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Explore ExperiencesDaman and Diu are two small yet enchanting destinations along the captivating coastline of the Arabian Sea. Don’t go by its size, these coastal gems offer a mix of natural, historical, and cultural attractions that will leave you spellbound. If travelling to these two gems has never been on your mind, join us as we explore these places and give you enough reasons to travel to Daman & Diu soon.
Table of Contents
Location Of Daman And Diu
On the western coast of India lies Daman Diu, a union territory in India. Until 30 May 1987, the territories of Goa, Daman Diu were administered as a single union territory but after Goa gained statehood, Daman & Diu became a separate union territory. In January 2020, Daman Diu was merged again with its neighboring union territory, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Daman is located near the southern portion of Gujarat state sharing its border on the north, east, and south sides, while the west border is shared with the Arabian Sea. Diu is located near the port of Veraval in Gujarat and shares its borders with Gujarat and Arabian Sea. These two regions are geographically separated by the Gulf of Khambhat.
Historical Background
From the time of explorer Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India, the Portuguese had full control over Daman Diu. Finally after over 450 years of maintaining their presence, these territories were bought under Indian control in 1961. The architectural designs, cultures, traditions and cuisine of this place still has a Portugal influence on them. Beautiful churches, forts and colonial streets show a fascinating Indo-Portuguese blend that are a testament to the older times.
Book Now: Daman Portuguese Heritage Day Tour From Mumbai
7 Interesting Facts About Daman & Diu
– Though Daman Diu are always mentioned together, physically they are 600 kilometers apart.
– The combined area of Daman Diu is 1122 square kilometers.
– Daman Diu merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 2020 to form a new Union Territory.
– Though Gujarati is widely spoken in both territories, the local dialect contains many Portuguese loanwords.
– Daman & Diu were the longest-held European colonies in India. They were held for over 450 years by the Portuguese.
– Unlike Gujarat, here there are no restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
– Tourism, fishing and small scale industries contribute majorly towards the growth of the economy.
How To Reach Daman & Diu
By Air: The nearest major airport for Daman & Diu is Mumbai Airport as it is convenient for both domestic and international travelers. For people travelling only to Daman, Surat Airport is a better option as it is closer to Daman than Mumbai. Diu has its own airport, Diu Airport (DIU), but flights are available only from Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
By Train: Daman Diu is easily accessible by train. The nearest railway stations are Vapi in Daman) and Delwada in Diu.
By Road: There are well-maintained highways that connect both the regions. Regular bus services that operate from major cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Ahmedabad are best options.
By Ferry: There are plenty of ferry services that connect to Diu from Surat. There are also ferries from Diu that will take you to Daman.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Daman and Diu is during the peak season months between October and March. During this time you can expect mild temperatures with warm afternoons, and pleasantly cool evenings. The pleasant weather conditions are ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. However, be prepared for a large number of tourists as it is the peak season. If you love rain, the months between June to September are also a great time. Check before making any bookings for outdoor activities as most of them might be closed during the monsoons.
Top Places To Visit In Daman And Diu
There are many places in Daman and Diu union territory that’s worth a visit. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions in each of these places.
Daman Top Attractions
Jampore Beach – With so many water activities to enjoy, this beach in Daman is the hub of water sports. It’s also a great place for people who are looking for a leisure vacation. Beautiful sunsets, romantic walks along the shoreline with clear waters is something which you would love to do again and again.
Moti Daman Fort – It is a 16th century massive fort that has plenty of colonial buildings, churches, and gardens inside it. This historic place is a great place to explore the region’s colonial past. There is also a light house from where you can get the entire city views.
Daman Ganga Complex – This complex provides all in one entertainment for its visitors. From gardens to fountains, from rivers to artificial lakes, Daman Ganga has everything to spend some great time with family and friends. The nearby Daman Ganga River is the most chosen place for leisurely boat rides and peaceful strolls.
Bom Jesus Church – To see the beautiful architecture of the 16th century, one needs to visit the Church of Bom Jesus. Its assorted carvings, architectural elements, intricate woodwork, and religious artifacts have a Portuguese influence to it. The serene surrounds of the church adds more beauty to the place, making it one of the best Daman and Diu places to visit.
Diu Top Attractions
Diu Fort – This again is a Portuguese influenced 16th century old-fashioned fort with massive walls, bastions, big Cannons and a double moat. A climb up to its imposing lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. Undoubtedly, the Diu Fort is one of the best attractions here.
Naida Caves – Just outside the Diu port are some natural rock formations that look like caves. These geological structures were used as quarries, tunnels and chambers during Portuguese rule. The excellent display of light through openings in the roof of Naida Caves creates a worthy sight.
Diu Beaches – Diu has some of the most beautiful beaches like Nagoa, Ghoghla, and Jallandhar which are perfect for relaxing, swimming and water activities. Its pristine shorelines with crystal clear waters, and coconut palms makes for a great place to chill and unwind.
Diu Churches – St. Paul’s Church and St. Thomas Church are masterpieces from the 16th century. Its stunning architecture and magnificent interiors with sculptures and wooden carvings narrate the region’s bygone history.
Things To Do In Daman Diu
– With a spectrum of water sports activities available, this island is a perfect go-to destination for adventure seekers.
– No visit to a beach destination is complete without going beach hopping. Since Daman Diu has many unexplored beaches, this activity is highly recommended.
– Catch the sun rising and setting sun over the Arabian Sea from prominent beaches like Jampore Beach and Ghoghla Beach.
– Take a walking tour through towns that look like the ones from the Portuguese colonial era.
– Treat your taste buds with mouth-watering seafood and wash it down with some great wine as this is considered as the best combo here.
– Fill your shopping bags with mementoes and souvenirs purchased from weekend markets to take back home for your loved ones.
Also Read: 5 Pristine Beaches In India With Crystal Clear Water
Conclusion
Daman and Diu in India is a refreshing alternative to mainstream Indian tourist destinations. So, if you are looking for a unique blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, these enchanting coastal paradises are indeed definite places to visit. Do share your experiences with us in the comment section below.
FAQs
Daman & Diu city are both very beautiful destinations with tons of attractions and activities. In comparison with each other, Diu definitely has an upper hand as it is more of a tourist spot while Daman is an industrial town which can be visited as a quick getaway place. Since both the places are in close proximity, it is advisable to visit both the places together.
The primary language spoken in Daman Diu is Gujarati, Hindi and English. You can still see some people speaking in Portuguese, particularly in Diu. There are also some indigenous tribes in the area who speak in their own language.
Diu is relatively a small island, so one day is good enough to cover major attractions. However if you wish to explore Diu in a more relaxed way, a longer stay is recommended.
Daman Diu has different types of accommodation to suit all types of travelers. Budget Stays, Mid-Range Hotels and Luxury Resorts are the different options available.