Daman & Diu

Area : 0.1 ('000) sq km
Capital : Daman
Population : 102,000
Main language : Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, English

Introduction
The union territories of Daman and Diu lie on the edge of the southern borders of Gujarat, in western India. Daman is an underdeveloped town with a tropical flavor, and its beaches are very welcoming. Daman and Diu are known for their beaches and exotic liquors. The clean and picturesque beached of Daman and Diu are very inviting to all the tourists. The word 'Diu' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dweep'. During the period from the 14th to 16th century Diu was one of the best Sea Ports and a Naval base.

History
Both Daman and Diu islands are associated with the Portuguese attempts of colonization and one can see its evidence in the rich architecture. Diu was a sea-port and naval base of considerable strategic importance from the 14th-16th centuries. Diu was under the sway of Chanda and Vaghela dynasties till the 14th Century. These foreign invaders seized Daman in 1531 and formally took it over by 1559 from the last Gujarati king. Portuguese take over Diu in 1535 taking advantage of the internal conflict of the king and the Mughal emperor, Humayun. Portuguese took over the full control of the island in 1539, after the peace treaty. Daman ana Diu came under Indian rule by late as 1961.

Festival

Nariyal Purnima
The Nariyal Purnima festival marks the beginning of the fishing season. Nariyal Poornima is a day of joy, feasting and revelry Hundreds of tourists come to Daman to witness a variety of colorful water sports and to attend the cultural programmes.

Christmas
On Christmas, each house, irrespective of status, displays a star and the occasion is marked by cooking, dancing and crib competitions. The season is one of goodwill and fellowship. The administration of Daman celebrates Christmas as part of its tourism promotion programme and people from far and wide come to witness the fascinating Portuguese dance and to taste the well known Christmas cookies of Daman.

Best Season
The best season to visit Daman and Diu is from October to May.

Where to Stay
» Daman