|
 |
| Daman
and Diu |
|
 The
Union Territory of Daman and Diu lies to the south of Gujarat
in western India. Quite well known for their beaches, Daman
and Diu also boast of rich historic pasts reflected in their
forts and churches. Daman is sandwiched between Kolak River
in the north, Gujarat on the east, Kalai River in the south
and Gulf of Cambay (Arabian sea) on the west. Daman is a town
known for its beautiful beaches. Nani Daman or Little Daman
lies in the north, while to the south is Moti Daman or Big Daman,
famous for its ancient architecture. Diu is a small island off
the coast of Gujarat, about 786 kms from Daman, enclosed by
the backwaters in the North and by the Arabian Sea on the other
three sides. South coast of Diu appears picturesque because
of its limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches dotted
with palm and coconut trees. Diu is known for its fishing industry,
salt industry and distilleries. A special rum made from sugarcane
is very popular here. |
|
| GETTING
HERE |
Daman:
Daman airport is in Nani Daman and it has daily flights to Mumbai
and Baroda.
Nearest railhead is Vapi (12 kms from Daman town). Many Delhi-Mumbai
and Mumbai-Ahmedabad trains stop at Vapi. One can get a bus
or a taxi from Vapi to Daman.
Daman is connected by road to Vapi, which is linked to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
National Highway No. 8. Daman is 190 kms from Mumbai, 360 kms
from Ahmedabad and 786 kms from Diu. Vapi and Daman are also
connected to other major cities of India.
Diu:
Diu airport is 6 kms from Diu town. Daily flights connect Diu
to Mumbai.
Nearest railhead is Delwada (9 kms). One can also catch a train
from Veraval (80 kms), which is linked to Ahmedabad, Mumbai
and Rajkot.
By road, Diu is linked to many places in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Una (30 kms from Diu) is a good access point. Una is linked
to Mumbai (930 kms), Ahmedabad (495 kms), Rajkot (261 kms) and
many other cities. |
|
| WHAT
TO SEE |
Daman
There are numerous tourist attractions in Daman - Nani Daman
Fort, Moti Daman Fort, Light House (in Moti Daman fort), Bom
Jesus Church and Our Lady of Rosary Chapel (inside Moti Daman
fort), Our Lady of Sea Church (inside Nani Daman fort), the
Hilsa fish Aquarium, irrigation pond-lake in Kachigam (Nani
Daman), Hathi Park (Moti Daman), Bridge Side Garden (Moti Daman),
Municipal Children’s Park (Nani Daman) and Nani Daman
jetty garden.
Important destinations some distance from Daman include Somnath
Mahadev Temple (village Dabhel), Devka beach (4 kms from Nani
Daman) and Jampore beach (6 kms, suited for swimming).
Undoubtedly, exploring beaches gives maximum pleasure to the
tourist in Daman. The long shoreline at Devka, with its beautiful
and well tended amusement park, musical fountains and kid's
corner has become very popular. When the park is illuminated
on festive days, it provides an enchanting sight.
|
|
Diu
Major tourist spots in Diu are Diu Town (famous for its churches
like St. Paul's Church and Church of St. Thomas, - now converted
into Diu Museum), Diu Fort (magnificent view of the sea), Fort-do-Mar,
Gupt Prayag at Delwada, temple of Gandheswar Shiva, Shaking
Tower at Delwada, Jallandhar temple, Goddess Chandrika temple,
and Fortress of Panikotta (reached by boat, has a light house
and a chapel).
One should also not miss visiting the INS Khukri Memorial in
Diu.
Diu is specially known for its wonderful beaches. Nagoa (8 kms
from Diu town), with its palm lined stretches and unique horseshoe
shape, is without doubt, among the best beaches in India with
facilities for water sports. Other equally beautiful beaches
are Chakratirath, Jallandhar, Ghoghla and Gomtimata. Just five
kms from the town, after crossing the Ghoghla bridge, is the
exquisite Ahmedpur-Mandavi Beach right on the border of Diu
and Gujarat. |
Next
 |
|
