Daman

Daman is a small coastal town on the Gujarat–Maharashtra border at sea level and serves as the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. It is located about 165 kilometers north of Mumbai and is a popular weekend destination, for its beaches and heritage sites. The town has a strong Portuguese-Indian character due to its history as a Portuguese colony from 1559 to 1961 and its later integration into India during Operation Vijay. Moti Daman is the historic old town where the Fort of Moti Daman, built between 1559 and 1581 on the Damanganga River, still stands in good condition. Inside the fort are Portuguese-era churches like Bom Jesus, Our Lady of the Rosary, and Our Lady of the Sea, along with the old governor’s palace. Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, and the quieter Nani Daman area across the river add to the experience and are popular things to do in Daman for relaxation and sightseeing. Alcohol is legally available here, unlike neighboring Gujarat, which makes Daman hotels and weekend stays especially popular among travelers looking for a short coastal break.