Church of Bom Jesus:
This early 17th . century church dedicatedto Bom Jesus is one of
the most impressive holy places in Daman. It wascompleted in it's
present form in 1603 AD and is a living tribute to theexcellence
achieved by Portuguese architects and artisans in ornate andintricate church buildings.
The richly carved doorway and the highly decoratedinteriors together with the lofty
ceiling are aesthetic and pleasing. Thereare 6 finely made statue's in the best traditions
of Roman Church art andarchitecture. In the early days of Portuguese rule, Bom Jesus was a
parishchurch. The church now attracts both tourists and pilgrims in large numbers.
DAMAN-GANGA TOURIST COMPLEX:
An uni que
integrated project witha Cafeteria, Cottages, Conference Hall, Health Club (under
construction),Amphi Theatre, Giant Water Falls, Water sports, Island Gardens,
Fountainswhich provide the visiting tourist all facilities in. One location, Thiscomplex
will mesmerize any tourist visiting Daman with its beauty, facilitiesand size.
DEVKA BEACH:
The long shore-line at Devka hasalways fascin ated the tourists. The beautiful and
well tended amusementpark with its musical fountain and kid's corner has become very
popular,attracting bus loads of tourists every weekend. When the park is illuminatedon
festive days, it provides and enchanting sight, Most of the good jointsand posh hotels are
just within walking distance. Taxis and auto rickshawsare easily available to take you to
Devka. Children enjoy the facilityof a
pony-ride on the sands. The traveller can beat the summer heat bytaking a swim in the cool
waters of the sea. Those who are not very familiarwith the beach at Devka should kindly
take note that rough rocky formationsare there beneath the water level.
Fort of Nani Daman:
The s mall
fort with high stone wallsencloses an area of 12,250-sq. mt. It has three bastions and two
gateways.The most conspicuous part of the Fort is the giant gateway facing the riverwith a
large statue of St. Jerome and two giant human figures, on eitherside of the gateway. The
imposing church of Our Lady of the Sea is theprincipal building within the Fort.
Jampore Beach:
Towards south, Jampore Beach leadson to the border of Gujarat. It is a pleasant spot,
where one communeswith nature in sublime solitude. This beach is most suited to swimmingas
it is danger-free, During low-tide, one can walk on the soft wet sandright in to the sea,
Don't miss a picnic with your family in the shadeof Casurina plantation
on the sea-shore.
The Lady of Remedios Church at NaniDaman:
This church
is within the Fort wallsnani Daman and is one of the ancient seats of office. It has a
finealter and superb panelling. Close to the church in an old cemetery. TheFort walls
girdle the Church and wide, well laid steps lead to the ramparts.
Fort of Moti Daman / Light house:
The massive Fort that runs roundthe settle ment like a girdle, dates back to 1559 AD. The
colossal structurein the present form encompasses abut 30,000 Sq. Mtrs. with 10
bastionsand two gateways. The fort is protected by a moat on the land side andalso
connects the river to the sea. It is basically polygonal in plan withprojections at
regular intervals of about 500 feet and carrying splayedangular bastions. The parapet
above the fortification walls is withoutmerlons but is provided with loop holes. The
terraces close to the topof the wall are connected to the inner ground surface by open
flight ofsteps at many places.
All along the inner wall, there are barracks fordefense personnels. The inscription
above the southern (land) gate mentionsthat this gate along with the bastions adjacent to
it was completed in1581 AD after the Mughal invasion in Akbar's reign. The inscription
onthe Northern (sea) gate gives the date of wall. On the Northern side withinthe confine
of the Fort were located the palaces, the Secretariat and otherofficial buildings. A large
number of Portuguese gentry and their familiesresided within the Fort.
Our Lady of Rosary Church:
The church of Our Lady of RosaryChurch in Moti Daman dates
back to the 16th. century. It has outstanding architectural features,
partly Gothic and partly Byzantian. This church has a wide hall of
prayers and beautifully carved figures.
SATYA SAGAR UDYAN :
Satya sagar Udyan about 3 Kms, fromthe taxi park at Nani Daman and very close to the Coast
Guard Air Station,on the Daman-Valsad Road squats a spell-binding lakegarden " Satya
SagarUdyan" with its colourful fountains and shrub-skirted promenades offersan
enchanting view. The restaurant and snack-bar provide a variety of dishesof different
regional flavours. One can unbend for hours on a lakesideseat sipping a soft beverage of
one's choice.
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