Daman and Diu

The two areas of Daman and Diu, situated on India’s west coast, together make one Union Territory of the subcontinent. Because of their coastal positioning and excellent year-round weather, this territory has proven to be popular amongst local and international visitors alike. The official languages are English, Gujarati and Marathi and the capital city is Daman.

The history of Daman and Diu goes back over two millennia, when it was part of Lata, one of the divisions of Konkan Vaishaya. From the first century BCE (Before our Common Era), this area was under the governing of various empires and kingdoms, including the Kushana, Kshaharatas and Gautamaputra Satakarnin’s empires. Then, when the Portuguese explorers arrived in the 16th century, they noticed the value of Daman’s port and saw potential for the transport routes of spices from India back to Europe. From 1523, this area became a Portuguese enclave (which means that its physical positioning was within another territory, but it belonged to Portugal). It remained such until 1961, when it became an official area of India. Portugal did not recognise this annexation until 1974, though. Daman and Diu were declared an official Union Territory in 1987. Because of its rich tribal history and its Portuguese influences, Daman and Diu is characterised by its multiplicity in terms of cultures, religions, customs, art forms, and so on. Many of the older generation still understand and even speak Portuguese, but it is a dying language.

The climate in Daman and Diu is temperate with hot summers, when daytime highs can reach up to between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius. Winter lows do not tend to drop below 10 degrees. However, there is a cool wind that blows off the Arabian Sea during summer, which makes the harsh heat of the sun far more bearable and comfortable. This weather and the Union Territory proximity to the coast make this the ideal summer vacation spot as weary travellers have the opportunity to relax and refresh themselves under the hot Indian sun.

The meeting of Europe and India within the culture of the Daman and Diu residents makes for a fascination fusion of colours, textures, sights and sounds. As with many other Indian cultures, dancing and music are integral to the celebrations and religious rituals of these ones. Many of these maintain the style of the old Portuguese dances and songs, although several have also been adapted to reflect the Indian perspective. The music and performances of the tribal communities usually carry pertinent messages or social and political import with them.

Tourism has become increasingly popular in Daman and Diu for several reasons. This Indian Union Territory is accessible and close to several other epicentres of India. It is beautiful in terms of its natural abundance, showcasing breath-taking vistas and boasting peaceful getaways. In addition, its history means that there are a number of fascinating remains, historical buildings, museums, forts, churches, etc… These are not only reserved for the historically inclined, but are enthralling to a diverse range of visitors.

Some popular tourist sites and attractions include:

• Devka’s amusement park
• Mandvi Beach, Chakratirath Beach and Gomtimata Beach
• Moti Daman Fort
• Nani Daman (with its old-world fort, lighthouse, church and fishing dock, this is a testimony to yesteryear)
• The Fort of Diu
• The Hilsa Aquarium
• The Church of Bom Jesus
• The Gangeshwar Temple

Here is a tourism web site: https://www.tourmyindia.com/

and

Here is government web site: http://www.daman.nic.in/