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About Daman-Diu

Situated on the southern border of the state of Gujarat, off the Saurashtra coast bordering Junagadh district, is the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. A colony held by the Portuguese for a long period even after India got independence, Daman and Diu became a part of the erstwhile Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu in 1961. When Goa was conferred with statehood in 1987, Daman and Diu became a separate Union Territory.

The word "diu" is derived from the Sanskrit word dweep, meaning island. From the 14th to 16th century, this tiny island (coastal length 21 kms) was one of India's best sea ports, an important trading centre and a naval base. Today, it is a serenely beautiful getaway with golden beaches, dense palm-groves and historical monuments, but minus the commercial exploitation and environmental degradation that have spoiled so many other destinations.

In Daman you can visit the Fort of St. Jerome at Nani Daman, where there is a Jain temple as well. The 17th-century-old Se Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Moti Daman are also worth a visit, and one can see the exquisite Portuguese carvings on the walls of these churches. Built in ancient Gothic style, these are a feast for the eyes. The stately Light House, the amusement park and the Gandhi Park at Daman jetty are also places of interest. Among the beaches, Devka beach is the most famous. Others include the Jampore beach, which is of interest to the swimmers and is very near the Gujarat border. The lake garden of Satya Nagar Udyan is famous for its fountains and promenades.

In Diu, the Zampa Gateway is of particular interest. It has carvings of lions, angels and a priest and has a chapel inside with an inscription dating back to 1702. The artificial Zampa waterfall is also attractive. St. Paul's Church is the only active church till date. Nearby is the old St. Thomas's Church that has now been taken over by the authorities and converted into the Diu Museum. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been converted to a hospital. The Marwar memorial commemorates the victory over the Portuguese. The massive fort built in 1541 is now weathered and weak. It is of major tourist interest. Other places include Jallandhar and Gangeshwar temple.

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