The ultimate Daman and Diu travel guide 2021

Daman and Diu are two union territories, located off the western coast of India. Demarcated by a narrow stretch of water, Daman and Diu are both separate regions geographically. However, they bear a striking resemblance in several aspects. Daman and Diu both have sandy beaches, forts, churches and very tranquil vibes in general. All of this makes the destination of Daman and Diu ideal for you next beach getaway.

Daman and Diu are not amongst the most mainstream of domestic destinations in India. However, this is not because of any compromise in terms of the quality of the experience that these destinations offer. With great food and a soothing atmosphere to complement the beauty of Daman and Diu, you will be bound to have a mesmerizing time enjoying various top places to visit in Daman and Diu.

Where is Daman and Diu located

Daman and Diu are located off the West Coast of India. They collectively form one union territory of India, lined along the Arabian Sea. Daman and Diu are both situated adjacent to the state of Gujarat in India, with Daman as the capital of the union territory. The total land area of Daman and Diu is 112 sq. km.

Location of Daman: Daman is located at the southernmost extension of the state of Gujarat. It is located only 120 km north of Bombay (Mumbai), with the Arabian Sea facing on its west. The total distance of Daman from Delhi is about 1,250 km.

Location of Diu: Diu is located off the mainland of Gujarat in an area known as Kathiawar Peninsula. It is an isle extending into the Arabian Sea waters. Diu is situated about 660 km west of Daman.

How to reach Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu are well-connected to other parts of the country, through all means. In fact, the union territory has a domestic airport of its own, which is connected on a consistent and regular basis to Mumbai’s international airport, making Daman and Diu very accessible to people in and outside of India.

By air: Mumbai’s airport is located 170 km from the airport at Damana, while the Vadodara airport is located at a distance of 300 km.

By train: Vapi is the nearest railway station to Daman and Diu, which is on the way from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. The distance from Vapi railway station to Daman is 12 km, and you can take a taxi or public transport to get from here to there,

By road: Daman and Diu are well-connected by road to the nearby major cities of India. For example, Surat is located at a distance of about 110 om. Other major nearby cities include Bombay, Baroda andAhmedabad.

Places to visit in Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu has a number of quaint and exotic beaches, besides a number of medieval forts and churches built in the colonial era. All of these top places to visit in Daman and Diu add to the charm of a trip to this exotic destination for a beautiful and mesmerizing getaway.

Gomtimata beach

Gomtimata beach in Daman and Diu is an ideal location if you are searching for peace and tranquility. You can sit on a chair by the beach or on the cleans sands themselves and enjoy a peaceful time to yourself. The silent and soothing atmosphere of the beach will only serve to highlight the beauty of seashells and underwater life present at Gomtimata beach. You will also find a variety of colored crabs on this beach that will make this one of best places to visit in Daman and Diu.

Devka beach

Devka beach is located in Daman, and is one of the most spectacular places you will find around. The beauty of this beach makes a visit to Devka beach an enjoyable experience not only for beach lovers and non-lovers alike. Amidst the beauty of Devka beach, you will have a fun time no matter what your purpose of the visit is. As a plus, you will also get lip-smacking dishes and drinks available on the beach, to suit every flavor of the tongue.

Jampore beach

The Jampore beach is a black mud beach where you will find fun galore. You can enjoy a range of fun activities on the beach, or choose to just sit back and enjoy the beauty and calm of this unique and exotic location. Since this beach is located near the taxi stand, you can easily venture into the beach and enjoy the soothing and chill breezes at the Jampore beach. Liquor is easily available as well, so you won’t miss a chance to sink into the soothing vibes.

Diu Fort

The Diu Fort is built in beautiful Portuguese style, and dates back to 1535. Overseeing the majestic Arabian Sea, as the sunlight glows up the fort. While the waters were used as a line of defense in the past, in today’s day it offers a panoramic view without which a Daman and Diu trip is incomplete. Whether you are watching the glory of the fort during the daytime or its sinking ambience under the moonlight, you will be awe-struck by the beauty and enormity of Diu Fort.

Naida Caves

The Naida caves are said to have been built during the construction of the Diu fort. As the workers needed more and more raw materials for the construction of this fort, stones were extracted from under the grounds of Naida Caves. The caves are now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Daman and Diu. The best time to visit Naida Caves is in the morning, when the sun rays are beaming in and glowing up the interiors of the cave.

St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s Church is one of the most famous churches in Daman and Diu. Built in 1601, the church bears a striking resemblance to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. The Baroque style of architecture coupled with its all-white color makes it one of the best and most beautiful tourist spots in Daman and Diu. Make sure that this top church in Daman and Diu is on your itinerary on your trip to Goa.

Dominican Monastery

The Dominican Monastery is one of the oldest standing structures in Daman and Diu, and holds a lot of significance for tourists and historians alike. It is a Catholic monastery that was built during the Portuguese times. Although the structure only has its walls standing now, a first look at the ruins will remind you of the rich culture and history associated with Daman and Diu.

Mirasol Lake Garden

The Mirasol Lake Garden in Daman comprises a huge area encompassing trees, flowers and other forms of natural vegetation. The whole area provides for a very scenic and enjoyable experience, whether you are visiting with your family, with a loved one or by yourself looking to unwind and relax. It even has an artificial lake built on the site to provide you with an atmosphere whose beauty you will get lost in. Mirasol Lake Garden is actually one of the must visit places to visit in Daman and Diu, and is located in Kadaiya Village only 1.5 km from Devika beach.

Fun things to do in Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu is one of the top tourist destinations in India. On your Daman and Diu trip, there will be a number of places that you can visit, with a variety of things to do in Daman and Diu that will make your experience feel complete. However, there are some top activities for tourists in Daman and Diu, which are listed below.

• One of the top ways to explore Daman and Diu is by renting a bicycle. Since the whole destination does not encompass a vast area, you will be able to ride around and explore each and every hidden corner in Daman and Diu, while enjoying the chill vibes and the seaside breezes. Renting a bicycle in Daman and Diu will not only provide you with a joyous experience but also with ease and convenience.
• One of the top ways to enjoy the charm of Daman and Diu is to spend an evening taking a walk around the old streets and lanes of Diu. You will find a variety of lip-smacking street food, and even places where you can get a chilled beer if you want. Another top local delicacy you will find commonly around the most popular places to eat in Daman and Die is ice cream and soda made in a very homely manner. All in all, you will be provided with an awe-inspiring experience, surrounded by colonial-style beauty and options for a number of fun activities.
• If you wish to indulge in water sports activities such as riding a water scooter or deep sea diving, then Ghoghla beach is an ideal destination for you to visit in Daman and Diu. These activities will be paid, and therefore you can opt for them based on your preferences for this Daman and Diu trip.

Weather in Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu feature a subtropical climate. However, due to their close proximity to the sea, you will also find chilled and breezy vibes in Daman and Diu. Overall, the weather in Daman and Diu is calm and pleasing, despite being warm for most of the year. However, it is to be noted that weather in Diu is generally warmer than its counterpart Daman.

Maximum temperature in summers: 42 deg. C

Minimum temperature in winters: 15 deg. C

What is the best time to visit Daman and Diu

The months from October to May are the best time to visit, as the weather in Daman and Diu is most pleasing during this time of the year. You will be able to enjoy the beauty and the sunshine at the beaches, forts and churches of Daman and Diu, without having to face excessive rainfall. However, if you do visit during the monsoon months, then the celebrations of the Nariyal Poornima festival in Daman will definitely be one of the top tourist attractions in Daman and Diu on your trip.

What are the best places to stay in Daman and Diu

There are a number of resorts and hotels in Daman and Diu, which are available at all budget ranges. Due to the fact that Daman and Diu are islets with a lot of coastline area, there are also a number of beach resorts in Daman and Diu, if you wish for that kind of an experience. Those seeking the finest of comfort and services on their Daman and Diu trip will also find a number of luxury resorts in Daman and Diu to cater to their preferences.

Low budget hotels in Daman and Diu: Gold Beach Resort, Radhika Beach Resort and Deltin Hotel (INR 7,000 to 8,000 per night

Luxury hotels in Daman and Diu: Sandy Resort, Hotel Palms and Rainbow Resort (INR 2,500 to INR 3,500 per night)