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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ahmedpur Mandvi

       

           On a 6 km stretch of clear Arabian waters kissing the beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi is one of Gujarat's lesser-known gems and finest pieces of coastline. Adjacent to the island of Diu, which lies just across a creek, it continues as Ghogla Beach into the adjoining part of mainland Diu.

         From lazing on a hammock with a book to bathing in its pristine waters, this beach also offers many water sport adventures and opportunities for dolphin sightings. Situated where Gujarat and Diu come together, Ahmedpur Mandvi provides a rich blend of cultures from Saurashtra and the Portuguese influence from Diu, in several lively fishing hamlets.

Veraval Beach


         Wandering among the hundreds of fishing-boats, a walk on Veraval's picturesque dockyard and long uninterrupted shorelines is a lovely experience, but only if you can handle the smell of fish that hangs over town. A large coastal industrial center, Veraval is known for its fisheries, dominated by the Kharwa fisherfolk and as the gateway to Somnath. 

       Fishing here is done by trawlers, as well as by traditional boats, and Veraval maintains a boatbuilding industry that still constructs and repairs boats with traditional methods. The seafood industry, started through Government initiatives, is now in its prime and the numerous processing factories export quality seafood to Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Persian Gulf countries and the USA. In centuries past, Veraval was the major seaport for pilgrims to Mecca before the rise of Surat. It is easily accessible by road and railway and offers decent accomodation options.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Jampore Beach-Daman



         When it comes to the beaches in India, the alluring Goa beaches hog the entire spotlight. It’s high time that the focus is shifted to the scenic and picturesque Daman beaches. Located on the western coast of the Indian peninsula, Daman boasts of beaches that have a unique and irrefutable appeal to them. The Jampore Beach, Daman falls in the league of the most enchanting beaches in Daman.
  
       The beaches of Daman are an intoxicating mix of smooth expanse of sand, clumps of swaying coconut palms and ancient monuments. The Jampore Beach, Daman is no exception. Ideal for a beach holiday, the Jampore Beach, Daman is a sun bather and beach comber’s paradise. Leading on to the border of Gujarat, Jampore Beach is a scenic and pleasant spot where one gets to spend some moments of peace and quiet in the company of Nature.

   
      There are few beaches that can boast of sublime solitude and Jampore Beach in Daman is primary among them. If you are one of those restful types who would rather laze around the beach or enjoy a casual saunter, Daman’s Jampore Beach is ideally suited for you. However if your active self revolts against your sluggishness, you can enjoy a relaxing swim. Jampore Beach, Daman is ideally suited for swimming. The low risk factor acts as a major lure for the swimmers. During low tide, you can feel the smooth and wet sand below your feet and enjoy a walk right into the sea. If you are traveling with family and friends, then a picnic under the cool shade of Casuarina trees is an absolute must.

Devka Beach Daman



     Devka Beach, Daman can easily compete with the other spectacular beaches that India boasts of. Daman boasts of some amazing beaches that have the potential of seducing even the most discerning of beach lovers. Daman, the capital of the Union territory of Daman and Diu, is itself a charming holiday destination. Add to it’s the enchantment of the mesmerizing beaches and there is no way one can dismiss the call of this idyllic place. Indianholiday.com is the treasure trove of all the usable inputs on the beaches in Daman. 

   
 Those who have even a remote interest in sea, sand and surf can check out the Devka Beach in Daman. The long shoreline of Daman’s Devka Beach has captivated the fancy of many a tourists traveling to Daman. The amusement park and the musical fountain have a lot to do with the interest that the beach generates. The amusement park is highly well-maintained and is quite popular with the tourists. The multi-hued musical fountain is worth a watch. In fact you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. 

   
       Devka Beach, Daman not only fascinates the grown-ups, but also generates a considerable amount of the interest among the kids as well. The amusement park which is beautifully decorated and illuminated during festive occasions act as a major draw. The kid’s corner holds out the promise of keeping the kids occupied. The thrilling pony-rides are also a major attraction of the beach. When you feel exhausted and fatigued after romping about the beach, you can head for the food joints, most of which are located within the walking distance from the Devka Beach, Daman. However, it must be taken into account that there are rocky formations beneath the water in Devka Beach, Daman that might hurt if you get careless.

Nani Daman Fort


       There are diverse types of tourist attractions in Daman. All are marked with distinct features and have something unique to offer to the eyes of the beholder. On tour to Daman after visiting each of the famous stop you will also acknowledge the same. However the common element that will be found predominant in all is the dash of Portuguese colonial charm. Somehow or the other each site will carry you back in time of the colonial legacy of Portuguese rule. On browsing through the magnificent sites, you will mostly be attracted to the monuments in Daman. The special feature of the Daman monuments is that they all are graced with invaluable architectural patterns.

     This apart, sprawling over the wide expanse of the land, they feature a conglomeration of different sightseeing spots. The very good and most suited example in this case is Nani Daman Fort in Daman. The Daman Nani Daman Fort encircles an area of 12,250 sq. meters. Although it is a small fort but it features three bastions and 2 gateways. It is said that the most attractive and enthralling part of this fort is the gigantic gateway that faces the river with a huge statue of St. Jerome and 2 magnanimous human figures. However this is not just it. You will also come across the Church of Our Lady of the Sea which is touted to be the principal building in the fort.

     The Nani Daman Fort in Daman is one of the most spectacular sites in Daman. It has elegantly laid out high stone walls. It surrounds an area of 12,250 sq. meters. Its 3 bastions and 2 gateways are the excellent sights to behold. Of these, however, the one which holds an unwavering attention is the mammoth gateway facing the river with a huge statue of St. Jerome and 2 gigantic human figures on both the sides of the gateway. This apart, you will also come across the impressive church of Our Lady of the Sea which is the principal building in the premises of the Fort and boasts of refined paneling. After sightseeing the wonderful Daman Nani Daman Fort you can also pay visits to the nearby attractions of the region of which the major highlight has been put on Gandhi Park near Nani Daman jetty.

Lighthouse-daman



       Daman is a serenely gorgeous getaway with golden beaches, dense palm-groves and historical monuments. Known for their beaches and exotic liquors, this island is a tourist's haven for escaping the dissonance of mundane life. Be it the rich historic past or the appealing songs of the anglers, everything in Daman assist in creating a paradise for one in search of tranquility. The forts and churches of the past, and the pubs of today, combine to engender a strange ambience of nostalgia and delight. Monuments in Daman are very popular attractions for every tourist. Daman Lighthouse located in Moti Daman is very attractive and quite famous tourist destination.

    
           Lighthouse is basically built for an aid for navigation and pilot age at sea; a lighthouse is a tower building or framework sending out light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire. Lighthouses are generally used to mark hazardous coastlines, dangerous shoals away from the coast, and safe entries to harbors and can also help in aerial navigation. Because of contemporary electronic navigational aids, the number of operational lighthouses has declined to less than 1,500 worldwide. Despite all, Lighthouse in Daman continues to be an important landmark in Daman.

      Visiting lighthouse in Daman can be an overwhelming experience. You can visit the famous Fort of Moti Daman located near Moti Daman Jetty. The massive fort that runs round the settlement like a girdle dates back to 1559 AD. The enormous structure in the present state encompasses about 30,000 sq. mts. with 10 bastions and two gateways. The fort is sheltered by moat on the land side and also connects the river to the sea.

     Daman Lighthouse is located within the vicinity of Daman’s Moti Daman Fort which sprawls an area of about 30,000 square meters and features ten bastions and two impressive gateways. The presence of a deep trench indicates the importance to protect the fort against enemy attack. The fort, when considered in its entirety, is polygonal in structure. Within the confines of the Moti Daman Fort are located the Secretariat and other significant official buildings. Most importantly a visit to the St Cathedral is worth mentioning whose origin can be traced back to the seventeenth century. The attractive lighthouse by the Sea creates a magical sight and will surely ensure a wonderful treat for the eyes!

Moti Daman Fort


       Moti Daman Fort in Daman features among one of the popular monuments in Daman. Touted as the popular tourist attractions of Daman, the place is characterized by a dream-like ambience. The construction of Daman’s Moti Daman Fort is credited to the Portuguese who built up their settlement at this place. One can expect to delight in mesmerizing and breathtaking views across the river to Nani Daman from the bulwarks near the lighthouse.

      Moti Daman Fort in Daman dates back to 1559 AD. Before the construction of the fort, there used to exist a Muslim bastion at the site, which was controlled by an Abyssinian chief. The Portuguese kick-started the construction of the Moti Daman fort after the subjugation of the Muslim citadel. The construction work continued well up to the end of the sixteenth century.

     Daman’s Moti Daman Fort sprawls an area of about 30,000 square meters and features ten bastions and two imposing gateways. The presence of a deep trench indicates the urgency to shield the fort against enemy attack. The fort, when considered in its entirety, is polygonal in structure. One remarkable and unique aspect of the structure of the fort is the projections that jut out at regular intervals. The low wall along the edge of the roof is provided with loop holes. Another interesting feature is the flight of steps that connects the terraces to the inner ground surface. This was most probably used as a safety valve in the face of an enemy attack. The barracks along the wall were meant to house the defense personnel. Within the confines of the Moti Daman Fort are located the Secretariat and other important official buildings. You would also do well to visit the churches that are there. Special mentions needs be made of the St Cathedral whose origin can be traced back to the seventeenth century. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary also deserves a special visit. Here you will stumble upon the ancient Portuguese tombstones. Marvel at the altar that is made up of an exquisitely carved gold-painted wood.

Fort of St.Jerome

           
        Daman is a tiny quaint settlement which has become a popular weekend getaway for people from the neighboring states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. It nestles quietly by the Arabian Sea on the West coast of India and proudly proclaims to be one of the most exotic destinations on the west coast of India. There are several fascinating tourist attractions in Daman. Monuments in Daman are frequently visited by travelers who visit this exotic land to seek tranquility. The Fort of St. Jerome or Nani Daman Fort is a popular destination for every tourist during their tour to Daman. The most noticeable part of the fort is the massive gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome who was one of the most renowned priests of the Catholic Church.

         Daman was taken from its Gujarati ruler by the Portuguese in 1531 but was only officially handed over to the Portuguese in 1559 by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Diu became a Portuguese colony in 1539 after the signing of a peace treaty by the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah. The territories remained Portuguese colonies till they were freed in 1961. A visit to the historical place of St.Jerome Fort in Daman will give you a clear insight about the history of the place.

       As you enter the complex of Daman Fort of St.Jerome you shall first notice the opulent gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome who was one of the most renowned priests of the Catholic Church. St. Jerome, who was born Eusebius Hieronymous Sophronius, was the most scholarly of the Fathers of the Western Church. He was born about the year 342 at Stridonius, a small town at the head of the Adriatic. The principal building inside the fort is the impressive Church of Our Lady of the Sea. This Catholic Church is one of the earliest seats of office and has an excellent altar with superb paneling. The ramparts are a good place from which to take a clear view of the fish market and small fishing fleet which anchors alongside. To the north is a Jain Temple whose inside walls are covered with glassed-over 18th century murals that portray the life of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Mahavira was born in 599 B.C. He lived for 72 years. He discarded family life in 569 B.C. He attained omniscience in 557 B.C. and entered into Nirvana in 527 B.C. He was the last Tirthankara. Mahavira lived a life of complete truthfulness, a life of perfect honesty and a life of absolute chastity.