Five years and India seems transformed into a swanky, youthful mermaid. I
call her ‘mermaid’, because inspite of everything modern and
modernizing, India still exudes her unmistakably antique exotica. No, I am
not going to write about my infatuation with this mermaid all over again.
This time, it is about this new charm I discovered in the most unexpected
region Gujarat, India’s industrial hothub. It’s called Daman &
Diu.
My month-long no-weekend tour in the oil fields at Jamnagar (Gujarat), got
me so exhausted and panting for some fresh air that once it was over, a ‘recharge’
was a must. And, contrary to what my metrosexual persona tags me with, I
love quiet places the kind where you have to remind yourself that you are
still in the same world. Some shopping in Ahmedabad (Gujarat’s capital)
and me and Amit (a colleague, travel-buff, who loves rock-n-roll and an
obvious friend) set off at mid-night, after my fairwell party. About seven
hours drive (some 400 km) and the first thing that caught our attention were
the numerous liquor hoardings that dazzled in the darkness my first pleasant
surprise in months and a respite from the otherwise officially ‘dry’
Gujarat. Welcome to Daman!
Another surprise was, Diu a place clubbed together with Daman and tagged as
one of India’s union territories, is actually some 800 km away. Daman
is on India’s west coast, bounded on all sides by Gujarat, while Diu is
a small island off the south coast of Gujarat, separated from the mainland
by a tidal creek.
Dawn brought in a world of delights. We stopped by the beachside and the
fishermen, the watchtower-like Fort, the little boats reminded me of Goa at
dawn, but of course minus its bustle and hustle even at early mornings. Amit
explained that it was all (Goa, Daman, Diu) under the Portuguese domain till
it joined the Indian Union in 1961 and how, unlike the rest of India, they
celebrate their Independence Day every 19th December. Interesting!
The quietude about the place was so arresting that we wondered if that day
was some government holiday. Whatever life and activity the place boasted
of, seemed to be concentrated in the long shore line at Devka and Nani Daman
(or little Daman) on the North side. Swanky resorts were dotted all around,
alongside Parsi ones and Miramar (Ph: 225-4471, 225-4971) at Devka, on a
friend’s advice, was our obvious choice. The other good options are
Sandy resort (Ph: 225-4751), Hotel Shilton (Ph: 225-4558), Hotel Gurukripa
(Ph: 225-0227). The southern part, known as Moti Daman, or Big Daman, is
somewhat quainter and has the historical monuments and churches. North or
South, Daman and her beaches are an aged-beauty, who lays her arms open for
peace-starved vacationers like us.
If you have a taste for heritage and monuments, the Portuguese remains hold
good scope for your cameras. You can try hunting secret passages at the
Daman Fort (we couldn't though). Visit the Dominican Monastery, Pargola
Gardens, the churches inside Moti Daman fort - Bom Jesus Church and Our Lady
of Rosary Chapel, church inside Nani Daman fort - Lady of Sea Church.
Discover the rest on your own! Another thing that particularly caught my
attention were the Portuguese-styled houses that give Daman her European
flavor.
After waterparks, shopping, beachcombing at Daman, we headed for Diu and lo
and behold, she’s just what I was looking for exotic,
non-commercialized, totally laidback. I wonder why the Tourism biggies
haven't promoted these beaches as those in Goa and Kerala! Nevermind, or
else there would have been no respite for solitude-seekers like me and Amit.
We almost blasted the quiet beach with our loud Ramstein numbers as we drove
past one that seemed the neatest beach I've even seen. It seems tourists can
rent scooters, moped or bicycles to explore the beach on their own. Amongst
monuments, the 400-year old Portuguese Fort, St. Paul’s Church, the
Pani Kota (fort in the sea) interested us most. However, the most memorable
byte in Diu, it was the cycling competition with Amit (for I was the winner)
amidst the vacationers cheering and applause at the Nagao Beach. And my
sketches on the beach. No, they were nowhere near to nature’s
wonderwork, but I love them for they remind me of one of my most peaceful
vacations a peace I so much miss in my Los Angeles streets and beaches.
Neil’s travel tips for Daman & Diu:
- Climate: Altough anytime is good time to head
for Daman (Climate:- Sum: 39°-18 °C, Win: 20°-11°C),
it is best to go between September and May.
- Reaching Daman: The Bombay-Ahmedabad National
Highway No 8 connects Daman with the mainland running via Vapi of
Gujarat. Nearest Airport is Mumbai, while nearest railhead is Vapi (12
km). Other nearby railway head is Valsad Jn. just about 35 km.
- Reaching Diu: Diu has excellent road links with
major cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad (495 km), Bhavnagar (225 km),
Bombay (930 km), Daman (800 km), Sasangir (128 km), Rajkot (261 km),
Somnath (87 km), Veraval (77 km). Well connected by Jet Airways from
Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Veraval, 70 km from Diu.
- Not a very good place for shopping. It is better you
carry your essentials.
- Hotels of all budget (From Rs.200 to Rs.2000) are
available.
- There is no sea-route between Daman and Diu.
About our Author
Neil calls
himself a ‘dreamer’, while, our travel consultant disagrees, “He
is one of the most practical man ever”. Neil loves India, compares
her with a ‘mermaid’ and wrote back to us after his fifth
visit in 2005, from his Los Angeles ‘chip’ (this is what he
calls his office). An otherwise senior Petro-Chemical Engineer, Neil
loves Syra (his wife), rock 'n' roll, photography, sketching, perfumes
(Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue) and of course traveling. Arunachal
Pradesh and Kerala are two of his most favorite destinations in India.
|
