6 Places to Visit in Daman and Diu

A Union Territory in India with hints of Portuguese influence is Daman and Diu. It stands neighbouring Goa, another beautiful place for tourists. Here are the six places to visit in Daman and Diu

How to Get There

• By Air: Mumbai, Porbandar and Bhavnagar have airports and one can take the road from Porbandar or Bhavnagar to reach Daman and Diu
• By Rail: The Vapi railway station is located at a distance of 12km from Daman and the Delwada station is located close to Diu apart from which there are the Ahmedabad and Mumbai railway stations which are close to Daman.
• By Road: Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Mumbai are well connected by road to Daman and Diu via NH8.

Best Time to Visit

Summer season (March to May) is the time when the temperature is pretty high, nevertheless water sports are a rage. From June to September is the monsoon season when this region receives heavy rainfall and traveling there is best avoided. The best time to visit would be during winter (November to January).

1. Jampore Beach

The Daman and Diu region is very famous for a number of beautiful beaches and Jampore Beach which lies on the southern part of Daman city is one of them. It is clean, serene and the sunset is something to look out for.  People often enjoy horse riding, swimming and a nice long, leisurely stroll in the evening on the beach with seashells on the shore is just amazing. It is a haven for photographers and children have the time of their life playing here.

2. Fort Jerome

Fort Jerome which is on the northern bank of Damanganga River in Daman is a destination which reaches far beyond faith and religion. Eponymous with St. Jerome, this enclosure has a church and a cemetery and the stronghold has retained a few cannons and the mammoth gate which faces the river. The Church of Our Lady of the sea is the most visited place within the fort and has hints of Portuguese style of architecture.

3. Zampa Gateway

Another landmark destination in Diu is the Zampa Gateway. As eccentric as the name sounds, this monument embodies the Portuguese style and the carvings of lions, angel and a priest are very well known and just marvellous.

This medieval marvel has a chapel close to the gateway which has an image of the Virgin and Child and complementary to this there is an artificial waterfall which is like a cherry on top for tourists. There are many transport options available from nearby places to Zampa Gateway, hence tourism just booms here!

4. Devka Beach

Devka Beach provides a different kind of experience for this is a rocky beach in Daman, rough terrain of the shore against the smooth flow of water! It is a duel of sorts. Although swimming and water sports are not popular here, the amusement park, a long stroll on the beach and the musical fountain in the evening are a rage! One can just relax with family and friends and enjoy amazing food, do some photography and watch the azure sky above.

5. Diu Fort

One cannot miss out on the cues of Portuguese influence in Diu and Daman and the Diu Fort which is located near the Collectorate Office in Diu is an iconic one. This is not only a historically significant structure but also showcases military might and beautiful vistas.

The highly impregnable battlements which have double moats, an island’s jail, and chapels and not to mention the massive lighthouse are just mind blowing! There are brass cannons on the fort wall and the St. Thomas Church which is now turned into a museum where one can find Portuguese relics. One must not forget to take photographs from the top of the lighthouse; the view from there is just breath-taking.

6. Somnath Mahadev Temple

Gujarat is known for the Great Rann of Kutch and also for the many beautiful temples! The Somnath Mahadev Temple in Daman is one such temple. The temple is located in Dabhel village in Daman; there are many mythological tales associated with this temple and hence worship and celebration here takes place with great pomp.

The main deity worshipped here is Lord Shiva and interestingly the shivalinga here was supposedly formed as per a monk’s wish. The annual Gangaji Fair and Mahashivratri sees an influx in the number of tourists from all over the world which includes devotees, curious foreigners and a number a number of admirers of the simple and elegant architecture of the temple.

The quaint region bounded by the sea, secluded and serene is Daman and Diu. There is so much more to this place apart from the beautiful, sandy beaches and luxurious hotels. There is history, legend and religion intertwined in one small shell on a huge shore!