A Day in Daman: Exploring Portuguese Architecture and Serenity on the Coast

  1. 9:30AM: Mirasol Lake Garden
    Located 10 minutes (3.4 km) from Devka Beach

    Start your morning with a serene walk around the Mirasol Lake Garden, a sprawling scenic garden encircling a pristine lake. Discover a diverse collection of plants and flowers while taking in the views of the tranquil lake.

  2. 11:00AM: Moti Daman Fort
    Located 15 minutes (4.5 km) from Mirasol Lake Garden

    The grand Moti Daman Fort is a popular heritage site in Daman due to its lustrous history. Built in 1559, the fort is home to an array of historical monuments; including churches, lighthouses, and an impressive Jain temple. The fort houses the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing the cultural roots of Daman along with its ethnic and linguistic diversity.

  3. 12:30PM: Lunch at Haji Ali
    A 5-minute walk from Moti Daman Fort

    Treat your taste buds to the delicious seafood at the highly recommended Haji Ali restaurant near the fort. The butter-garlic prawns, bombil fry (flathead fish) and the tandoori crab are some of the specialties of this place.

  4. 2:00PM: Dominican Monastery
    20 minutes (7.2 km) from Haji Ali

    Explore the impressive 16th-century Dominican Monastery, known as the Monastery of Our Lady of the Sea an impressive building that once upon a time held the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Today, the church is adorned with captivating artworks and it is a major attraction for tourists.

  5. 3:30PM: Nani Daman Fort
    To the north of Ropeway on the beach

    Nani Daman fort, also called the Fort of St. Jerome, is situated on the northern side of the Daman Ganga River. Its gateway faces the river and is adorned with a statue of St. Jerome himself. Originally constructed as a place of worship for the Catholics in the indigenous settlements around, however, it became a defensive structure when the Marathas invaded Daman. The fort offers a stunning view of the sea waves crashing on the rocky shores.

  6. 5:00PM: Devka Beach
    20 minutes (5 km) from Nani Daman Fort

    Make your way to Devka Beach and let the serene coastline help you relax. The beach is lined with shacks that offer some lip-smacking local delicacies. You can take a stroll along the beach, engage in some water sports, or just sit back and soak in the sea breeze and gorgeous views of the Arabian Sea.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Mirasol Lake Garden (1 hour, Free)
  • Moti Daman Fort (2 hours, Free)
  • Lunch at Haji Ali (1.5 hours, INR 800)
  • Dominican Monastery (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Nani Daman Fort (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Devka Beach (1.5 hours, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 800

Useful Tips

For those with extra time, taking the ferry to discover the Diu island is a good way to extend your trip. For a more relaxed pace of the day, Nagoa beach and Sunset Point provide stunning views and a serene atmosphere to unwind in. For those in a hurry For those in a hurry, you can skip Mirasol Lake Garden, the Dominican Monastery or Nani Daman fort if time is limited.

0