Daman

Daman (Gujarati: દમણ, Portuguese: Damão) is a city and an enclave within Gujarat on the west coast of India. It was under Portuguese control from 1539 to 1961, and Portuguese influence is still palpable today in its architecture and culture. Daman is split into two parts — Nani Daman (north) and Moti Daman (south) — by the Daman Ganga River. At the northern rim of the Konkan coast, it has a beautiful landscape and, being close to Mumbai and other Gujarat cities, experiences heavy tourist traffic. It is also a popular drinking destination for locals from surrounding Gujarati districts where alcohol is banned.

The climate is tropical with the best time to visit being November to March. Summers are hot and humid, while the monsoon (June–September) brings substantial rainfall.

By Plane

Daman Airport (NMB IATA) in Nani Daman has daily flights from Mumbai and Vadodara via Gujarat State Airlines. The nearest international airport is Surat (STV). Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from the airport into town.

By Train

Vapi railway station (12 km) is the nearest railhead on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Western Railway line. Major Delhi–Mumbai and Mumbai–Ahmedabad trains halt here. From Vapi, local buses, taxis, or tongas connect to Daman.

By Car / Road

Daman is well-connected by road. Vapi (12 km) lies on NH 848A. Mumbai is 170 km away, Ahmedabad 360 km, Diu 768 km, Surat 110 km, and Vadodara 300 km. State-run and private buses serve Daman Bus Station.

Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available. Hiring a taxi for the day (arranged through your hotel reception) is the best way to explore both Nani Daman and Moti Daman.

Moti Daman (South)

• Fort of Moti Daman — Built by the Portuguese between 1559 and 1593 on the site of a former Islamic citadel. 30,000 sq m with cannons on its walls, a polygonal layout, and a lighthouse. Includes the Church of Bom Jesus, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Church of Our Lady of Remedies. Free entry.
• Church of Bom Jesus (Basilica of Bom Jesus) — Established 1559, consecrated 1603. Decorated ceilings, carved gateways, wooden altars, and statues of six saints at the southern entrance.
• The Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary — 17th-century chapel with fine woodwork, golden cherubs, and petals.
• Dominican Monastery — Ruins of a 16th-century massive church. Free.
• Daman Lighthouse — Inside the fort, offering views over the Arabian Sea.
• Pargola Garden — A waterfront garden in Moti Daman.

Nani Daman (North)

• Fort Jerome (Nani Daman Fort) — A small fort completed in 1627 with high stone walls, two gateways with human figures facing the river. 12,250 sq m. Free. Site of Our Lady of the Sea Church and Portuguese Cemetery.

• Jain Temple — 18th-century white marble temple dedicated to Mahavir Swami, with glass-covered murals depicting his life.

• Mirasol Lake (Mirasol Waterpark & Resort) — A lake and waterpark in Kadaiya Village.

• Devka Beach — Popular beach north of Daman; resorts and sunset views.

• Jampore Beach — A quieter beach option.

• Play Nation — Gaming lounge and cafe at Somnath Plaza (+91 7666664535, noon–10PM). Laser paintball, sumo wrestling, shooting and archery ranges. ₹450.

• Explore Portuguese heritage — Walk through the forts, churches, and narrow streets of the old quarters.

Daman offers excellent seafood and non-vegetarian fare. A local specialty is Chicken Bullet, best found at Hotel Miramar.

• Daman Delite (Seaface Rd, Dhamatne, +91 92277 59263) — Huge range of seafood including lobster, crab, octopus, squid, shrimp, and prawns, alongside Indian non-veg dishes.

Being next to the dry state of Gujarat, Daman is a haven for alcohol drinkers. There are no restrictions and taxes are low. Beer is sold even by beach hawkers. Purchase from licensed shops to avoid adulterated liquor. Stick to bottled water.

• Budget: Sandy Resort (Devka, 4 km north), Hotel Jazira (Devka, beach-side).
• Mid-range: Miramar, Cidade De Daman.
• Upscale: Fortune Park Galaxy (NH 8, Vapi, +91 260 3988444, toll-free +1800 102 2333) — ITC group hotel. Restaurant Orchid serves buffet and multi-cuisine menu. The Deltin is the only five-star in Daman.

Daman is not particularly known for shopping. The local markets sell basic necessities and some souvenirs. The real draw is the duty-free-like alcohol pricing.

• Silvassa — 30 km, the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with tribal culture and gardens.
• Surat — 110 km, a fast-developing city known for diamonds and textiles.
• Vapi — 12 km, the nearest railway junction and industrial town.