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The 17th-century-old Se Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Moti Daman are also worth a visit, and one can see the exquisite Portuguese carvings on the walls of these churches. Built in ancient Gothic style, they are feast for the eyes. The stately Light House, the amusement park and the Gandhi Park at Daman jetty are also places of interest. Among the beaches, Devka beach is the most famous. Others include the Jampore beach, which is of interest to the swimmers and is very near the Gujarat border. The lake garden of Satya Nagar Udyan is famous for its fountains and promenades.
In Diu, the Zampa Gateway is of particular interest. It has carvings of lions, angels and a priest and has a chapel inside with an inscription dating back to 1702. The artificial Zampa waterfall is also attractive. St. Paul's Church is the only active church till date. Nearby is the old St. Thomas's Church that has now been taken over by the authorities and converted into the Diu Museum. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been converted to a hospital. The Marwar memorial commemorates the victory over the Portuguese. The massive fort built in 1541 is now weathered and weak. It is of major tourist interest. Other places include Jallandhar and Gangeshwar temple.
The Nagoa beach is the most famous in Diu. Gomptimata, Chakratirth and the beautiful Sunset Point are the other famous beaches. The Jama Masjid is also famous.
Weekend Trips/Excursions:
There are several places to visit and see around Daman and Diu that make excellent weekend trip and excursion options.
The 1000-feet-high hill resort of Saputara near Daman is quite famous. The name means the Abode of Serpents and one can see a holy serpent image on the banks of the river Sarpaganga. To visit Mahal Bardipara Forest Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km) and the Gira Waterfalls (52 km) Saputara is a popular base.
Fudam, near Diu town, has a big church dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies. At the western frontiers of the island, Vanakbara has a Church to Our Lady of Mercy, a fort, a lighthouse, and a fishing fleet.
Events and Festivals:
Nariyal Purnima:
Nariyal Purnima marks the beginning of the fishing season after the monsoon. Excited boat races, and swimming contests usher in the fisherman's bread with traditional pomp. Nariyal (coconuts) are offered to the Wind and Sea Gods in thanksgiving.
Christmas:
On Christmas, each house, irrespective of status, displays a star and the occasion is marked by cooking, dancing and crib competitions. Real life camels and infants are made to enact the Birth of Christ. Angels dressed up in flowing whites complete with shiny wings, can be seen slipping down wires from atop palm trees to the ground. The children in Portuguese frocks and bows, dancing with joy are a sight not to be missed.
Navratri:
The festival of Navratri (the nine night festival, devoted to Goddess Durga) is celebrated with fanfare in Diu, because of its proximity to Gujarat. Garba, the folk dance of Gujarat takes the centre stage here too.
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