Situated on the southern border of the state of
Gujarat, off the Saurashtra coast bordering Junagadh
district, is the Union Territory of Daman and Diu.
A colony held by the Portuguese for a long period
even after India got independence, Daman and Diu
became a part of the erstwhile Union Territory of
Goa, Daman and Diu in 1961. When Goa was conferred
with statehood in 1987, Daman and Diu became a separate
Union Territory. The word "diu" is derived
from the Sanskrit word dweep, meaning island. From
the 14th to 16th century, this tiny island (coastal
length 21 kms) was one of India's best sea ports,
an important trading centre and a naval base. Today,
it is a serenely beautiful getaway with golden beaches,
dense palm-groves and historical monuments, but
minus the commercial exploitation and environmental
degradation that have spoiled so many other destinations.
Daman and Diu is, perhaps, one of India's last undiscovered
jewels, being virgin, picturesque, clean, and green.
Apart from the tourism industry, Daman has become
an important industrial centre, due to its' proximity
to the industrialized states of Maharashtra and
Gujarat. It follows a strict environmental policy
- only non-polluting units are allowed to set up
shop. Daman accounts for 40% of India's plastic
manufacturing capacity and has developed a notable
cluster of related industries.
Area:
38.5 sq.km.
Population: 340,000
Climate: Throughout the Year -
Warm
Clothing: Throughout the Year -
Cottons
Languages spoken: Gujarati
