Daman is another place of India where West meets East. The Portuguese ruled here for over 400 years and so, the Portuguese culture is predominant here. The town has an unspoiled beauty and it lies at the mouth of Daman Ganga River. The place is a treat to explorers and it is a cultural and historical heaven. The churches and forts are built in Portugal style which offers an insight into the bygone time. Daman offers a refreshing time from the chaotic city life. The city is divided by the river into two parts- Nani Daman and Moti Daman. Ironically, Nani Daman is larger in the area and is more modernized where as Moti Daman still retains the old flavour.
How to Reach:
Vapi station is the nearest railhead which is 12 km away from Daman. Vapi is well linked with rails to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Superfast and Express trains like Shatabdi Express between Ahmedabad and Mumbai stop at Vapi. Outside the station, taxi and auto rickshaws are available at negotiable rates. It takes only 20 minutes from Vapi station to reach this city.
Where to Stay:
You can explore the exotic beach by staying at resorts and hotels in Daman with tariff. Sandy Resort, Hotel Miramar, Silver Sand, Dariya Darshan hotel, Hotel Searock, Gold beach Resort are some of the popular resorts which have swimming pools, gym facilities, well-maintained restaurant, park for children, Wi-Fi, etc. Hotel Brighton, Hotel Gurukripa, Hotel Sai Regency, Hotel Uma Shakti are some of the cheap yet good hotels in Daman.
What to do:
Paragliding, water skiing and rock climbing are some of the great adventure sports. You can visit Vaibhav Water World with family and friends. Kids will love the place. A very popular amusement park at Vapi is a good place to enjoy. You can also engage yourself in shopping at the local market and also have a glimpse of the nightlife here. Some restaurants-cum-bars are open after midnight also.
Where to Eat:
Most of the eateries are present in Nani Daman. Popular among them are Damao Pequeno Jetty Restuarant, Udupi Pure Veg Restuarant, Friends Bakery, etc. In Moti Daman, Garden restaurant of Dariya Darshan Hotel offers good food besides a spectacular view of Devka beach.
Places to visit:
Jetty Fort Nani Daman, Church of Bom Jesus, Jalaram Temple, Fort of St Jerome, St Paul's Church, Jampore Beach, Kevdi Beach, Gomatimala beach and the villages located around the city. You can also plan a tour to Dadra and Nager Haveli which is 47 km away from Daman. The tribal museum here offers an insight into the local tribal community.
Dance and Music are very much part of a Damanite's life. This place is a fusion of European, Indian, tribal and urban cultures. Throughout the year, it enjoys a pleasant climate with a maximum temperature of 39 degree Celsius. September and May are the favourable time to visit.