Devka Beach About 3 km north from Nani Daman, Devka Beach shoreline offers excellent recreation to the visitor. The ambience is serene and easy going. Walking the beach as the waves dance at your toes and the visual drama played out by nature with sea turning its colour and the sky mirroring each passing mood has always charmed the tourists. During low-tide, one can walk right into the sea and collect shells and various stones. The traveler can beat the summer heat by taking swim in the cool water of the sea but take precaution while bathing in sea as there are rocky formations beneath the water. At Devka, the most popular tourist attraction, a beachside amusement park has been developed that includes kids corner with toy train, merry-go round and large garden, fast food centre and ice cream parlour. The multicoloured fountains in the park on play provide an enchanting sight and are tourist’s delight. You can also enjoy pony and camel ride on the sand. Some of the bigger hotels in Daman are in vicinity, along one road. The sea facing restaurants of these hotels are very popular given the cool evenings and sea breeze. The lane opposite the park has some roadside stalls selling custom electronic items, soft toys, readymades and export surplus garments. Entry to the park is Rs.5, Camera Rs.15. Taxis and autorickshaws are easily available to take you to Devk. Jampore Beach About 3 km south of Moti Daman, the Jompore Beach is sandy and safe for swimming, pleasant spot with casuarinas plantation on the sea shore, where one can commune with nature in sublime solitude. One can walk on the soft wet sand with golden tinge right into the sea during low tide. The beach line is broad and quite serene. The sea here is free from undercurrents and dangers. Horse riding is also available at Jampore Beach. Around Rs.40 for an autorickshaw from Moti Daman. The Fisherman’s Beach at sea face in Nani Daman, yet another popular place is also a good sandy beach. Mirasol Resort and Waterpark The Mirasol Resort and Waterpark is a wholly man-made wonder where the visitor enjoys boating in the artificially created lake surrounding the two islands connected by bridge. Various interesting features like mini train ride, video games, machan like setting on tree tops, water slides, sumptuous food to make it a favourite family tourist spot. The brightly lit up fountains and the reflected lights during the night cast an amazing and magical spell on the tourist. The place has been the favourite for shooting of many a films because of its remarkable greenery and panoramic surrounding with well laid gardens and coconut tree cover. Vaibhav Waterpark An array of 36 thrilling rides in Vaibhav Waterpark surrounded by farms of mangoes, coconut and chikoos on thaKantaVapi road, about 7 km from Daman is another place for fun and adventure. An ideal place for family, the place offers non-stop excitement and good facilities. Timing 11:00 to 18:00 hrs. Damanganga Tourist Complex Damanganga Tourist Complex is a unique project sure to mesmerize any tourist visiting Daman with its beauty, facilities and sheer size. The complex has cafeteria, cottages, conference hall, water falls, water sports, fountains and garden at one location. The Fort of St.Jerome On the north side of the Damangangariver, this fort in Nani Daman is named after St.Jerome, one of the most eminent fathers of the Catholic Church. Started in 1614 AD, after the Mughal Invasion, by the 12th Portuguese Viceroy of India, Dom Jeronimo de Azevado it got completed in the time of Dom Franciso de Gama in 1672 AD. The small fort with a giant gateway facing the river with a large statue of St.Jerome and two giant human figures, on either side of the gateway encloses an area of 12250 sq.m. The fort encloses a church. Our Lady of the Sea (now used as a school) and a cemetery. The view of the small fishing fleet which anchors alongside from the fort is interesting. On the northern side within the confine of the fort were located the palaces, the secretariat and other official buildings. A large number of Portuguese gentry and their families resided within the fort. The recently built circular road is like a necklace round the Fort. It is now a popular promenade. The Fort of Moti Daman Soon after the conquest of Daman in 1559 AD, construction of this massive fort started and lasted till the end of 16th century AD. It encompasses about 30,000 sq. m. with ten bastions and two gateways – southern (land) gate and the northern (sea) gate. The fort is protected by a moat on the land side and also connects the river to the sea. The main street inside the fort runs north – south and all along the inner wall there are barracks of defence personnel. The Gandhi Park near the fort, the temple of ShriSatya Narayan are few more attractions for travelers in Nani Daman. The tourist crosses over to Moti Daman through Daman Ganga Bridge. The Dominican Monastry This was once a great seat of theological studies, a seminary of global repute for priestly noviciates, and attracted Catholic scholars from far and near. The tell – tale ruins of grand spiritual dream stand as mute testimony to its past grandeur. The floral stone carving can be seen at the abode of the main altar. A public mass is held on 3rd Sunday of December in honour of St. Dominic. Church of Bom Jesus Started in 1559 but consecrated in 1603, the church of Bom Jesus was a parish church in the early days of the Portuguese rule. The monument is living tribute to the craftsmanship of Portuguese artisans in ornate and intricate design. The main feature of the church is its painted an gilt wooden altar reredos and pulpit. The richly carved main south door with the elevated facade, lofty ceiling, embellished with the statues of six saints are aesthetic and pleasing. Done in the best traditions of Roman Church art and architecture, the church dedicated to Bom Jesus attracts both, tourists and pilgrims, in large numbers. Moti Daman At the entrance of the left side, almost attached to the fort gate is the modest dwelling where an 18th century Portuguese poet, Bocage lived. As you walk into the fort gate, a monument, Pargola Garden, raised in memory of the Portuguese soldiers who fell during the liberation up rising at Dadra and Nagar Haveli catches attention. Next is the modern Secretariat building opposite Collectorate. The Daman Municipal Council building is one of the oldest buildings and continues to be an institution for local self government. Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary Against the fort wall is the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary dating and glided wooden panels illustrate stories from the lives of the blessed saints. The ceiling features charming carved golden cherubs. The statue of Mary of Rosary was placed on the altar in thanksgiving by the Portuguese commander for rescue from a Maratha attack by Shivaji. Church of Our Lady of Remedies The Church of Our Lady of Remedies was built by the Portuguese Governor and Captain in 1607 AD. The main altar is carved and gilded with 17th century engravings. Church of Our Lady of Angustias The Church of Our Lady of Angustias built on the grave of Agostinho Xavier de Silva Vidigal is also a piece of master craft in wood built by Portuguese artists. Light House About 3 km north from Nani Daman, Devka Beach shoreline offers excellent recreation to the visitor. The ambience is serene and easy going. Walking the beach as the waves dance at your toes and the visual drama played out by nature with sea turning its colour and the sky mirroring each passing mood has always charmed the tourists. During low-tide, one can walk right into the sea and collect shells and various stones. The traveler can beat the summer heat by taking swim in the cool water of the sea but take precaution while bathing in sea as there are rocky formations beneath the water.
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