and see around
Daman and Diu that make excellent weekend trip and excursion options. The
1000-feet-high hill resort of Saputara near Daman is quite famous. The name
means the Abode of Serpents and one can see a holy serpent image on the banks of
the river Sarpaganga. To visit Mahal Bardipara Forest Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km)
and the Gira Waterfalls (52 km) Saputara is a popular base.
Fudam, near Diu town, has a big church dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies. At the
western frontiers of the island, Vanakbara has a Church to Our Lady of Mercy, a
fort, a lighthouse, and a fishing fleet.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:
72 Sq. Km.
Population: 62,101 (1991 Census figure)
Climate: Summer
warm
Rainfall: 190 cm
Altitude: 12 metres
Tourist Season:
September to May
Clothing Required: Cotton in Summer, light woolens in
Winter.
Languages Spoken: Gujarati, English, Hindi, Portuguese
Sitting on the peppery sands of Daman-Ganga that flows softly to hug the Arabian
Sea, a few leagues away, is Daman (earlier called 'Damao'), 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. This has also been the home away from
home for the Portuguese till it was liberated in 1961 to form a part of the
Indian Union.
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
splendor, coconut groves, stately palms and sleepy villages nestled on the
creeks!
The people are unique in their diversity and hospitality. Hindus, Christians,
Muslims and Parsees - all live in harmony and make Daman a heart- warming place
- where people, it would appear, know only one language - that spells out
WELCOME in bold. At Daman, mini buses, taxis, auto rickshaws, etc., are
available round the clock for local transport and to the nearest railhead - Vapi
(a 13 km-drive away) on the Western Railway.
THE DAMAN EXPERIENCE:
A Portuguese enclave for four centuries and a half till the close of the
colonial rule in 1961, Daman has been a coveted prize for which princes and
potentates, indigenous satraps and alien powers waged wars. Muted memories of
history lie vaulted in the monuments of Daman gathering the slime of time. It
had been a melting pot where races and cultures met and mixed to bring forth a·
multi-colored identity. Try 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.
Daman 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
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. The Administration of Daman has developed an
excellent Amusement Park at Devka with multi- colored fountains, which are
indeed a tourist's delight.
Jampore Beach is the right place for a quiet holiday. The beach line is broad
and even; the solitude and serenity of this lovely spot is seldom disturbed. The
Department of Tourism has provided facilities in keeping with the ambience.
Close to Jampore, across the Kalai river is the famous, vocational school for
the blind at Tatawadi, Fansa. Daman and Diu
located on the western coast of the Indian peninsula are known as twin lands
that are known for their coconut palms, soft sands and ancient monuments.
These islands are perfect for those who would love to visit the western coast of India for their beach holidays and beach tours. The beaches are a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Some of the popular beaches in Daman that you may visit during your beach holidays and beach tours to this part of India are the Devka beach, Nani Daman and Jampore beach.
Devka beach
|
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. Taxis and auto ·rickshaws are easily available to take you to
Devka. Children enjoy the facility of a pony-ride on the sands. The traveler
can beat the summer heat by taking a swim in the cool-waters of the sea. Be
careful of the rocks under the water. |
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 Casuarina plantation on the
sea-shore.
The Jampore beach is a great place to go to if you love swimming and other water
sports. You can go on pony rides and enjoy fishing at the Jampore beach. During
festivals this beach is lighted up and attracts people from all walks of life.
Nani Daman
Nani Daman is a nice place to go to during your beach holidays and beach tours.
There are a number of places that you can visit during your beach holidays and
beach tours to Daman and these include places like the Daman Fort, Gandhi Park,
a fishing dock, an ancient Church and a lovely lighthouse 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.
There are quite a few beaches located in Diu, India that offer the best of beach holidays and beach tours to west India. Some of these are the Chakratirth beach, Gomatimala, Goghla, NaGoa, Vanakbhara beach and Kevdi.
Chakratirth beach
The Chakratirth beach is a nice place to visit during your beach tours and beach
holidays to Diu, India. There is a ancient Shiv temple and a fabulous sunset
point that form for great tourist destinations in West India.
Nagoa beach
Nagoa is a tiny seaside village and this area is a popular haunt for those on
beach holidays and beach tours to West India. This place has the rustic charm of
an old fishing village.
Gomatimala
This beach holiday spot is located at a distance of 27 kilometers from the main
city of Diu. This beach holiday spot has a vast stretch of white sandy beach
that offers excellent opportunities for those who wish to relax and spend a
quite holiday.
Vanakbhara beach
The Vanakbhara beach is situated at a distance of 5 kilometers from the Nagoa
beach. This sandy stretch is the perfect holiday spot for those who like to
relax and spend a quite holiday.
SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS
Damanganga Tourist Complex :
An unique integrated project with a Cafeteria, Cottages, Conference Hall, Health
Club (under construction), Amphi Theatre, Giant Water Falls, Water sports,
Island Gardens, Fountains which provide the visiting tourist all facilities in
one location. This complex will mesmerize any tourist visiting Daman with its
beauty facilities and size.
Satya sagar Udyan:
About 3 kms. from the taxi park at Nani Daman and very close to the Coast Guard
Air Station, on the Daman-Valsad Road squats a spell-binding lake- garden Satya
Sagar Udyan" with its colourful fountains and shrub-skirted promenades offers an
enchanting view. The restaurant and snack-bar provide a variety of dishes of
different regional flavours. One can unbend for hours on a lakeside seat sipping
soft drinks.
Church of Bom Jesus:
This early 17th Century church dedicated to Bom Jesus 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 Portuguese architects and
artisans in ornate and intricate Church buildings. The richly carved doorway and
the highly decorated interiors together with the lofty ceiling are aesthetic and
pleasing. There are six finely made statues in the best traditions of Roman
Church art and architecture. In the early days of the Portuguese rule, Bom Jesus
was a parish church. The church now attracts both tourists and pilgrims in large
numbers.
Fort of Moti Daman:
The massive Fort that runs round the settlement like a girdle, dates back to
1559 AD. The Colossal structure in the present form encompasses about 30.000 so.
mts. with 10 bastions and two gateways.
Fort of Nani Daman :
The small fort with high stone walls encloses an area of 12,250 so. mt. It has
three bastions and two gateways. The most conspicuous part of the Fort is the
giant gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome and two giant
human figures, on either side of the gateway. The imposing church of Our Lady of
the Sea is the principal building within the Fort.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:
38.8 Sq. Kms.
Population:
39,485 (1991 Census figure)
Climate:
Cool and dry
Rainfall:
70 cm
Altitude:
29 metres from MSL
Tourist Season:
September to May
Clothing Required: Cotton in summer, Light woolen in
Winter
Languages Spoken: Gujarati, English, Hindi, Portuguese
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. It was a sea-port and naval base of considerable strategic importance
from the 14th-16th centuries. It has also been a vital trade link with the rest
of India for traders overseas. Diu was under the sway of Chanda and Vaghela
dynasties till the 14th Century. The Muslim rulers ruled over the island town
till 1380 AD. Then came the mighty wave of invasion of the foreign rule that
lasted for 450 years.
Culture
Diu sports a colourful culture. As in Daman, there is a magnificent mix of
Gujaratis and Portuguese here which reflects on lifestyle and culture. The
friendly fun-loving people of Diu keep alive their priceless heritage of folk
arts by singing and dancing.
Festivals
Garba festival: is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and especially of Diu. It is
normally performed by women dressed in colourful costumes with typical
ornaments, accompanied by singing of song in praise of Goddess Amba. This is the
most popular festival of the region. The colourful costumes, the mesmerizing
music and the graceful steps cast an enchanting spell on the viewers.
Folk Dance festival:
The typical Portuguese regional folk dances of the territory include the Mando
Dance, Vira Dance, the Verdigao in which happiness and the whole life style of
the people of Diu is depicted. In these dances the clean roads, the delicious
food and the traditions of Diu are described. Drink, eat, sing and be merry,
that is the mote of the song and dance. The traditional dances are in slow
motion with the elderly participating in them, but the young are carrying on the
traditions of the old.
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.
Ghoghla:
The Ghoghla Beach is among the six beautiful beaches in Diu District. A tourist
complex built here provides all basic amenities to tourists.
Chakratirath Beach:
Chakratirath Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the town at Diu. This
beach is a popular haunt for locals and domestic and international tourists as
well. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape has been beautifully
illuminated by artificial lighting. An open air auditorium on the sea side of
the hillock stands nearby.
Gangeshwar Temple:
This is situated 3 km away from Diu in Fudam village. A Shivlinga, known as
Gangeshwar, is in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, and is washed by the
tidal waves of the sea.