The Daman Effect
- Bindhu & Radhakrishnan Unny
Story Dated: Friday, April 20, 2012 11:0 hrs IST
A relaxed drive and a chilled-out holiday—were our thoughts as we set out on an impromptu trip to Daman. And so was it! It was a cool drive through the recently laid six-lane Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway and we reached Daman in about 2 hours.
Next came the hunt for a decent beach-facing place to stay. Keen on finding a room that does not look like a typical city hotel, we had to do some hotel-hoping before we got what we had wanted Sea Rock Villa. The nice sea-facing sit-out with access to the open-air, beach-side restaurant and the backyard dotted with coconut trees were sold on us.
The rocky beach with black gravel was not inviting enough for a walk. That meant just relaxing by the beach with hot pakoras and tea was more enticing. With a couple of books, a note pad, pen and camera, we chilled out at the restaurant till late into the night. While attempting to read and write, the star-studded sky and sound of waves lapping at the shore vied for our attention, and we gave in.
A Portuguese colony for a long time, Daman has a long history of invasions. Visitors to Daman had reportedly turned invaders from as early as second century. The region was ruled by all possible kingdoms—from Mauryas to Satavahanas, Abhiras, Chalukyas, Kolis, and Mughals. In 1500s, Sultan of Gujarat relinquished the rights over Daman to Portuguese. It was under Portuguese rule until 1961 when the Indian forces took control. There is a war memorial inside the Daman fort. Daman was initially part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu. Goa became a state much later while Daman and Diu remain Union Territory.
Invaders continue. But in the form of tourists from Gujarat who are starved of liquor and then people like us who want to get out of the Mumbai city every weekend. The Daman Ganga river bifurcates Moti Daman and Nani Daman. The best places to stay and dine are by the Devka Beach in Nani Daman.
The fort in Moti Daman with its small roads, old colonial buildings where all administrative offices function now is nice to visit. The sixteenth-century Bom Jesus church, built by Portuguese, is marked by its intricate wooden carving in the altar. A new lighthouse stands by the dilapidated old one. If one dares to climb the old rickety spiral staircase and reach the top of the old lighthouse, there awaits a great view of Daman Ganga embracing the sea and colourful fishing boats anchored by the bay.
The Jampore beach in Moti Daman is a typical beach. Heavily crowded but vast, sandy and nice to walk. Hundreds of vehicles parked at the casuarina-lined parking lot. Shacks. Snacks. Drinks. A couple of horses offering fun ride for kids. One could also join a parakiting ride. A jeep to which the parachute is tied drives fast from one end of the beach to the other, lifting people up giving them some adrenalin rush.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Stay options: Many resorts at Nani Daman.
How to reach: By road from Mumbai or Ahmedabad.
