Daman
The history of Daman reaches all the way back to the Maurya Empire – archeological finds point to its existence during the time of Emperor Ashoka. Centuries later, goes the story, a violent storm at sea diverted a Portuguese ship en route to Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, to the shores of Daman – the beginnings of colonialism. Many battles later with local rulers, the Portuguese conquered Daman in 1559.
To reach Daman, out of state visitors travel to Vapi in Gujarat – well connected on the western railway to the rest of country – from Vapi station, Daman is a 20-minute taxi ride away. The nearest airport is Mumbai.
Damaging River divides the town into two distinct areas – Moti Daman (Big Daman and Nain Daman (Little Daman). Give yourself a couple of days to explore Daman’s Portuguese heritage and beaches.
The moss-walled Fort of Moti Daman dominates the landscape, a massive 30,000 sqm sprawl, whose construction began in 1559 AD and went on till the end of the 16th century. Spend a pleasant morning wandering around the neat, well maintained grounds which house the Governor’s residence, a church, post office, hospital, and nunnery. The quaint cottages were home to the Portuguese gentry. The newish road that girdles the Fort is now a popular promenade.
The large, still impressive ruin visible from the fort wall was once a Dominican monastery and flourishing centre of theological studies; history is silent on how it declined. On the third Sunday of December, a public mass is held to commemorate its patron, Saint Dominic.
The seventeenth century Church of Bom Jesus has a dramatic, beautiful altar featuring painted sculptures of seven Christian saints, set into arches. The glowing, colours, which look as good as new, are thought to be from the original paint. Another nearby church you could visit is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Cross the bridge over the Damanganga to get to the smaller fort of Nani Daman. An impressive statue of Saint Jerome welcomes visitors at the large gateway. The only building of importance that survives inside the fort today is the Church of Our Lady of the Sea. Nani Daman’s fishing jetty is a picturesque hangout.
With Gujarat being a dry state, Daman attracts gaggles of weekenders – hence, the development of facilities like the Damanganga Tourist Complex, catering to just about everyone from family groups to conferencewallahs. The Mirasol Water Park within the Kadaiya Lake Garden features a battery of rides and games.
From pony and camel rides on the beach to tipplers filling up the many restaurants and hotels nearby, Devka Beach sees a lot of weekend action. The waters also hide rock formations; if you prefer quieter places, head to Jampore Beach, where you’re more likely only sighing casuarinas and waves crashing onto the soft sand. It’s safe for swimming too.
