Here’s Why A Beach Holiday In Daman and Diu Is Different From The Rest

India’s long western coastline is dotted with several beaches – take your pick from Maharashtra’s famed Konkan coast to Goa’s hip party beaches; from the sands of coastal Karnataka to Kerala’s palm-lined beaches. However, if you have been there and done that, look a little northward towards Gujarat and the neighbouring union territory of Daman and Diu. Here’s our pick of what to do and where to go for that perfect beach holiday.

Things To Do in Daman

Along with Goa, Daman and Diu were under Portuguese occupation for more than 450 years and this has left an indelible mark on the two districts. Daman’s Devka beach is the number one tourist attraction in the area. The beach itself is quite lovely but not safe for swimming. There’s also an amusement park right by the beach with multi-coloured fountains, a kids’ corner and a food court. If you fancy a swim, head to Jampore beach 3 kilometres south of Daman. The other attraction in Daman is the 17^th-century St. Jerome Fort on the north side of the Daman Ganga River. A huge gateway faces the river and inside the fort is the Church of Our Lady of the Sea. Other notable Portuguese churches in Daman are the Church of Bom Jesus and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Things To Do in Diu

An island paradise, connected to Gujarat by a creek, Diu is a charming beach resort town. Its sandy beaches are the reason tourists flock here. The horse-shoe shaped Nagoa beach is the most popular and is safe for swimming. The largest beach in Diu, Ghoghla beach offers excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing and parasailing. Chakratirth beach is associated with mythology and is the place where Lord Krishna beheaded the demon Jalandhar. If you have had your fix of beaches, explore the massive and well-preserved 16^th century Portuguese Fort in Diu. With a double moat and ramparts lined with cannons, it is an impressive sight.

Getting There

Vapi is the nearest railway station, about 12 kilometres from Daman. It is well-connected with Mumbai and Ahmedabad. From Vapi station, you can hire a taxi or take the Gujarat State Transport bus to Daman. You can also reach Daman by air; the local airport is in Nani Daman. The closest international airport is at Mumbai, 170 kilometres away. The closest railway station to Diu is at Veraval, which is 90 kilometres away and is directly connected to the major cities of Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Diu airport is located at Nagoa and Jet Konnect has daily flights from Mumbai.

Where to Stay

Both Daman and Diu have several hotel options to suit all budgets. In Daman, check out Sandy Resort on the popular Devka beach for a great seaside holiday, which is not too heavy on the pocket. For a more luxurious stay, try The Gold Beach Resort in Nani Daman, close to Devka beach. In Diu, the best luxury stay is at Azzaro Resorts & Spa in Fofrara-Fudam. If you’re looking for a mid-range option, the Rasal Beach Resort at Nagoa beach is worth a look.

MakeMyTrip has excellent holiday packages to Daman and Diu. So, book your flight or train tickets now and enjoy a blissful beach holiday.