Damão

Olá pessoas

Daman, previously referred to as Damão, is one of the districts of a union territory in India, situated along the Arabian Sea, on the banks of River Damanganga. Often referred as the twin city of Coimbra, lets delve deep to know about the place where I come from.

Tracing back history, Daman was formally given to the Portuguese by the Sultan of Gujarat in 1539. Thus under Portugal's rule, Daman faced an administrative makeover and was named Distrito de Damão under Estado da Índia (Portugal State of India). It was under the rule of the Portuguese until the Indian Union Forces occupied it in 1961.

Credit:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Daman_%281638%E2%80%931639%29

Dominican Monastery-

It is one of the remnants of colonial rule, often called the 'Ruined Church'. The monument was built in 1567 to glorify and remember Saint Dominic. It is said that it was a prey to an earthquake. The Catholics celebrate two significant occasions, on February 2 and December 25, when holy mass is conducted to commemorate Saint Dominic and souls who lost lives to earthquake.

Credit:- https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/dadra-and-nagar-haveli-and-daman-and-diu/daman/dominican-monastery

Beaches-

There are several beaches you can find here that are perfect for your choice. The calm and the foodies may find Jampore Beach ranking the highest due to the shacks and eateries with local sea available. The pomphret and prawn dry is a must-try for all seafood lovers. Also for the early risers, you can never miss a morning run here.

Nani Daman Beach is a place for all those who find calm in a peaceful walk by the scenic sunset. The long stretched path is perfect to let the salty breeze and the sound of brine water help heal you. The famous Jetty roll here is a must-try for everyone.

Lighthouse Beach is for those who might have an adrenaline gush for water sports. The fort and the lighthouse look breathtaking at sunset.

Devka Beach is known for its black sands and the palms lining it. known for its black sand and beautiful surroundings. The waters may not be suitable for swimming due to the huge boulders and string waves but is a good spot for relaxation and sunset watching.

Delicacies-

Seafood ranging from fish curry, prawn masala, crab xec-xec(cooked in coconut curry) to dry bombil fry gets you licking your fingers clean. For vegetarians, Daman delivers a wide range of dishes with Gujarati influence namely, dhokla, sev khamani, samosa, and dabeli. But when here do try vada-pav from a street side stall. You may also find the colonial influence in some dishes like pudim, salted cod, pao, and pudim. For bread, the locals eat 'puda' (made with water and rice flour). To pair with these savouries commonly engaged refreshments are toddy (palm wine). Here you may also find the alcohol rates cheaper comparatively. (Drink responsibly).

Things to do-

1. Take a long at Jampore Beach at sunrise

2. Eat vada pav at street side stall

3. Spend the afternoon at shacks lining the see

4. Visit the aviary

5. Go for water sports activities at Lighthouse Beach

6. Watch the sunset at the beach

7. Eat the delicious food at a resto (preferably local food)

8. Enjoy the calm night at the walkway

How to reach-

1. By Air- The nearest international airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), 170kms far and domestic is Surat Airport (STV) that is 90kms far.

2. By Train- The nearest railway station is Vapi 12kms away. You can grab a bus, cab or auto to reach Daman.

3. By Road- Easily accessible by road, and is connected to some of the major cities nearby with a well-maintained system of roadways. Vapi, at a distance of 12 km, lies on the Mumbai – Ahmedabad National Highway No. 8 and is easily connected to Daman by road. It 170 km from Mumbai, 360 km from Ahmedabad, 768 km from Diu, 110 km from Surat and 300 km from Vadodara.

Here's a tribute to my city-

A date with history,

Its breath-taking beauty has always been a mystery;

Sum showers on water-wetted sands,

Plethora of liquor of all brands;

Coast lined with coconut and virgin palms,

Afar from the hustle-bustle, where your soul meets calm.

An intrigue to a wanderer's curiosities,

Where a river divides its twin cities;

A cozy place in the lap of nature,

With traces of colonial architecture;

Sea-food, music and dance, defining the town;

Reminds your paced-life to slow down.

Sunrise at the beach walk,

The heading to water for a wedlock;

Fishes kept for drying ashore'

Fishermen mending the nets that are tore;

Locale where your spirit ignites,

With late party nights;

You experience all these with grace,

Damão- is the name of the place.

Have you ever had the chance to visit Daman?

• Yeah, loved it!!!
• Very soon..

Happy Reading.

Stay bright and enjoy being YOU.