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Daman
Daman lies 193kms north of Bombay on the coast of the southern edge of Gujarat
just north of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The Somanath Mahadev Temple is an important place of worship in Daman.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated in the village Dabhel. It
is believed that the Shivalinga was miraculously originated at its present place
on the request of a monk who was a true devotee of Shiva. This miraculous
incident is believed to have taken place in the19th century, which induced
people to hold this place as holy place and they built a small temple. It was
rebuilt in the year 1972-73 with glass decorative. It is a pleasant spot
connected by good roads. Every year there is a fair organised here known as 'Gangaji Fair'. Other important tourist places in Daman are Devka Beach, Jampore
Beach, irrigation pond-lake in Kachigam, Nani Danan jetty garden and Hilsa
summer house near Hilsa fish Aquarium.
Diu
Among the subjects of interest in Diu, is the fort of Diu which occupies a
very prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure situated on
the extreme coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of the sea
and its surrounding areas. Towards the west of the fort lies the town of Diu. A
number of old cannons and collection of iron shells can be seen here. Near the
Diu Fort, is Panikotha fortress in the sea which can be reached by boat. At night
it is lit up, giving an excellent view.
The Gangeshwar Temple is unique as it has Shivlingas which are washed by the
sea. Located at the Jallandhar beach, there are many other attractions nearby.
The two main churches are St. Paul's and St. Francis of Assisi.
The horseshoe shaped Nagoa Beach is one of the best in India. A tented camp
offering a different style of accommodation has come up here. Water sports
facilities are available and one can also enjoy a good swim.
The Somnath Temple is also only a short distance from here. It is a magnificent
place of worship. The massive historic Diu (Praca de Diu) fort cum-castle
built in 1535 impresses most of the visitors. It was the key position of the
whole strategic complex which comprises the other forts-one at Gogola which was
destroyed in 1896; the Passo Seco Fort at about 8 Km from the city. This
fort predates the Portuguese conquest. At Brancavara there were two other forts. One known as Barra now converted into a lighthouse, the second as Nagoa Fort
built in 1773. Besides these forts, there is also a historical cathedral
dedicated to St. Paul, a palace, Tad Fort, Old Fort and Nagoa Beach. Diu is a
very popular and important tourist resort.
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