Daman and Diu were formerly the Union Territory of India together. This union territory encompassed two separate districts on the Western Coast of India. Diu includes an island located off the southern coast of the Kathiawar Peninsula of Gujarat. It also encompasses a tiny region on the mainland. The Daman town located in the Daman District was the capital of this Union Territory. However, the two districts became part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Thereafter, the union territory was renamed Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Through this blog post, I would like to share everything you should know about Daman and Diu before you plan your visit to this Union Territory.
Daman and Diu – An Introduction
On the Western Coast of India lies Daman and Diu, two different districts. They offer a combination of colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and cultural heritage. Indeed, this region is presently a Union Territory, but it retains its Portuguese Charm. You can check out my travel stories here.
You will be surprised that Daman and Diu are at least 650 km away from each other. Still, they are spelt together. Damanganga River separates Daman again into two. They are Nani Daman and Moti Daman. Diu is a bridge-connected island that is popular for its history and beauty.
History of Daman and Diu
The history of Daman and Diu is intertwined with Portuguese Colonisation. The Portuguese arrived in this area during the early 16th century. They were attracted to its strategic location and potential for trade. These two districts along with Goa turned out to be among the important Portuguese settlements in India. They used these regions as administrative centres and ports. Here are more details about the history of Daman and Diu:
Daman
For more than 400 years from 1559, Daman was under Portuguese control. The Portuguese owned this district until 1961. During the Colonial Period in this region, the city was a key trading hub. Even today, you can see its buildings, churches and fortifications reflecting the Portuguese architectural style. You can gain insights into the colonial rule in this region from the Daman Fort, which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. This fort continues to be one of the important places to visit in Daman,
Diu
Not only Daman but also the history of Diu is marked by Portuguese influence. In 1535, Diu was captured by the Portuguese. It continued to be under their control until 1961. Similar to Daman Fort, Diu also has a fort that remains one of the key landmarks. This fort was constructed by the Portuguese to safeguard their territory from invasions by Mughal emperors. The old churches and the fort in Diu continue to be among the key attractions for tourists. They offer a glimpse into the colonial past of Diu.
In 1961, the government of India conducted a brief military operation. Following this, Daman and Diu were freed from Portuguese rule and became part of India. However, even today, you can find the remains of the Portuguese era in these two places. These two places give you insights into Portuguese traditions, culture, and architecture. So, they are unique destinations combining European and Indian influences.
How to Reach Daman and Diu?
You can choose to travel by air, train, or even bus to Daman and Diu. Here is a small guide to reaching these two destinations:
By Air
Diu
Diu airport is the nearest airport located on Diu Island itself. However, this airport has restricted direct flights from major Indian cities. However, from Mumbai, you can take an Air India flight to reach Diu directly.
Mumbai International Airport is the airport you can reach if you are travelling from other parts of India. This international airport has connecting flights not only to Indian cities but also to international destinations. From this airport, you can take the Air India flight to reach Diu. From Diu Airport, the distance to Diu is just around 7 km. So, you can hire a taxi or auto to reach Diu. Otherwise, you can also rely on public transportation buses to reach Diu from the airport.
Daman
The nearest airport to Daman is Surat International Airport. From this airport, the distance to Daman is around 129 km. You can cover this distance by hiring a taxi from Surat Airport. Daman has an airport for itself. However, it is not used for public transportation. It functions as a military base.
By Train
In case, you plan to travel by train to reach Daman and Diu, here is what you can do:
Diu
The nearest railway station to Diu is Veraval Railway Station. The distance from this railway station to Diu is around 90 km. If you cannot find direct trains to Veraval from your city, you can reach other major railway stations like Mumbai, Rajkot or Ahmedabad. From these cities, you can find direct trains to Veraval.
From Veraval Railway Station, you can find taxis and buses to Diu. The journey will take around 2 to 3 hours from the railway station to reach Diu.
Daman
The railway station located close to Daman is Vapi Railway Station. From this railway station, the distance to Daman is around 12 km. This station is connected well to major cities like Surat, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. In case you cannot find direct trains to Vapi from your city, you can book train tickets to one of these cities. From there you can find direct trains to Vapi.
From Vapi Railway Station, you can find auto-rickshaws and taxis to take you to Daman. You can reach Daman from this station within around half an hour.
By Bus
If you intend to travel by bus to reach Daman and Diu, you can follow the tips given below:
Diu
You can find direct buses from Rajkot and Ahmedabad that will take you to Diu. Many private and government buses are operated from these two cities to Diu. Buses generally take you via Rajkot and Veraval. If you are travelling from other cities in India, you can reach Rajkot or Ahmedabad by any mode. From there you can rely on buses to take you to Diu.
Daman
Many state-run and privately operated buses run from Mumbai to Daman. A bus trip from Mumbai will take around 3-4 hours. Buses from Mumbai, generally take the NH48 route and reach Daman through Vapi. Similarly, direct buses are operated from Surat and Ahmedabad to take you to Daman. From both these cities, buses pass through Vapi to take you to Daman.
Key Attractions & Things to Do in Daman and Diu
Here are some key attractions and things to do in Daman and Diu. As mentioned earlier, Daman is divided into two. They are Nani Daman and Moti Daman. Let us first know the key attractions in Daman before Diu:
Daman
Nani Daman
Nani Daman Fort
Otherwise called St. Jerome Fort, this is a 17th-century fort located in Nani Daman. The key attraction here is the stunning views of the Arabian Sea tourists can get. Also, the fort houses a lighthouse and church. They are ideal spots for photography.
Jampore Beach
With its serene ambience and calm waters, Jampore Beach never fails to attract tourists. It is a great place to swim, picnic, and enjoy a leisurely day by the sea.
Nani Daman Jetty
This popular tourist attraction in Nani Daman is set up across the banks of the Damanganga River. The key attraction here is that it offers opportunities for visitors to participate in different activities. For instance, you can visit the Church of our Lady of the Sea, Saint Jerome Fort, estuary, local stalls and Jetty Garden when you are here.
Mirasol Garden Visit
For a lively fun-filled experience, you can consider visiting the Mirasol Lake Garden. You can find a lot of adventure activities for kids and adults here. The added serenity and tranquillity of the lake garden never fails to impress visitors.
You can expect a lot of surprises here. The garden takes on a different dimension with its artificial azure-blue lake. Paddle boating in this lake is an enjoyable experience. The garden also has a toy train for the kids to ride on.
Place Your Prayers at Samudra Narayan Temple
The Samudra Narayan Temple is believed to have been built 300 years ago. This temple is popular for its tranquil ambience and marvellous architecture. The interesting thing about this temple is that it was built by Portuguese rulers and not Hindu kings. However, they did this to appear in the Hindu community. Near this temple, you can visit other attractions as well. A few of these attractions include Dudhni Lake, Vanganga Lake Garden, The Tribal Cultural Museum and Vandhara Udyan.
Moti Daman
Moti Daman Fort
Moti Daman Fort is a huge structure with thick walls, a church and bastions within its premises. If you love history, you will love this fort for sure. From this fort, you can get excellent panoramic views of the nearby areas.
Devka Beach
Devka Beach is popular for its rocky coastline and black sand. This beach in Moti Daman is ideal for evening strolls and enjoying the sunset.
Apart from these attractions, Daman has many other attractions and things to do. So, you can expect a complete package of fun and excitement when you visit Daman.
Diu
You can consider visiting the following places when you are exploring Diu:
Diu Fort
This is one of the most iconic places to visit in Diu. During the 16th Century, this fort was built by the Portuguese. Apart from the stunning views of the sea, you can spend time watching the remains, cannons and Diu Museum within the fort complex.
Nagoa Beach
This is again, one of the key attractions in Diu. This beach apart from being popular for its pristine waters is known for its horseshoe shape as well. This beach is ideal for sunbathing, water sports or just relaxing by the sea.
Gangeshwar Temple
Standing near Nagoa Beach, Gangeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a unique temple. This beach temple has five lingas submerged in Nagoa Beach. This happened because high tides washed away the lingas.
Naida Caves
You will be surprised to know that these caves look like labyrinths. They are formed by natural rock formations. If you love to take some unique pictures during your Diu trip, you should not miss out on visiting this place.
When it comes to activities in Daman and Diu, you have opportunities for water sports. Also, you can engage in heritage walks and local market exploration.
Best Time & Season to Visit
The best time to visit Daman and Diu is during the winter season. Yes, the months between October and February will have ideal conditions to explore these two places.
Duration to See
To explore the key attractions in Daman and Diu, you can plan for a three to four-day trip. In case, you plan for a more relaxed vacation, you can consider staying for a week.
Best Restaurants & Cafes
Daman
- Spice Galleon at The Gold Beach Resort
- Veera da dhaba
- 19Sixtyone Restaurant & Bar
- Gurukripa Restaurant
- Emperor Restaurant
- Daman Delite Restaurant
- Hotel Miramar
Diu
- O’Coqueiro Restaurant
- The Cats Eye Restaurant
- The Floatel- Managed by Lords
- Apana Foodland
- Khajura Bar & Restaurant
Where to Stay? Best Resorts in Daman and Diu
Daman
- Silver Waves Resort & Spa Daman
- Pride Elite, Daman
- Hotel Ocean Inn
- Praveg Jampore Beach Resort
- Raspberry Breeze
Diu
- Azzaro Resort & Spa
- Ginger Diu, Jalandhar Beach
- The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort
- Kostamar Beach Resort
- Rainbow Resort
FAQ
Do I Need a Permit to Visit Daman and Diu?
No specific permit is required for Indians and foreign tourists to enter Daman and Diu.
Can I Explore Daman and Diu on a Budget?
Yes, you can find budget accommodations, public transportation and affordable eateries. So, exploring Daman and Diu on a budget is highly possible.
Is Any Cultural Festival Celebrated in Daman and Diu?
Yes, two festivals are highly popular in the union territory. They are the Festa De Diu and Daman Festival. These festivals are celebrated with utmost enthusiasm. You can learn about local traditions, dance and music when you participate in these festivals.
If you would like to visit many union territories in India, my posts might help you:
Top 15 Things To Do in Puducherry
Lakshadweep Guide – A Guide for you to plan your Lakshadweep Tour Soon
4-Day Delhi Itinerary – A Journey Through History, Culture and Flavour of Delhi
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