How
about a holiday with the soft sands, wondrous waters, swaying
coconut canopies, captivating churches and fantastic forts? Welcome
to the dream destination of Daman and Diu. The twin islands
are renowned for their beaches, monuments and exotic liquors.
It is the fusion of the nature and history that comes across at
Daman and Diu.
Daman,
right to the south of Gujarat, the 56-sq-km enclave was taken
from the Portuguese at the same time as Goa. Daman & Diu
have been recognized as a seperate state. There is still a lingering
Portuguese flavour to the town, with its fine old forts and a
number of churches. The beaches at Daman really attract
tourists from all over the world. The amazing amusement park at
Devka beach with its multi colored fountains is worth watching.
Kids love being there and on festive occasions the illuminated
park is a big draw for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. You
may take a pony ride or just beat the heat with a swim. Far away
from the madding crowds is the Jampore Beach. The joy of solitude
and serenity is best felt at the soft soothing sand of the Jampore
Beach. Nani Daman offers a bouquet of tourist attractions like
the Gandhi Park, Daman Fort, the Church and a fishing dock. Close
by is Moti Daman that is a treasure trove of monuments and ancient
structures.
Diu
was a Portuguese colony until 1961 and the European influence
is apparent in the wooden balconies, meandering and leafy lanes,
and a couple of lonely churches. The tiny island of Diu
is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. In Diu the
Chakratirth beach is a must visit place with its open-air auditoriums
and changing rooms. The landscape gardens and the illuminated
hills are a big draw at Chakratirth beach of Diu. The NaGoa
beach rolls in the shape of a horseshoe. Here you will pulsate
with the palms like the other tourists. Other popular and worth
visiting beaches of Diu are Goghla, Kevdi, Gomatimala et al.
The
best options for accommodation at Daman and Diu are Guesthouses
and cottages. For transportation, taxis and auto rickshaws are
easily available. Over here many restaurants serve exquisite seafood.
The destinations of Daman and Diu are well connected with
the other cities. The airport at Daman has flight connectivity
with Baroda and Mumbai. For rail transport there is the Vapi railhead.
Diu is also connected with Mumbai by air. Its nearest railhead
is Veraval. All the major cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat are
well connected with Daman and Diu.
