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City in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India
Photo: Pradeep717, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Daman (Gujarati: દમણ Damaṇ, Portuguese: Damão) is a city and an enclave within Gujarat, on the west coast of India. It was under the control of Portugal from 1539 to 1961, and as a result of this, Portuguese influence is still palpable today, particularly in the architectural and cultural spheres.
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Moti Daman fort was built by the Portuguese between 1559 and 1593 on the site of former Islamic citadel. It has an area of 30,000 sq metres and still has cannons on its walls. It has interesting polygonal layout.
There is a lighthouse inside the fort. A house of Bocage where the Portuguese poet Bocage lived is near the entrance of the fort. Inside the fort, there are three main churches, Church of Bom Jesus, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Church of Our Lady of Remedies outside. Church of Bom Jesus is the most famous of them all.
Our Lady of Rosario Prathnalay
Built in 17th century, having simple exterior but stunning interiors. It has fine woodwork with golden cherubs and petals.
Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
This church has decorated ceilings and carved gateways. Established in 1559 and consecrated in 1603. The shrine, the wooden altars and the intricately carved gateways give off the vibe of the olden days. The southern entrance has the statues of six saints and the whole monument shouts of traditional Roman architecture.
Ruins of the 16th century massive church.
Nani Daman fort
It is a small fort with high stone walls completed in 1627. It has two gateways with two huge human figures that face towards the Daman Ganga River. It covers an area of 12,250 m². You can climb and walk along the ramparts to have looks on all sides of the fort. It is the site of Our Lady of the Sea Church and Portuguese Cemetery. Locals claim that the church had underground passage connected to Moti Daman fort on the opposite bank.
This 18th-century Jain temple is in the northern region of Nani Daman Fort and is dedicated to Mahavir Swami. It is built with white marble. The walls have glass cover with 18th-century murals that represent the life of Mahavir Swami.
Mirasol Waterpark & Resort
Gaming lounge and cafe with international attractions like laser paintball, Sumo wrestling, professional shooting and archery range. Also, there is a hut-themed restaurant serving vegan, Italian, Mexican and oriental cuisine.
Huge range of seafood including lobster, crab, octopus, squid, shrimp and prawns along with other typical Indian non-veg dishes.
Not a beach side hotel, but the beach is just across the road.
Beach side hotel
By train
Vapi is the nearest railhead for getting to Daman. People traveling to Daman by train can get down at the Vapi and then reach Daman by local buses, taxis or tongas (horse-drawn carriages).
By bus
By car
Daman is easily accessible by road, and is connected to some of the major cities nearby, with a well-maintained system of roadways.
There are taxis and auto-rickshaws available to roam around in Daman. However, it may be better to hire a taxi for a day if you wish to explore; the reception desk at your hotel can arrange one.
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