Divided by the Arabian Sea, Daman and Diu are the twin Islands of India. This twin island has many massive forts, white sandy secluded beaches, magnificent cathedrals, many scenic locations and several impressive monuments. The place exudes the subtle old-world charm of its Portuguese colonial era. To experience tranquillity, one should definitely visit these beautiful twin cities.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Daman and Diu#things
- How to plan a trip to Daman and Diu
- About Daman and Diu
- Hotels and Resorts in Daman and Diu
- Useful links
Things to do in Daman and Diu
You might be so occupied exploring the by-lanes and immersing into the culture of Daman and Diu that time will fly. Here are some things to do while in Daman and Diu:
- Rent a bicycle and explore the lanes and immerse yourself in the culture of Daman and Diu.
- Set out on foot to explore the street food in Diu. The place will make you feel alive.
- Engage in some water sports at Ghogla Beach.
- These cities are also popular for decoration items and artefacts that can be found in abundance across stores and street souvenir shops.
Places to visit in Daman and Diu
Despite being separated by the Arabian Sea, Daman and Diu offer a relaxed environment and a beach vacation that can stay etched in your memory forever. Here are some places that you can visit while there.
Places to visit in Daman
A panoramic city, Daman, offers a lot to satisfy the roving eyes of the most avid travellers. Here are some places to visit in Daman:
Beaches of Daman
- Jampore Beach – one of the cleanest beaches in Daman
- Devka Beach – the most picturesque beach in the area. There is an amusement park near the shoreline and a musical fountain near the beach too.
- Moti Daman Beach – one of the quietest beaches in Daman
- Fisherman’s Beach – also known as Vanakbara Beach, the Fisherman’s Beach is famous for fishing boats
- Tithal Beach
Other Interesting places to visit
- Daman Lighthouse – a must-visit for photography enthusiasts
- Moti Daman Fort – A 16th century fort built by the Portuguese and one of the most popular tourist attractions of Daman.
- Dominican Monastery – The oldest ruins in Daman, this monastery stands testament to its ancient heritage.
- Churches and Temples.
Book a Car Rental in Daman and cover all the major tourist spots with minimal expenses.
Places to visit in Diu
Pristine and mesmerizing are two words that can come close to describing what Diu has to offer. Here are some tourist places in Diu for you to consider:
Beaches of Diu
- Ghogla Beach – a relatively unknown and the cleanest beach in Diu
- Nagoa Beach – a white sand beach that is preferred by most tourists
- Jalandhar Beach – named after a demon king Jalandhar who, according to mythology, had killed most of his enemies on this beach.
- Chakratirth Beach – a serene beach with tepid waters and gardens along the shoreline
- Gomatimata Beach – a horseshoe beach with amazing views
- Simbor Beach – is known for its serene environment
Other tourist places in Diu
- Diu Fort – a castle and a fort during the Portuguese rule, it was once one of the Wonders of the World.
- Naida Caves – If you want to experience how thieves from ancient times used caves for hiding and escaping, a visit to the Nadia Caves is a must.
- Shell Museum – a museum dedicated to seashells collected over the years.
- Somnath Mahadev Temple, Daman – an intricately carved temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- St. Jerome Fort, Daman– facing the Daman Ganga River, this fort is steeped in history.
- Mirasol Lake Garden, Daman– for boating and unwinding in lush green surroundings. Book a cab in Daman to visit all these hidden gems with ease and comfort.
- Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, Diu – A lord Shiva temple with five Shiva Lingas. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas from Mahabharata. Book a cab in Diu to visit this ancient Shiva temple.
Book a Car Rental in Diu and cover all the major tourist spots with ease and comfort.
Places to visit near Daman and Diu
Here are some places nearby that you might consider while creating your travel plans:
- Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli – Located at a distance of around 27-30 km from Daman. This place offers further insight into the Portuguese culture and is surrounded by the Western Ghats and mountains.
- Bharuch, Gujarat – Located at a distance of around 174 km from Daman. It is an industrial city steeped in culture and religious festivals. Book a cab from Daman to Bharuch and reach there within 3 hours.
- Somnath, Gujarat – Located at a distance of around 84 km from Diu. This place is known for being a pilgrimage destination and offers a beautiful beach to help unwind too. Book a cab from Diu to Somnath and reach there within 2hrs and 30 mins.
- Gir National Park, Gujarat – Located at a distance of around 67 km from Diu. A popular national park for lion safari, forest walks, and camping in the wild.
[Also read: Places to visit near Mumbai by road]
Shopping in Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu, a union territory located on the western coast of India, offer a delightful shopping experience for visitors. From local handicrafts to fashionable clothing, the markets in Daman and Diu showcase a unique blend of traditional and modern products. Here are some popular shopping places in Daman and Diu:
- Nani Daman Market – Located in the heart of Nani Daman, this bustling market is a haven for shopaholics. You can find a variety of items, such as traditional handicrafts, embroidered textiles, seashell artefacts, pottery, and souvenirs. The market is also known for its leather products, including wallets, bags, and shoes.
- Moti Daman Market – Situated in Moti Daman, this vibrant market offers a range of goods catering to different tastes. From locally made handicrafts to textiles and clothing, you can find an array of colourful items. The market is particularly famous for its intricate lacework, shell craft items, and wooden carvings.
- Devka Beach Market – Located near Devka Beach, this market is a popular shopping destination in Daman. It offers a diverse collection of products, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You can also find decorative items made from seashells, local snacks, and street food stalls.
- Fort Road Market – Situated near the historic Diu Fort, this market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of goods. You can explore shops selling traditional handicrafts, seashell artefacts, textiles, jewellery, and antique items. The market also offers a variety of local spices, pickles, and handmade chocolates.
- Diu Bazaar – Located in the heart of Diu town, Diu Bazaar is a lively market offering a mix of traditional and modern products. You can browse through shops selling handicrafts, textiles, clothing, accessories, and footwear. The market is also known for its beautiful silver jewellery and local artwork.
Nightlife in Daman & Diu
Daman and Diu offer a serene and charming ambience even after dark, providing visitors with a range of activities to enjoy. From peaceful beach walks to exploring vibrant nightlife spots, here are some things to do in Daman and Diu after dark:
- Beach Stroll – Take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil beaches of Daman and Diu. The cool evening breeze, the soothing sound of waves, and the shimmering moonlight create a magical atmosphere. Jampore Beach in Daman and Nagoa Beach in Diu are popular choices for an enchanting beach walk.
- Sunset Point – Witness the mesmerizing sunset views at Sunset Point in Daman or the Sunset Point near Chakratirth Beach in Diu. The fiery colours illuminating the sky as the sun dips below the horizon create a breathtaking experience.
- Light and Sound Shows – Experience captivating light and sound shows that depict the history and cultural heritage of Daman and Diu. The light and sound show at Moti Daman Fort in Daman and the show at Diu Fort in Diu are popular attractions that provide an immersive storytelling experience.
- Night Markets – Visit the night markets in Daman and Diu for a vibrant shopping experience. These markets, such as the Devka Night Market in Daman and the Diu Night Market near Ghoghla Beach in Diu, offer a variety of local products, handicrafts, clothing, and street food. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and indulge in some retail therapy.
- Casino Visit – Daman is known for its casinos, offering an entertaining nightlife experience. If you’re in the mood for some gambling or live entertainment, head to one of the casinos in Daman for an evening of fun and excitement.
- Nightclubs and Bars – Daman and Diu have a selection of nightclubs and bars where you can enjoy live music, dance, and socialize. These venues offer a vibrant nightlife scene, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the company of friends or fellow travellers.
Places to eat in Daman & Diu
Being a coastal town, it is popular for its seafood. However, there is much more to them than seafood. Here are some places where you can eat.
Places to eat in Daman
Here are some of the best restaurants in Daman:
- Miramar Hotel, Devka Beach – Multi-cuisine restaurant, pub, and vegetarian-friendly
- Daman Delite Restaurant, Nani Daman – Indian and Asian food and vegetarian-friendly
- Veera Da Dhaba, Nani Daman – Dhaba-style food with vegetarian and vegan options
- Spice Galleon, Devka Road – Italian, Chinese, Asian, and Indian food
- Mirasol Lake Restaurant, Kadaiya Village – Indian and Asian food
About Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu: The Lotus of Marshlands, a coastal paradise at the southern tip of Gujarat (merged on 26 January 2020) is one of the few un-spoilt, idyllic, and serene coastal destinations in India. Popular as a weekend getaway location, Daman and Diu are steeped in Portuguese culture which ruled it for over 450 years with an eclectic mix of Gujarati and Maharashtrian cultures.
History & Culture
It is believed that the name Daman is derived from the Daman Ganga River that flows through the Union Territory. Also, Diu is probably a translation from the Sanskrit word Dvipa, meaning Island.
Over centuries, the islets of Daman and Diu have been ruled by various powers and finally fell under the control of the Portuguese in the 15th century. They used it as crucial ports for controlling trade in the Indian Ocean. After remaining under their rule for more than four centuries, India finally regained control of Daman and Diu in 1961.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Daman and Diu:
- In pre-modern times, Diu was an important seaport for the spice trade.
- Daman and Diu were freed from Portuguese rule in 1961 via military operation.
- Daman is surrounded by the Valsad District and Diu by the Junagadh District of Gujarat.
- The culture of Daman and Diu is an interesting blend of Gujarati, Maharashtrian, and Portuguese cultures.
- The most popular tourist spots are Nagoa Beach (Diu) and Devka Beach (Daman).
- Daman and Diu are well-known for seafood with lobsters, prawns, and crabs being some local delicacies.
How to Plan a trip to Daman and Diu
The twin island has excellent connectivity with most parts of India by road, rail, and flight.
By Train
Vapi is the nearest railway station to Daman and Diu. The distance from the Vapi railway station to Daman is around 10-12 km. It lies between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and most try plying this route stop at Vapi. You can book a cab from Vapi to Daman and reach there in no time.
By Road
Daman and Diu have excellent road connectivity with most cities and towns in western India. You can rent a car to travel to Daman. Here are some route suggestions:
- Surat – Distance is around 120-125 km. You can book a cab from Surat to Daman and reach there within 2.5 hours via NH48.
- Nashik – Distance is around 150 km. You can book a cab from Nashik to Daman and reach there within 3.5 hours via NH848.
[Read more: Nashik – A getaway like no other]
By Flight
There is no direct flight connectivity to Daman and Diu. The closest airport is in Surat. You can catch a flight to Surat and then hire a taxi from Surat Airport to Daman. You can also take a flight from Ahmedabad and then proceed on your journey.
Best time to visit
Being small islets, the weather in Daman and Diu is cool and breezy around the year. While the temperature during the summer months can range between 23 and 42 degrees C, winters are much cooler with temperatures between 10 and 24 degrees C. This twin island also receives heavy rainfall during monsoon.
Where to Stay: Daman and Diu Hotels & Resorts
Here are some suggestions of hotels and resorts
- The Deltin, Daman
- The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort, Daman
- Hotel The Grand Highness, Diu
- Mirasol Resort, Daman
- Radhika Beach Resort, Diu
- The Gold Beach Resort, Daman
- Hotel Palms, Diu
- Silver Waves Resort & Spa, Daman
- Kostamar Beach Resort, Diu
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Useful links
Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by
