Daman and Diu

Overview

Daman and Diu, its second smallest union territory of India. It is situated on an island in the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) of the Arabian Sea, off the southern tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula in south-eastern Gujarat state. Diu Island is about 7 miles (11 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide. Daman and Diu with the capital city Daman, is situated on the west coast of India It is known for its magnificent Cathedral of Sé Matriz and its idyllic beauty. Diu fell to the Portuguese in 1535 and remained a Portuguese colony until 1961. Bitter fighting, then broke out at Diu before India was able to assert control of the island. Diu was part of Goa, Daman, and Diu union territory until 1987, when Goa became a separate state of India. Bajra (pearl millet) and coconuts are the major crops; industries include fishing, tapping of the toddy palm for its juice, and salt processing.

Cultural heritage

Daman and Diu has a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2000 years. The people of Daman and Diu follow similar traditions as that of people in Gujarat. It has a multi faced culture which includes dance and music as the essential parts. This place is a mixture of tribal, Indian, European culture. There are various traditional dances performed by women on special occasions like festivals or marriage.

Tourist attractions

Daman and Diu has the most beautiful attractions and provides the best sightseeing opportunities. Some of them are the Fort of Diu, Moti Daman Fort and Damanganga Tourist complex. It even has the most beautiful church and temples like Ganeshwar Temple and Church of Bom Jesus. As far as the beaches are concerned, Daman and Diu has the most soothing and pacifying beaches. Jampore Beach which is an ideal place to listen to the whisper of palm trees and laze around. Adding on, Naoga Beach, a semi-circular beach in Bucharwada village is where visitors can swim or engage in various water sports.

Shopping

Though, Daman and Diu is not a typical shopping hub, but there are some particular locations that offer the most beautiful items. The Maharaja Super Market, Princess Park on Devak Beach are the most popular sites for Daman and Diu shopping. Besides the regular beach items like shells and oysters, there are electronic items, perfumes, toys, leather slippers and hand woven of bamboo mats and baskets.

Food  

Daman and Diu presents plenty of dishes from vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. The people of Daman often engage in dining and wining activities. There are many restaurants on the beach that serve delicious and mouth-watering food. Daman and Diu is one of the few places in India where there is not much tax on alcohol nor there is any restriction on drinking.

Transportation    

Transport in Daman and Diu is well facilitated. Roads in Daman Diu are well established as the tourists can go for long drives and witness the natural setting of Daman and Diu. As far as reaching Daman and Diu is concerned, the tourists can travel by air and by rail. Both of them are convenient and efficient modes of transportation. Local buses, unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws are also available at reasonable prices.