Daman, India

Daman, an erstwhile Portuguese enclave and a picturesque port-town, is popular getaway. Located on the West Coast and hugged by the Arabian Sea and casuarinas, Daman was liberated in 1961 to form a part of the Indian Union. Daman is ideal for sunbathers, beachcombers, sightseers, swimmers, monument lovers and shoppers. There are modern restaurants and bars that serve exquisite seafood to satisfy the palate. Daman is has a total area of just 72 sq.km. but there is everything a tourist would look for: soft sands, gentle winds, inviting waters, historic churches, majestic forts, coconut groves, stately palms, and sleepy villages nestled on the creeks. There is accommodation to suit every taste and pocket and the local people are unique in their diversity and hospitality. Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Parsees -- all live in harmony. These communities and local fishermen make Daman a heartwarming place.

There are three popular beaches: Devka (3 km from downtown Nani Daman), Fisherman's Beach at Sea Face in Nani Daman, and Jampore (4 km from Moti Daman). Devka is rocky with blackish sand, while Fisherman's and Jampore are good sandy beaches. Jampore is best for bathing. At Fisherman's Beach, boat rides into the sea and pony rides are popular. Horse-riding is also available at Jampore Beach.

Though Daman has no distinctive cuisine, dining and wining is the most popular pleasure. Seafood features quite prominently. Most restaurants combine a bar. Beach-side and garden dining is very popular, given the cool evenings and sea breeze in Daman. Most hotels have beach-side restaurants and bars.

Just 13 km away, Vapi in Gujarat is the primary access point for Daman. It is the railhead, the turn-off point on the National Highway No. 8 (Delhi-Mumbai). Daman is only linked by road to the rest of the country. Vapi, on Western Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Ahmedabad-Mumbai lines, is very well linked to all parts of the country, through Mumbai and Ahmedabad. There are frequent inter-city express train services from  both Ahmedabad and Mumbai including Shatabdi Express. From Vapi, transfer to Dman is possible by taxi and auto rickshaws. These are readily available at Vapi railway station, bus stand and other parts of the city.