The union territory of Daman and Diu are located in Western India. The city of Daman and the town of Diu are each considered an enclave of the union territory. However, these two enclaves are not next to each other. The Gulf of Khambhat separates the two, which means you can’t quickly drive back and forth between them. You will have to consider flying, riding a train, or taking the bus.
To travel to Daman and Diu by airplane, your first destination should be Diu. You’ll first have to start from the city of Mumbai which is located in Maharashtra state. There are 6 flights from Mumbai which travel to Diu Airport each week. Once you arrive, you can explore Diu island and see all the attractions that are there. Then when you want to go to Daman, you should fly back to Mumbai and then take a train about 180 kilometers north to Vapi. This is a city about 20 kilometers to the east of Daman. From there, you can take a taxi, public bus, or auto rickshaw to get to Daman. There are usually taxis available at the Railway station. If you want to take the bus, it is roughly a 5-minute walk to the bus stand from the railway station. The stand is located on Main Bazaar Road.
For hundreds of years, Daman and Diu were under the power of Portugal. This all started after the Portuguese army arrived in the Indian state of Goa sometime around the year 1539. Their power over the enclaves lasted all the way up until the year 1961. That was when the Indian government gathered up their military forces and reclaimed the enclaves from the Portuguese. Ever since then, the enclaves have been a territory of the union government of India. At first, Goa was considered an enclave just like Daman and Diu. This all changed when the Indian government made Goa into a separate Indian state in 1987.
Daman and Diu have turned into pretty popular tourist attractions. They are both coastal enclaves which means beach lovers alone will have a reason to go there. The Arabian Sea has stunning blue waters which are great for swimming, boating, and even fishing. But what’s even better is the cuisine because there is a mixture of Portuguese foods and Indian foods. Plus, its coastal position means that restaurants have a lot of seafood choices. During festivities and special occasions, you’ll see food dishes such as dhakanu, dudh-plag, potaya, lapse, and puri.
There are a variety of attractions at Daman and Diu, some are manmade while others are natural. The man-made attractions are typically historical sites which date back hundreds of years. The natural attractions are really anything that is waterfront, such as the beaches. There is one beach in Daman called Devka Beach which even has its own amusement park. When festivals are taking place there, the whole park is lit up with attractive lights and other illuminating items. Of course, if you would prefer to just lay around on the beach underneath some palm trees, then go to Jampore Beach.
Aside from the busy nightlife and beaches, the territory is filled with a lot of old churches and forts. In Daman, the Bom Jesus Church still stands after it was finished being built in the year 1603. Its unique Roman architecture will sure make you feel like you’re living in the 17th century. The church was built by artisans from Portugal who carved rosewood to make the church’s altar and the detailed gateways on the ceiling. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll definitely be able to appreciate the architecture and the craftsmanship of those who designed it.
In Diu, you can begin your visit there by checking out the Zampa Gateway. This huge red structure was built sometime during the Middle Ages based on its style of architecture. On the walls of the gateway, you can see artistic carvings of angels, priests, and lions. There is also a chapel inside of the gateway that was constructed sometime around the year 1702. It contains a picture of the Virgin Mary and her child. Another attraction near Diu is the Gangeshwar Temple. This is actually a Hindu shrine that was created to honor the Hindu deity known as Lord Shiva. Many Hindus travel to the spot each year to pray and worship their god. But, as a tourist, you’ll be impressed with how the temple was carved from a rocky cave and allows for breathtaking views of the ocean nearby.
Back in Daman, you will certainly notice a tall lighthouse structure as you travel along the coastline. This lighthouse is positioned next to the Daman Ganga Bridge which leads into the Moti Daman Fort that was originally constructed by the Portuguese. Out of all the attractions in Daman, the lighthouse is definitely one of its most popular landmarks. And despite being hundreds of years old, the lighthouse is still completely functional and serves as a legitimate guide for boats and ships at sea. As for the fort, it is about 30,000 square meters in size and contains centuries-old architecture that is truly amazing. There is even evidence of a moat and bastions previously being used around the fort to protect it from outside enemies.
The weather of Daman and Diu stays fairly warm throughout the whole year. That is why tourism stays very consistent during the year. However, if you want to travel to this union territory to witness the festivities and holiday celebrations, then you should plan your trip sometime between the months of October and March. Not only are there celebrations on the beaches, but the temperatures and climate will be the best at this time as well. Also, bring some extra spending money to purchase souvenirs and gifts because there are a lot of street vendors who sell all kinds of original items that are unique to their culture. They will certainly allow you to remember this trip and the wonderful and interesting sites that you saw along the way.
