Lighthouse Daman

About:

Daman is about 12km south west from vapi railway station on Mumbai–surat section.there is a metalled road connecting daman ganga river entrance in moti daman. Daman was under dharampur state till 1465. after that it was under different muslim rulers. The Portuguese occupied the territory in 1559 and kept under their control till December 1961. they had built a circular masonry lighthose tower on the bastion of the fort wall in 1887-88 close to damanganga creek enterence.a wick lamp was exhibited . from this tower. In this year 1933 an optic was introduced.

Lighthouse is basically built for an aid for navigation and pilot age at sea; a lighthouse is a tower building or framework sending out light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire. Lighthouses are generally used to mark hazardous coastlines, dangerous shoals away from the coast, and safe entries to harbors and can also help in aerial navigation. Because of contemporary electronic navigational aids, the number of operational lighthouses has declined to less than 1,500 worldwide. Despite all, Lighthouse in Daman continues to be an important landmark in Daman.

Daman Lighthouse is located within the vicinity of Daman’s Moti Daman Fort which sprawls an area of about 30,000 square meters and features ten bastions and two impressive gateways. The presence of a deep trench indicates the importance to protect the fort against enemy attack. The fort, when considered in its entirety, is polygonal in structure. Within the confines of the Moti Daman Fort are located the Secretariat and other significant official buildings. Most importantly a visit to the St Cathedral is worth mentioning whose origin can be traced back to the seventeenth century. The attractive lighthouse by the Sea creates a magical sight and will surely ensure a wonderful treat for the eyes!

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Garba festival:
Garba festival is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and especially of Diu. It is normally performed by women dressed in colourful costumes with typical ornaments, accompanied by singing of song in praise of Goddess Amba. This is the most popular festival of the region. The colourful costumes, the mesmerising music and the graceful steps cast an enchanting spell on the viewers.

Folk Dance festival:
Folk Dance festival isThe typical Portuguese regional folk dances of the territory include the Mando Dance, Vira Dance, the Verdigao in which happiness and the whole life style of the people of Diu is depicted. In these dances the clean roads, the delicious food and the traditions of Diu are described. Drink, eat, sing and be merry, that is the mote of the song and dance. The traditional dances are in slow motion with the elderly participating in them, but the young are carrying on the traditions of the old.

Interesting things to Visit:

Moti Fort:
Moti Daman Fort in Daman features among one of the popular monuments in Daman. Touted as the popular tourist attractions of Daman, the place is characterized by a dream-like ambience. The construction of Daman’s Moti Daman Fort is credited to the Portuguese who built up their settlement at this place. One can expect to delight in mesmerizing and breathtaking views across the river to Nani Daman from the bulwarks near the lighthouse.

Nani Fort:
There are diverse types of tourist attractions in Daman. All are marked with distinct features and have something unique to offer to the eyes of the beholder. On tour to Daman after visiting each of the famous stop you will also acknowledge the same. However the common element that will be found predominant in all is the dash of Portuguese colonial charm. Somehow or the other each site will carry you back in time of the colonial legacy of Portuguese rule. On browsing through the magnificent sites, you will mostly be attracted to the monuments in Daman. The special feature of the Daman monuments is that they all are graced with invaluable architectural patterns. This apart, sprawling over the wide expanse of the land, they feature a conglomeration of different sightseeing spots. The very good and most suited example in this case is Nani Daman Fort in Daman.

Kadaiya Lake:
The Daman Kadaiya Lake Garden is also known as Mirasol Lake Garden. It is located near Kadaiya village in Nani Daman. The most fascinating fact about this garden is that it is an artificially created wonder. Near this garden a picturesque lake can also be sighted. This apart, dotted with sparkling fountains and boats, this garden is a perfect retreat to enjoy pleasurable vacations in Daman.

Jetty Garden:
The Jetty Garden in Daman is very elegantly and tastefully designed. Sitting at the stunning bank of Daman Ganga River, this attractive garden holds the attention of the onlookers with its exotic arrangements that essentially comprise of beautiful fountains, seats facing the sparkling river and well laid out lawns.The Daman Jetty Garden is indeed the best of all the gardens to bask in leisure stroll and enjoy evening to the maximum. For children it has amazing fun rides that keep them busy all through the day. For you it has landscaped expanse that not only will soothe your eyes but soul too. It is a perfect gateway for all the age group to expect wonderful moments during vacations in Daman.

Devka Beach:
Devka Beach, Daman can easily compete with the other spectacular beaches that India boasts of. Daman boasts of some amazing beaches that have the potential of seducing even the most discerning of beach lovers. Daman, the capital of the Union territory of Daman and Diu, is itself a charming holiday destination. Add to it’s the enchantment of the mesmerizing beaches and there is no way one can dismiss the call of this idyllic place. Indianholiday.com is the treasure trove of all the usable inputs on the beaches in Daman.

Jampore Beach:
There are few beaches that can boast of sublime solitude and Jampore Beach in Daman is primary among them. If you are one of those restful types who would rather laze around the beach or enjoy a casual saunter, Daman’s Jampore Beach is ideally suited for you. However if your active self revolts against your sluggishness, you can enjoy a relaxing swim. Jampore Beach, Daman is ideally suited for swimming. The low risk factor acts as a major lure for the swimmers. During low tide, you can feel the smooth and wet sand below your feet and enjoy a walk right into the sea. If you are traveling with family and friends, then a picnic under the cool shade of Casuarina trees is an absolute must.

Church of our Lady of the Rosary:
Dating back to 17th century, Daman Church of our Lady of the Rosary is a real feast for eyes. On tour to Daman you must come to this chapel. Here you will get to relish the spectacular wood work. The ceiling in this chapel is adorned with beautiful rose petals colored in hundreds of colors. Its beauty and splendor is further enhanced and enriched with golden cherubs that bring benediction. Other magnificent feature of this chapel is the illustrations of the stories from the lives of the holy saints. This part is projected on the lateral walls of the Apse. It is held that this piece of work claims most reputed position among the works done under Portuguese influence in India in the 16th century.

Dominican Monastery:
Daman Dominican Monastery is a representation of historic ruins. This monastery saw a massive downfall which till date escapes any logical explanation and strong interpretation. Today this bundle of remains bears a testimony to its own glorious past. On arriving at this site, you will completely be mesmerized by the sight of the beautifully engraved floral stone that dots the abode of the main altar.

Se Cathedral:
The Se Cathedral had been renovated in the recent past. Every tourist who visits this particular cathedral is sure to get spellbound by its grandeur and sublimity of art. This cathedral is also celebrated for its altar which is adorned magnificently and catches the attention of even the listless tourist. Apart from the regular tourists, a lot of local people also come to this cathedral to hear the sermons and offer their prayers. The architecture of Se Cathedral in Daman is aesthetic and a landmark in itself. The magnificent Gothic art of the 17th century visible at this cathedral would captivate you for sure.

Jain Temple:
Jain temple in Daman is located to the northern region of the very impressive and famous Nani Daman fort. The specialty of this temple is exquisitely and intricately designed and decorated inner walls. The walls have very elegant glass cover. The glass covers have 18th century murals. These murals represent the life of Mahavir Swami. Mahavir Swami is considered to be the founder of Jainism.

Diu Fort:
Diu Fort, a prominent and imposing monument in Diu District, was constructed between 1535 and 1541 as the result of a defense alliance between the king of Gujarat and the Portuguese. It is enfolded by the Arabian Sea on three sides.The fort has a huge structure that houses a lighthouse. A couple of mounds of iron shells from its strife-ridden past can be seen even today in these premises. Some canons have also survived. The main front wall has five huge windows with stone galleries. The fort, often shrouded in mist, is a gorgeous sight. A picturesque view of the sea can be had from here.

Chakratirth Beach:
Chakratirth Beach, Diu enjoys a central location and lies adjacent to the town. Chakratirth Beach in Diu is a favorite beach getaway for both the domestic and the international tourist. The beach provides the opportunity to break away from the shackles of monotony and soak of up the fun. If you are the lover of sea, sand and surf, you can’t ignore Chakratirth Beach, Diu. The sunbathers would love to lie straight on their back and forgetting the cares and worries associated with the fretful world. You would not be in the mind to trade the world in exchange for your moment of blissful solitude.

Nagoa:
Amidst the swaying palm trees and the cool breeze you shall enjoy lazing around the deserted environs of Diu Nagoa Beach. A palm-fringed, largely deserted and secluded beach, Nagoa Beach, Diu is one of the most beautiful beaches in India. Just twenty minutes invigorating drive from Diu will ferry you to Nagoa Beach which with a stretch of about 2 kms from one end to another is extraordinarily beautiful .The unique shoe-shape of the beach makes it more beautiful. A swim in the water of this virgin beach is most refreshing one.

Jampore Beach:
There are few beaches that can boast of sublime solitude and Jampore Beach in Daman is primary among them. If you are one of those restful types who would rather laze around the beach or enjoy a casual saunter, Daman’s Jampore Beach is ideally suited for you. However if your active self revolts against your sluggishness, you can enjoy a relaxing swim. Jampore Beach, Daman is ideally suited for swimming. The low risk factor acts as a major lure for the swimmers. During low tide, you can feel the smooth and wet sand below your feet and enjoy a walk right into the sea. If you are traveling with family and friends, then a picnic under the cool shade of Casuarina trees is an absolute must.

Nani Daman:
Nani Daman offers a bouquet of tourist attractions like the Gandhi Park, Daman Fort, the Church and a fishing dock. Near by is Moti Daman that is a treasured land of monuments and ancient structures. You must visit the lovely lighthouse here.

Portuguese Fort:
Portuguese Fort in Diu was constructed on the ruins of another fortress, built by the Arab Governor Malekhyaaz ­around 1400 AD, which in turn was built over a still earlier fort dating back to 700 AD. At the end of the Fort Road is the Portuguese Fort PraSa-de-Diu (29 m) built in 1535-41, standing like a guard on the east. In ravages of time, the Diu Portuguese Fort is now in ruins. A few cannon balls are scattered here and there. Above all, the last blow came when the Indian Army mounted Operation Vijoy in 1961.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Udvada:
Udvada, near Surat is celebrated for being a very sacred place among the Parsis and is a small sleepy village which is located in the southern coast of Gujarat. It is as important to the Parsis as is Haridwar for the Hindus, Mecca for the Muslims and Vatican City for the Christians. A large number of Parsis flock here every year, both from within the country and from abroad. It was here that the victorious fire or Atash Behram was brought from Persia by the Parsis in the 18th century. This fire is placed in a temple which is strictly meant for the Parsis. As a result, the non-Parsis are not allowed to enter here. This place can be visited from outside. Peace and bliss pervades here that simply enthralls the visitors who come from far and wide.

Sanjan:
Sanjan was one of the primary Parsi settlements in India. A number of excavations carried out in Surat's Sanjan have thrown a new light on the momentous episode of the flight of the Zoroastrians from Iran, about 1,400 years ago. According to the popular belief Surat's Sanjan was founded by the Zoroastrians who took shelter here after they were compelled to flee Iran. The progeny of those Zoroastrians are, at present, known as the Parsis.

Saputara:
This hill station is situated in Dang district at the southeast corner of the state. It has an altitude of 1000m. This place has the Sarpagana river flowing nearby which has a sacred snake image on its banks. Saputara -literally, the Abode of Serpents-is Gujarat's best-known hill resort, situated atop the second highest plateau in the Sahyadri range and in the midst of thick forests. Saputara is picture postcard perfect with lakes, streams, woodlands and hills.

Navsari:
A large number of tourists from the different places of the country come to have a look at Navsari close to Surat. Several people from the Parsi origin also come here to see this site as this was the first dwelling place of the Parsis who migrated to Gujarat. The excellence of the Parsi architecture can be well understood from the various edifices of this place that are built in the authentic Parsi style. The Parsi Vad is one such structure that has become a heritage site and attracts a lot of tourists. Being one of the important tourist attractions in Surat, Navsari is also popular for its various types of Zoroastrian arts, crafts, food items and many other such items.

Palitana:
Palitana houses perhaps the largest cluster of Jain temples anywhere. From the base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya Hill, where the Palitana temples are located, there are in all 863 temples. These temples were built in two phases-the 11th and 12th centuries as a part of the resurgence of temple building all over India, and in the 16th century. Some of the earliest temples built in the 11th century were destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 14th and 15th centuries. The current temples date back to 16th century onwards. Not any one person or group was responsible for the construction of these magnificent temples. It was the effort of the wealthy businessmen who were followers of Jainism that these buildings came into existence.

Narmada river:
The Narmada river originates from the Maikal ranges at Amarkantak, 1057 m above the sea-level, now in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. In its 1312 km long journey before joining the Arabian Sea, the Narmada flows through the three states of Madhya Pradesh (MP), Maharashtra and Gujarat. Nearly 90% of the flow is in MP, and most of the remaining is in Gujarat. It flows for a very brief stretch through Maharashtra.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

IBP Petrol Pump:Bazaars in Daman,Gujrat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Fortune Hotel Galaxy:Vapi,Gujrat,India,Ph:0260 22545454

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number: