Situated on the southern border of the state
of Gujarat, off the Saurashtra coast bordering Junagadh district, is the Union
Territory of Daman and Diu. A colony held by the Portuguese for a long period
even after India got independence, Daman and Diu became a part of the erstwhile
Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu in 1961. When Goa was conferred with statehood
in 1987, Daman and Diu became a separate Union Territory.
The word "diu" is derived from the Sanskrit word dweep, meaning island.
From the 14th to 16th century, this tiny island (coastal length 21 kms) was
one of India's best sea ports, an important trading centre and a naval base.
Today, it is a serenely beautiful getaway with golden beaches, dense palm-groves
and historical monuments, but minus the commercial exploitation and environmental
degradation that have spoiled so many other destinations.
Daman and Diu is, perhaps, one of India's last undiscovered jewels, being virgin,
picturesque, clean, and green. Apart from the tourism industry, Daman has become
an important industrial centre, due to its' proximity to the industrialized
states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It follows a strict environmental policy
- only non-polluting units are allowed to set up shop. Daman accounts for 40%
of India's plastic manufacturing capacity and has developed a notable cluster
of related industries.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
