Things to do in Daman and diu

Basic info

The Dominican Monastery was once an important theological center but currently it is in ruins. No one knows how this important place once visited by renowned scholars came to this condition. Located inside the Daman Fort, this place is currently maintained by the ASI. Finding the location of the monastery could be a little tricky. For tourist’s assistance, a map has been installed in the front of the Daman Fort gate

marking the important historical places inside the premises. The installed map can help locate the monastery as well as the other venues within the vicinity of the fort.
The decorated alter with craved floral motifs is the only thing left of this glorious and beautiful monastery. Interestingly, it still attracts Catholic devotees and tourists alike, who come here to experience the peace and serenity of the location.

Tourist attractions

Visit the beautiful ruins is a must for every tourist in Daman. The well-manicured gardens and lawns provide an interesting contrast to the ruins making the area look more charming. On the way to Dominican Monastery, tourists will come across the beautiful statue of the Our Lady of

Purification on the landside gate of the fort. On the 3rd December of each year, a public mass is held in the honor of St. Dominic. The mass is attended by the Catholic devotees and tourists alike. Also, on 2nd February each year, Catholics come here to sing litany and praise the lord.

Things to do

The old ruins can be a stunning subject of photography. The eye-catching ruins are a suitable destination for

The old ruins can be a stunning subject of photography. The eye-catching ruins are a suitable destination for

Basic info

The beautiful Fort Jerome, or the Nani Daman Fort as the locals call, is one of the most popular historical monuments of Daman and Diu region. It is an ancient citadel that provides a glimpse into the history of Daman and Diu. Located in a picturesque point, where Daman Ganga River meets the Arabian Sea, the fort was built to protect the Portuguese

against any Mughal invasion. The construction of the fort was started by Dom Jeronimo de Azevedo, the then Viceroy of Portuguese India. Spread in the area of 12,250 sq. meters, this small fort has three bastions and two decorated gates, which are still standing. From the fort, tourists can have a great view of the Arabian Sea as well as the Daman Ganga River.

Tourist attractions

Inside the complex, there are beautiful cemetery, church, and ruins built by the Portuguese. A lovely statue of St. Jerome is placed outside the church welcoming the tourists

inside. The brilliantly decorated gateways are one of the most stunning features of the church. The Lady of the Sea Church located inside the fort is another magnificent building here.

Things to do

Visiting the churches within the fort complex is a must for the tourists. From the several vantage points of the

Visiting the churches within the fort complex is a must for the tourists. From the several vantage points of the

Basic info

The Gangeshwar Shiva Temple is a small monument, clouded is stories and legends, located on the shore of the Arabian Sea in the Fudam Village. Just 3 km from Diu, this place is suitable for a quick visit on the way to the Nagoa Beach and Jalandhar Beach. On the way towards the temple, tourists can soak in the stunning beauty

of nature.
The Gangeshwar Temple is a small complex, with five Shiva Lingams which are constantly brushed by the sea waves. During high tide, the Shiva Lingams are partially submerged under seawater. According to local folklore Pandavas, from the epic Mahabharata, built this temple during their incognito stay in the forest.

Tourist attractions

The temple has a special significance on the lives of the locals. The temple is built inside a sea-facing cave where seawater constantly brushes the

deity. There are no priests within the temple, something unusual for a Hindu religious center, and whatever is offered to the god is washed away by the sea.

Basic info

The beautiful black sand beach surrounded by palm and casuarinas, Jampore Beach is suitable for a day or a weekend trip. The history of the region is dominated by the Portuguese colonizers who ruled the nearby areas for around 400 years.

Jampore Beach is one of the popular tourist spots of Daman and Diu, and is frequented by tourists. The beach is just 3 km away from the Moti Daman Fort, making it suitable for the tourists to come here and relax by sightseeing after a hectic day.

Tourist attractions

Taking horse or camel ride on the beach is must and is appreciated by kids. Jampore Beach is safe for swimming and beach sports. One can find tourists indulging in small

picnics or simply relaxing on the beach beds. Eating from the small cabins selling fresh sea catches is a must. Sunset on the Jampore beach is very charming and worth a view.

Things to do

As the water is free from the undercurrents tourists can go swimming. Also, taking part in the camel and horse rides is a

As the water is free from the undercurrents tourists can go swimming. Also, taking part in the camel and horse rides is a

Basic info

In the backyard of the Moti Daman region, Portuguese built this fort in the year 1559. Spread in the area of 30,000 sq feet, this place was used as a base for the Portuguese colonizers. Initially, this place was controlled by an Abyssinian Chief, who had set up a Muslim bastion here. The Portuguese won over the area for constructing the fort for their settlement. The Portuguese were keen on protecting the site

from invasion, and it can be seen from the architecture of the monument. The deep trenches, bastions, and gateways made it secured from outside invasion. The flights of stairs that connect the terrace to the inner grounds were added as another security feature. These measures made this fort almost impregnable and safer for the settlement. The fort now is being used as a secretariat and other official buildings.

Tourist attractions

The marvelous architecture of the Portuguese can be seen in the venue. The polygonal structure of the fort, as well as different security features used, make this place an architectural marvel. Visitors can visit Convent of the

Dominicans, and The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary which is home to several tombstones of the Portuguese who died here during the days of the colonization. The altar of the church is done with intricately carved wooden panels, making them stunning.

Things to do

Exploring the different parts of the fort is a must for adventurous tourists. The

Exploring the different parts of the fort is a must for adventurous tourists. The

Basic info

Located near the edge of the Junagarh District, with a coastline of 21 km, the Nagao Beach has surpassed Goa as a favorite party destination of the region. The beach is surrounded by cypress groves making it a popular weekend destination for the locals. During the day, tourists might experience some amount of

humidity, but after the sunset, the weather takes a pleasant turn. On their visit to Nagoa Beach, visitors can indulge in different beach activities or relax and enjoy the view of the region. During sunset, the beach looks extremely surreal. One can hire a motorcycle or scooters to tour the region at a very nominal rate.

Tourist attractions

Nagoa Beach is filled with beach activities. Tourists can take part in different water sports like boat

parasailing, banana boat ride and speed boat ride. Also, partying on the beach after watching the sunset can also be done here.

Things to do

Participating in several beach activities is a must. The water of Nagoa Beach is free from undercurrents making it

Participating in several beach activities is a must. The water of Nagoa Beach is free from undercurrents making it

Basic info

The Naida Caves are an interesting venue in Diu but are sadly less explored. These caves are very close to Diu and can be reached by auto rickshaw, or one can hire a taxi. The Naida Caves are artificial caverns in varying sizes connected through a series of tunnels. In this labyrinth of orange colored caves, several rock staircases lead to nowhere that gives the entire structure an eerie feeling.

According to local belief, the Portuguese excavated the nearby region for raw materials required for building Diu Fort. But, studies have shown that geological irregularities over a long period have to lead to the creation of this structure. Historically, these caves were used as a stationing point for soldiers during the Operation Vijay (1961) when India ran a military operation for the ‘Liberation of Goa’.

Tourist attractions

Adventurous tourists can explore the caves to find something interesting. According to experts, noon is the

ideal time to investigate the caves as the maximum amount of light enters the region during that time frame.

Things to do

Exploring the caves is a must for every tourist. Hiking around the region can also be done. The natural opening of the caves makes way for the

Exploring the caves is a must for every tourist. Hiking around the region can also be done. The natural opening of the caves makes way for the

Basic info

The Somnath Mahadev Temple is located in the Dabhel village, is just 4 km away from Daman City. The temple was built in 1972-73, as a replica of the original Somnath Temple located in Gujarat. The temple is very important to the locals and is home to

several legends and myths. According to one popular story, the Shiva Lingam miraculously appeared in the site on the request of a monk. The calm and quiet surrounding of the temple coupled with glass interiors fills the temple with divine tranquility.

Tourist attractions

The temple has an important place in the lives of the locals. Due to its association with

several stories and myths, people have a deep-rooted faith in Lord Shiva and the Shiva Lingam.

Things to do

During March, the ‘Gangaji Fair’ is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During the fair,

During March, the ‘Gangaji Fair’ is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During the fair,

Basic info

Tourist attractions

Things to do