Daman and Diu may sound like names of two brothers of the same mother. They appear to be two neighbouring cities. The sort where, if, we enter one city at one end; we come to the other city at the other end. But they are certainly not. Daman and Diu are very distant places geographically. Their history is the only connecting factor.
I have this thing of getting into details, to have the know how of any matter before proceeding with talking about it… So Daman and Diu’s beautiful history and geography is next before I hit off about tourism at these places.
Daman and Diu was a Union Territory in western India till Jan 26, 2020 after which it was merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli to make a new UT – Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Due to their small landmass, they were merged as one. Daman and Diu was once a Portuguese colony along with Goa. With its capital in Panjim – Goa, Daman and Diu was a Union Territory of India from 19 Dec 1961 to 30 May 1987. In 1987, Goa was given statehood and Daman & Diu was made a separate UT. There is still a lot of Portguese influence in these places in form of architectural structures.
That’s essentially the history of these places and how they have evolved after being freed as Portuguese colonies. Now, Daman is one place that we Mumbaikars love driving upto since it is 193 kms by road. It is a lovely weekend getaway where you can spend quality time away from the city mayhem. There are many beautiful resorts along the Devka beach road. These are the ones we always choose because of a great view from the room and a lovely morning breakfast by the Arabian sea.
One can spend quality time at Jampore beach and Devka beach in the evening. Parking at Jampore beach can be an issue sometimes. They do have an alloted parking lot but taking your vehicle out of it is problematic due to the influx of incoming vehicles and the ensuing mayhem. At other times, it’s a simple affair.
Moti Daman fort is another historical feature since it has a portuguese influence. The lighthouse attracts a lot of tourists at dusk.
The Mirasol Lake garden is an amazing man made attraction here. It takes 2 hours to tour the entire place. There is a toy train ride which will take you around the entire lake. They also have assisted motor boats rides or self peddled boats to enjoy some good time over the lake. Entry charges to this Lake garden is very nominal. Boat rides are paid for separately once you decide to use the facility.
Diu is not that near to Mumbai nor Daman. The distance between Diu and Mumbai is 817 kms by road, a journey of 17 hours via NH 48. Air travel from Mumbai airport to Diu airport is approximately 1.10mins, aerial distance is 269 kms. Train journey doesn’t take you directly to Diu. Nearest train station is Veraval which is at a distance of 63 kms from Diu itself.
The Church of Bom Jesus in Daman is a Portuguese church. There are many other attractions in Daman. We love this small coastal city, its cuisine and the people and our hassle-free stay.
Daman to Diu by road is 657 kms, a journey of approximately 13 hrs. Remember the two brothers theory at the start!! Diu is at a 100 kms distance to Somnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlings. A journey that we have been meaning to undertake but it still evades us. Somnath would be our 3rd jyotirling darshan.
Diu has a number of beautiful beaches namely the Jalandhar beach, Nagoa beach and the Chakratirth beach. The vast shoreline ensures a good time with your loved ones. Jalandhar and Chakratirth are mainly rocky beaches so one must be careful while treading the sharp rocks. Apart from the beaches, there is Diu fort. It’s a very old historical fort built by the Portuguese. A visit here will surely enhance your experience to Diu.
St. Paul’s Church is a beautifully maintained structure with an amazing interior. It’s a very old yet living Church built during the Portuguese rule. There are many other attractions in Diu, a start towards it will help u find them.
Daman and Diu with it’s amazing location and well maintained architecture is totally worth visiting. These are GEMS in India’s vast treasure chest.
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