District Daman

Daman earlier called 'Damao', is situated on the west coast of India, surrounded by Valsad district of Gujarat on the north, east and south and the Arabian Sea to the west. Daman lies at the mouth of the Daman Ganga River. Major industries have factories here. It is situated at 20-22'-00" to 20-27'-25" latitude north of equator and between meridian 72-49'-42" to 72-54'-43" longitude and is famous for its beach, Portuguese architecture, and church, and for the scenic beauty in the twin cities of Nani-Daman and Moti-Daman, which lie opposite each other across the Daman Ganga. The chief occupation has been fishing. The city of Surat lies to the north, and Mumbai lies approximately 160 km (100 mi) south of Daman on the Arabian Sea coast in Maharashtra state. The district has an area of 72 sq.km, and a population of 113,949 (2001 census), which increased 83% between 1991 and 2001. In the district of Daman, the important field and garden crops grown are paddy, Ragi, groundnut, pulses and beans, wheat, banana, sapota and mango. The net sown area is about 3727 hectares which forms about 67% of the districts geographical area.

Climate

Daman is having a pleasant climate all over the year. In summer, Daman is blessed with cool breeze coming from over the Arabian sea. Maximum Temperature is 39 degree centigrade and minimum is 11 degree centigrade. The average annual rainfall is 1687 mm. Beginning September & culminating May is the perfect period for exploring and fascination of this wonderland.

How to reach

By Air

Nearest airport is Bombay- 193 kms.

By Train

Nearest railhead is Vapi- 12kms

By Road

Vapi, which lies on Mumbai-Ahmedabad NH no.8 connects Daman by road to Bombay 193 km, Ahmedabad 367 km, Diu 763 km & Panaji via Bombay 787 km. Regular S.T.Bus services are available from Vapi, Bhilad and Valsad.

Places of Interest at Daman

Historical Places

Fort of Moti Daman

The massive Fort that runs round the settlement like a girdle, dates back to 1559 AD. The Colossal structure in the present form encompasses about 30,000 sq.m with 10 bastions and two gateways. The Fort is protected by a moat on the land side and also connects the river to the sea. It is basically polygonal in plan with projections at regular intervals of about 500 feet and carrying splayed angular bastions. The parapet above the fortification walls is without merlons but is provided with loop holes. The terraces close to the top of the wall are connected to the top of the wall are connected to the inner ground surface by open flight of steps at many places. All along the inner wall, there are barracks for defense personnel's. The inscription above the southern (land) gate mentions that this gate along with the bastions adjacent to it was completed in 1581 AD. after the Mughal invasion in Akbar's reign. The inscription on the Northern (sea) gate gives the date of 1593 AD. for the completion of the Fort wall. On the Northern side within the confine of the Fort were located the palaces, the Secretariat and other official buildings. A large number of Portuguese gentry and their families resided within the Fort.

Fort of Nani Daman

The small fort with high stone walls encloses an area of 12,250 sq. meters. It has three bastions and two gateways. The most conspicuous part of the Fort is the giant gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome and two giant human figures, on either side of the gateway. Nani Daman offers some wonderful sites to the traveler : Gandhi Park near Nani Daman jetty, Nani Daman Fort and the church inside and the fishing jetty where boats are anchored to name a few. The tourist crosses over to Moti Daman through the Daman - Ganga Bridge where an old world of broad roads, the massive Fort, the stately Light house, Gardens, Historic Monuments and ancient Churches in Gothic style provide a feast to the aesthetic taste.

Amusement Parks

Damanganga Tourist Complex

An unique integrated project with a Cafeteria, Cottages, Conference Hall, Health Club (under construction), Amphi Theatre, Giant Water Falls, Water sports, Island Gardens, Fountains which provide the visiting tourist all facilities in one location. This complex will mermerise any tourist visiting Daman with its beauty, facilities and size. It is 8 kms away from the Taxi Stand, Nani Daman. It is about 5 kms from Vapi Station. Auto Rikshaws are available.

Kadaiya Lake Garden

A Wholly man-made wonder offering a variety of cuisine, the restaurant excels in the panoramic view it has to offer. There is a lake surrounding the two islands connected by a bridge. Fountains and beautiful boats add to the remarkable greenery which meets the eye in every direction. Various interesting features like computer games, toy train make it a favorite family tourist spot. The Kadaiya Lake Garden is a famous tourist spot for shooting of many films. It is just 7 kms away from the Taxi Stand, Nani Daman. Auto Rikshaws are available.

Mirasol Water Park

Enjoy Go-Carting, Jumper-Boat, Striking Car & other Thrilling Rides at Mirasol Water Park situated within the Kadaiya Lake Garden. It is just 7 kms away from the Taxi Stand, Nani Daman. Auto Rikshaws are available.

Jetty Garden, Moti Daman

A beautifully designed riverside garden located at the bank of Damanganga river, Near Jetty, Moti Daman. With attractive fountain, fun rides for children, river faced seating and a cool green lawn the garden offers a joyful evening for all age groups. It is just 2 kms away from the Taxi Stand, Nani Daman. Auto Rikshaws are also available from Nani Daman Taxi Stand to Nani Daman Jetty and from Nani Daman Jetty a 2 minutes journey through boat.

Beaches

Devka

The Long shore - line at Devka has always fascinated the tourists. The beautiful and well tended amusement park with its musical fountain and kid's corner has become very popular, attracting bus loads of tourists every weekend. When the park is illuminated on festive days, it provides an enchanting sight. Most of the food joints and posh hotels are just within walking distance. Taxis and auto rickshaws are easily available to take you to Devka. Children enjoy the facility of a pony - ride on the sands. The traveler can beat the summer heat by taking a swim in the cool waters of the sea. Those who are not very familiar with the beach at Devka should kindly take note that rough rocky formations are there beneath the water level. It is just 5 kms away from the Taxi Stand, Nani Daman. Auto Rikshaws are available.

Jampore Beach

Towards south, Jampore Beach leads on to the border of Gujarat. It is a pleasant spot, where one communes with nature in sublime solitude. This beach is most suited to swimming as it is dangerfree. During low - tide, one can walk on the soft wet sand right into the sea. Don't miss a picnic with your family in the shade of Casurina plantation on the sea - shore. It is about 6 kms away from the Taxi Stand, Nani Daman. Auto Rickshaws are available from Nani Daman Taxi Stand to Nani Daman Jetty and from Nani Daman Jetty a 2 minutes journey through boat to Moti Daman Jetty. From Moti Daman Jetty it is 5 kms. Auto Rickshaws are available.

Temple

The Somanath Mahadev Temple

The Somanath Mahadev Temple is an important place of worship in Daman. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated in the village Dabhel. It is believed that the Shivalinga was miraculously originated at its present place on the request of a monk who was a true devotee of Shiva. This miraculous incident is believed to have taken place in the19th century, which induced people to hold this place as holy place and they built a small temple. It was rebuilt in the year 1972-73 with glass decorative. It is a pleasant spot connected by good roads. Every year there is a fair organised here known as 'Gangaji Fair'. Other important tourist places in Daman are irrigation pond-lake in Kachigam, Nani Danan jetty garden and Hilsa summer house near Hilsa fish Aquarium.