DAMAN - gujarat tour

Information on Daman Daman is the tiny union territory which was the Portuguese enclave and situated on the southern side of the Gulf of Cambay. Geographically, Daman and Diu are the part of the state of Gujarat and connected to the mainland of Gujarat by a causeway. The small town of Daman is like Diu which is a tiny island in the Arabian Sea and covers an area of 380 square km. This beautiful island has excellent golden beaches, forts and churches, bazaars, and a booze soaked whimsy that attracts Gujarati and Mumbai weekenders who flock for the cheap booze and sunshine on the Devka beach. Gujarati, Hindi, English and Portuguese are the main

languages which are spoken in Daman. The best time to visit Daman is from September to May. Daman or Damao, an Union Territory was a Portuguese enclave for four centuries and a half till the end of the provincial control in 1961. Daman was the battleground to remove the Portuguese and had seen numerous wars waged against the outsider powers. It had been a blend where races and societies met and blended to yield a colorful character. This heaven of peace, isolation and happiness with its coastline along the Arabian ocean (the Gulf of Khambhat) was once known as Kalana Pavri or Lotus of Marshlands. A laid back little town, Daman is separated by the Damanganga stream. Nani Daman (or Little Daman) in the north and Moti Daman (or Big Daman) in the south which holds something of the Portuguese air in its Government structures and holy places of pilgrim beginnings encased inside a forcing divider. The places of appeal for the tourists are: Church of Bom Jesus: With an overlaid wooden sacred place reredos and podium. The lavishly cut primary south entryway with the hoisted exterior, grandiose roof, adorned with the statues of six holy persons stylize the church. Prepared in the best customs of Roman Church symbolization and structural planning, the congregation devoted to Bom Jesus pulls in both, sightseers and travelers, in substantial numbers. Damanganga Tourist Complex: With facilities of cafeteria, conference halls, cottages, waterfalls, water sports, fountains and garden all at one location, this place assuredly rejuvenates every tourist. Devka Beach: The shoreline presents magnificent amusement to the explorers. The atmosphere is tranquil. Strolling the shore as the waves move at your toes and the visual dramatization played out by nature with ocean turning its shade and the sky reflecting each one passing state of mind has constantly enchanted the travelers. Amid low-tide, one can walk directly into the ocean and gather shells and different stones. The other magnets in Daman are: Fort of Moti Daman, Fort of St. Jerome, Jampore Beach, Light House, Mirasol Resort and Waterpark. History of Daman Daman developed as the Portuguese trading centre from 1531. Much of its early commerce was with the Portuguese territories in East Africa. Later from 1817 to 1837, it was a link in the opium trade chain until this was broken by the British. The Portuguese officially ceded Daman from the Bahadur Shah, the last major Gujarati Sultan, in 1559. Along with Diu and Goa, Daman was taken in 1961 from the Portuguese, who had seized in 1531. With Diu and Goa, it is still governed from Delhi as a Union Territory. Tourist Attractions in Daman The major tourist attractions in Daman are the St. Jerome Church, Church of Our Lady of the Sea, Jain Temple, Fort, Church of our Lady of the Rosary, Devka beach and Jampore Beach. The town of Daman is divided into two parts which are the Moti Daman and Nani Daman. The St. Jerome Church offers colourful views over the fishing fleet. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary has ancient Portuguese tombstones set into its cool, damp floor.  The major tourist attractions in Daman are the St. Jerome Fort, Old Fort, Church of Our Lady of the Sea, Jain Temple, Fort, Church of our Lady of the Rosary, Devka beach and Jampore Beach. St. Jerome Fort The St. Jerome Fort offers views of the colourful fishing fleet. This fort on the northern banks encloses a church and cemetery with still a few cannons on the walls. The nearby bridge often tumbles in monsoon season. The fort has a magnificent gateway facing the river to impress incoming traffic. The Church of Our Lady of the Sea inside the walls is worth visiting place inside the fort. Old Fort The Old Fort contains the ruins of a monastery, Governor's Palace, barracks, hospital and two churches. The eastern side has a moat and drawbridge. Jain Temple The Jain Temple is located to the north of the church. This temple has 18th century murals depicting the life of Mahavira, who lived around 500 BC. Fort The Fort is situated in the Moti Daman area and dates back to 1559. The walls, divided by 10 bastions, encircle the 30 square km of land. Inside are sleepy, leafy streets reminiscent of the Portuguese era and there are relaxing views across the river to Nani Daman form the ramparts near he lighthouse. Moti Daman once housed the Portuguese gentry and near the fort gate is the sometime home of the 18th century Portuguese poet Bocage. Church of Bom Jesus The Church of Bom Jesus was built in 1603 and is a piece of Iberia in India, with elaborate woodcarving. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, across the overgrown square has ancient Portuguese tombstones set into its cool, damp floor. Light filters through the dusty windows, illuminating the altar, a masterpiece of furiously detailed, gold-painted woodcarving. Devka Beach The grubby, rocky shores of the Devka Beach is located about 3 kms. north of the Nani Daman. But the ambience of the place is quiet and easy. The bars and hotels dot the quiet beachside road. Jampore Beach The palm-shaded Jampore Beach is located about 23 kms. south of Moti Daman. This beach is better, but not good for swimming. How to reach Daman By Road Daman has excellent all weather roads linked with the major cities of Gujarat like Diu, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Baroda and even Mumbai. By Rail The nearest railway station is located at Vapi, on the main railway line and is only about 10 kms. from Daman.