Daman

Daman

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.

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.

How to reach Daman