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Goa, Daman & Diu

Goa, Daman & Diu


History
Goa has taken into its folds, dynasties
and religions: Mauryas, Kadambas,
Yadavas and Chalukyas, followed by
the Sultans of Delhi, Arabs, Persians
and Afghans, finally in 1510 AD a
Portuguese explorer Alfanso de
Albuquerque sailed up the Mandovi
river and defeated the Bijapur army,
and rode with the Portuguese standard
in one hand and the Golden Crucifix in
the other. They stayed till 1961. That
set the shape of things to come. First
and foremost is its omnipresent
Portuguese influence, so different
from the British stamp that is seen in
many parts of India ticked with; its
baroque churches; its over 40
astounding beaches; its famed Hindu
temples; forts and ruins that are a
reminder of an era gone by – memories
of the past fuse with the present in a
Map not to Scale land where every Goan is proud of his
heritage.
Goa is India's answer to Hawaii. An Churches
absolute fun destination, this tiny
emerald state on the west coast of Churches are the most conspicuous
India, is really different. A tropical symbols of religion and architecture in
paradise, Goa is enchanting all year Goa. Stark white churches, visible
round, especially during the monsoon, from a distance, dot the villages and
islands along the highway that leads to
GOA, DAMAN & DIU

when every palm leaf is washed anew,


and ready to cast its magic spell. Its Panaji, often misleading a visitor that
many starred and hid-in-a-corner Goa is predominantly a Christian state.
seafood speciality restaurants, the In Old Goa, almost all major churches
magical whiff of feni, cashewnut and are Catholic, located in the North.
spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries These include Basilica of Bom Jesu,
all backed by a humungous variety in Chapel of St. Catherine, Chapel of
beachside resorts and hotels, Goa is St. Francis Xavier, Church of Our
indeed every holiday maker's dream Lady of Mercy and Se Cathedral
destination. among others.

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Goa, Daman & Diu

City of Beaches
Beaches are the biggest attraction of
Goa. The entire coastline is dotted with
world-class beaches that are named
after the nearby village or locality.
Two continuous stretches of beaches
on the northern and southern side mark
the Goan coastline. Kissed by the
azure sea, embraced by the land and
Basilica of Bom Jesu shaded by swaying palms, these miles
Temples of golden sand sparkling in the sun, are
the most desired places to rest and
South Goa boasts the Shri Mangueshi sunbathe in. Some of the most famous
Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, ones are:
which is a blend of Hindu, Portuguese Anjuna, 18 km from Panaji, is
adjacent to Chapora fort. There is a
magnificent Albuquerque mansion of
early '20s, flanked by octagonal towers
and an attractive Mangalore tiled-roof.

Shri Mangueshi Temple


and Muslim influences and has a Anjuna Beach
seven-tiered lamp tower in the Arambol, 50 km from Panaji, is
courtyard. The Shri Mahalsa Temple unique for its rocky and sandy
is an ancient one and Shri beachline. It has a sweet water pond
Shantadurga Temple is worth a visit. right on the shore.

Shri Shantadurga Temple Arambol Beach

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Goa, Daman & Diu

Baga, 18 km from Panaji, is at the Malvika. There are various categories


northern tip of a wonderful 7 km in these tours, such as: Sunset Cruise,
stretch along coastal North Goa. Full Moon Cruise, Delightful Dolphin
Benaulim and Betul, 4 and 22 km Tours, Emerald Cruises and Sundown
from Margao respectively, are the Cruise.
southern-most beaches. Water Sports: Goa is a paradise for
Bogmalo, 5 km from Goa Airport, lovers of water sports. The long coastal
offers excellent water sports facilities. beachline offers wonderful
Calangute, 16 km from Panaji, is most opportunities to indulge in all sorts of
popular. Cansaulim, Colva and Dona water sports like scuba diving,
Paula are some of the most popular windsurfing, parasailing, jetskiing and
water scooters.
A number of government and private
organisations including hotels and tour
operators conduct regular water sport
activities including training courses.

Dona Paula
ones. Miramar, a lovely golden beach
of soft sand girdled with palm trees
facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the
nearest to Panaji. Morjim, in the
mouth of the Chapora river and facing
Water Sports
the famous Chapora fort, is another
famous beach of northern Goa. Casino-Hopping: The only state in
Palolem, west of Chaudi, is relatively India to offer casinos, there is quite a
deserted, and is in the southern taluka choice to pick from. Mostly located at
of Canacona. Sinquerim is the five-star hotels and resorts, a visitor
southern-most beach on the Calangute could go to Nuggets at the
stretch, while Siridao, near Goa Velha Rennaissance Beach Resort, Hacienda
in Tiswadi taluka near the mouth of the at Holiday Inn, Chances at Cidade de
river Zuari, offers picturesque scenery. Goa and Treasures at Majorda Beach
GOA, DAMAN & DIU

Vagator is dominated by Chapora Fort Resort. Casino Caravela is the only


to the north. live gaming casino, aboard a
cruiseship.
City Culture
Gourmet's Delights
River Cruise: River cruises with
cultural performances and music are a Head for Megson's, on June Road
unique point of Goa. The one-hour (alongside Moti Mahal), for typical
tours are run by GTDC on three Goanese food. Venite is a local
launches Santa Monika, Radhika and favourite for its laid-back ambience,

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Goa, Daman & Diu

good music and superb seafood. through Goa to connect to Mumbai


Nandan is for vegetarians while and Mangalore. By Road: The
Miramar Restaurant at the Cidade distances are Mumbai (nearly
de Goa Beach Resort, is an upmarket 600 km), Bangalore (632 km),
restaurant where food comes with a Mangalore (370 km) and Pune
special helping of romance and (471 km). Metered cabs,
entertainment. Dine on some delicious autorickshaws, point-to-point taxis
Indian, French or Portuguese cuisine that operate on fixed rates, motorcycle
in the candle light while listening to taxis and the state-run Kadamba buses
live Portuguese guitarists. O are all there for the visitor. One can
Cozinheiro is famous for its exquisite also hire bicycles at the rate of Rs 40 a
seafood preparations and Martin's day. Combined passenger boats are
Beach Corner, at Caranzalem, has available for crossing the many rivers
mouthwatering mussel dishes. of Goa. Best time to visit: Round the
Other famous eateries: J&A's Little year.
Italy: 2277719, After Eight, Le
Restaurant Francais: 2279843, City Code: 0832
Quarterdeck: 2432905, The Airport: 2540031, 2540829
Promenade: 2432639. Indian Airlines: 2513863
Jet Airways: 2510354
Shopper's Paradise Air Sahara: 2230237
Railways: 131
From clothing to confectionary,
electronic goods to second hand Panaji: 2438524
motorcycles, jewellery to handicrafts, Vasco: 2501223
Goa has a glut of them. Crocheted India Tourism: 2223412
tablecloths, cushions, linen, belts, Banks: Thomas Cook: 2221312
bags, purses, wall hangings made from Andhra Bank: 2223513
sisal fibre and jute, cashewnuts, must Central Bank of India: 2225389
all be browsed through for sheer Hospitals/Chemists: Goa Medical
variety, if not for buying. College & Hospital: 2224566,
You may shop from Anjuna Dr Bhadare Hospital: 2224966,
Wednesday Market, Mapusa Friday Waghle Medical Store: 2423772
Market and New Market.
Home Away From Home
Facts at a Glance Fort Aguada Beach Resort: 5645858,
Access: By Air: Goa's Dabolim The Taj Exotica: 2771234, The Leela
airport is some 30 km from Panaji, the Palace: 28371234, Park Hyatt Goa
capital city and all domestic airlines Resort & Spa: 2721234, Majorda
connect Goa to major cities like New Beach Resort: 2754871-80, Radisson
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, White Sands Resort Goa: 2727272,
Pune, Kochi and Agatti among others. Cidade de Goa: 2454545, The Goa
By Rail: Margao and Vasco are the Marriott: 2463333, Ramada Caravela
important railway stations in Goa. The Beach Resort: 2745200.
new Konkan railway route cuts

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Goa, Daman & Diu

DAMAN & DIU


Valsad
Khergam
Daman and Diu have no subdivisions.
Tithal
Ronvel
Dharampur The Daman region is under the charge
of a Collector while Diu is under the
Pardi GUJARAT charge of a CivilAdministrator.
Udvada

ARABIAN Marwad
Chiol City Lights
SEA
DAMAN
Warkund
Dadhel Nariyal Poornima, the festival to
Jampor
Chala mark the onset of the fishing season in
Vapi
DADRA
September. The festivities include
boat races, swimming competitions,
Silvassa
Maroli

Nagar Haveli
cultural shows, etc.
Map not to Scale

Daman & Diu Gourmet's Delights


DAMAN Seafood obviously is an eminent
Daman, the former Portuguese feature. Even though it is surrounded
enclave, is a much sought-after by Gujarat, there is no prohibition on
getaway, thanks to its lovely beaches. liquor consumption. Jampore Beach
It lies on the Gujarat coast, bound on Resort and eateries on Devka beach
the north and south by Bhagwan and are worth spending time at.
the Kalem rivers respectively, on the
Facts at a Glance
east by the Gujarat State and on the
west by the Arabian sea. It is ideal for Access: Vapi is the main access point,
sunbathers, sightseers, beachcombers, with a railway line as well as the
swimmers and history lovers. There turning point from the Delhi-Mumbai
are historic churches, majestic forts National highway. Located on the
and coconut groves too. Some of the western railways' main lines, it is well
popular beaches are Devka, linked through Mumbai and
Fisherman's and Jampore. In Devka, Ahmedabad. It is only 13 km from
there is a well developed amusement Daman. Getting Around: Unmetered
park for families. taxis and autos are the common means
of transportation. The rates are
negotiable.
City Code: 0260
Department of Tourism: 2255104
GOA, DAMAN & DIU

Railway Station: 2222357


Bus Station: 2222850

Home Away From Home


Miramar: 2254471, Princess Park:
2254323, Hotel Ashoka Palace:
2254239, Hotel China Town: 2254920
Fortune Hotel Galaxy (at Vapi),
Devka Beach 2424124.

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Goa, Daman & Diu

DIU railhead is Veraval, about 80 km.


Distances: Ahmedabad 495 km,
Diu lies in the Gulf of Cambay near
Rajkot 261 km, Bhavnagar 230 km,
Veraval Port and is separated from the
Keshod 150 km. There are daily bus
southern extremity of the Saurashtra
services from Mumbai. Getting
peninsula by a narrow channel running
Around: Autorickshaws are available
through a swamp. Daman has a mild
for travel in and around Diu. One can
and humid climate while Diu has a
even hire bicycles (Rs 15 per day) and
sultry climate. The Portuguese ruled
mopeds (Rs 100 per day) from the
over Diu for 400 years, leaving Diu
Kismet Cycle Store behind the Main
Fort, wood-panelled churches like St.
Square (near the high school). Best
Paul's and St. Thomas. One church has
time to visit: September to May.
been converted into a museum housing
rare Portuguese artefacts. The City Code: 02875
secluded Nagoa Beach, 20 minutes Airport: 253542
drive from Diu, is one of the most Tourist Office: 252653
beautiful beaches in India. Banks: State Bank of Saurashtra:
252135; Bank of India: 252131.
Gourmet's Delights Hospitals: Government Hospital and
St Francis Hospitals are well-
Apana serves excellent lobsters, but
equipped.
you must order in advance. For a
Chemists: Hasmukh Medical Store:
Gujarati thali, head for Aavkar, near
252236
the main Town Square. Samrat, on the
Collectorate Road, is one of the better
Home Away From Home
restaurants, while pizzas and fish
delicacies can be had at Aarti. Hotel Kohinoor: 252209, Ankur:
252388.
Facts at a Glance
Access: Diu Airport has a hour-long
daily flight from Bombay. Nearest

Nagoa Beach

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