DAMAN - so near to Mumbai and so far from its maddening crowd, `Daman' - an erstwhile Portuguese enclave earlier called `Damao', and a picturesque port town, is a popular getaway for most city dwellers. Situated on the West Coast, hugged by the Arabian Sea and swaying casuarinas - Daman has been the home away from home for the ubiquitous Portuguese till it was liberated in the year 1961 to form a part of the Indian Union.

Daman has, what it takes and more, to gratify the whims of sun bathers, beachcombers, sight-seers, swimmers, monument lovers, shoppers and ultimate escapists !

There is exquisite sea food to satisfy the palate : pomfret, prawn, dadha, Bombay duck, crab, the list is endless; while the quaint bars and modern restaurants satisfy the pleasures of life.

Within its 72 sq. km, there is everything a tourist looks for : gentle winds, soft sand, inviting waters, historic churches, majestic forts in their imposing splendor, coconut groves, stately palms and sleepy villages nestled on the creeks !

The people are unique in their diversity and hospitality. Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Parsees - all live in harmony and make Daman a heart warming place - where people, it would appear, know only one language - that spells out WELCOME in bold.

Visit Daman and return with sweet memories of leisure and pleasure !

WHAT TO SEE

• Fort of Moti Daman
• The Fort of St. Jerome, Nani Daman
• Church of Bom Jesus
• Church of the Lady of Dolorous
• The Catholic Church of Nani Daman,