History of The City

In the beginning of the millennium, the region in and around Daman was ruled by the Kushana Emperor.

In the following centuries between the 2nd Century BC and 13th Century AD, Daman formed a part of the kingdom known as Lata, one of the small kingdoms of the Aparant or Konkan Vaishaya and was ruled by the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed in the Deccan directly till AD 808. By 973, the reins of power passed to Tailapa II of the Chalukyas of Kalyani after his conquest of the Rashtrakuta kings. Tailapa II placed Lata in the charge of his relative, General Devarappa Chalukya.

By the middle of the 13th century, a Rajput prince Ramasingh defeated the Koli chief Nathoart of the Thorat tribe and established himself in the hilly tract at Asheri or Asserseta near Daman. The district of Daman including the coastal tract from Surat to Mahim continued to be ruled by the chieftains of Ramnagar during the 14th century and the early years of the 15th century AD.

Daman was acquired by the Portuguese in the 16th century after its strategic importance on the maritime routes between East and West Asia struck them. They attacked Daman several times before it was ceded to them in a treaty with the Shah of Gujarat in 1559. It remained a major outpost of the Portuguese opium trade to China till such time as the Portuguese remained a valid naval power. With the end of British colonial rule in India, the Portuguese enclaves of Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli became restive. The Portuguese finally conceded these enclaves independence in 1961.

Ever since then, Daman and Diu has been administered as special territories of the Indian Union by the central government in Delhi.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport is Bombay– 193 kms.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Vapi– 12kms.

By Road: Bombay- 93 kms, Ahmedabad- 67 kms, Diu- 763 kms, Panaji via Bombay- 87 kms.

Shopping

Although Daman and Diu is not a typical shopping destination, still shopping in Daman and Diu can be a cool experience.

Daman is particularly noted for Customs Shops selling seized foreign goods in attractive prices.

If you are keen on shopping in Daman and Diu, you can look for

You can find Electronic goods, Gift articles, attractive household appliances for shopping in Daman and Diu.

Maharaja Super Market, Princess Park at Devka Beach are renowned shopping areas, which offer good shopping in Daman and Diu.

Regular beach items like goods made of seashell, oysters etc are also available at Devka Beach, Nani Daman

Fair and festival:
Daman and Diu is a union territory located on the western coast of India. This land was under Portuguese rule for over 450 years. The coastal commune and a blend of cultures give a different dimension to the land. Being a union territory, Daman and Diu was incorporated into Republic of India on December 19, 1961. In this land Portuguese culture mishmashes with old coastal and the other tribes of India. Marathi, Gujarati and Portuguese are languages spoken among the locals.

  Daman was earlier known as the ‘Damao’. It experiences the Kolak River on the southern bay of Gulf of Cambay which adds a charming view of the coast. Tourists visit the place for serene beaches and the bounteous Sea. If you are looking for isolation then Daman will be the ideal place where solitude and celebrate resides alongside.

Diu is the regarded as one of the scared place among the Hindus as Pandavas, had spend their days in exile at the place known as Mani Nagar. Diu with its magnificent beauty attracts tourists to come and explore the land. The palm vegetation, the secluded beaches and the clear sea create a perfect holiday destination. Daman and Diu is the land of varieties which can be seen in the fairs and festivals. The Fairs and festivals represent the tradition of the land which adds a different dimension and utters the history of the land.

Fairs and Festivals in Daman and Diu is manifold to know more about the festivals you can browse the links below.

Hotels in Daman

Hotel Miramar
Hotel Gurukripa
Sandy Resort
Silver Sands Resort
Hotel Jazira
Mirasol Water Park & Resort