This Union Territory was formed in 2020 by merging the former Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu. This UT is consists of three non-contiguous districts sharing borders with Gujrat and Maharashtra states near Arabian. This UT is known for Portuguese heritage, coastal tourism, tribal culture, historic forts, churches, beaches and scenic natural beauty. Daman and Diu attract tourists for sea beaches and colonial architecture, while Dadra and Nagar Haveli are famous for forests, wildlife, and tribal traditions. Daman city is capital of this Union Territory.
District-wise Tourist Attractions in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu:
Tourist Attractions in Dadra and Nagar Haveli District:
This district (HQ: Silvassa) located between Gujrat and Maharashtra states on western coast of India, is known for tribal heritage, wildlife and eco-tourism. Tribal culture and traditional handicrafts are special attractions for visitors. Key attractions are:
- Vanganga Lake Garden: This scenic area offering lake, garden, bridges, boating facilities and peaceful surroundings is located at 5 kms from Silvassa city. It is popular for Bollywood shoots.
- Vasona Lion Safari Wildlife Park: A Wildlife near Silvassa where visitors can observe Asiatic lions in a natural environment by ride of special safari vehicles.
- Tribal Cultural Museum: A museum inSilvassa displaying tribal lifestyle, culture, handicrafts and local traditions of Dhodia, Kokna and Varli tribes.
- Dudhni Lake: Located nearDudhni at 40 Kms from Silvassa, it is a large waterfront area known as the “Kashmir of the West” and famous for speed boating, kayaking and scenic beauty.
- Other Attractions: Swaminarayan Temple (Silvassa), Satmaliya Deer Park (Khanvel), Hira Van Garden (Piparia), Church of Our Lady of Piety (Silvassa).
Tourist Attractions in Daman District:
Daman district sharing border with Gujrat state is famous for its beaches, Portuguese-era forts, churches and coastal tourism. (HQ: Daman city) Key attractions are:
- Devka Beach: A popular beach destination near Daman city, known for sea views, leisure tourism and amusement facilities.
- Jampore Beach: Another popular beach near Daman city known for black sand, swimming, camel riding and water sports activities.
- Moti Daman Fort: A historic Portuguese fort near Daman City housing churches, lighthouse and colonial-era buildings.
- Bom Jesus Church: A famous Portuguese church admired for wooden carvings and religious importance in Miti Daman Fort.
- Dominican Monastery: Monastery ruins reflecting Portuguese heritage and architecture near Daman city.
- Other Attractions: Fort of St. Jerome & Church of Our lady of sea (Nani Daman Fort), Devka Beach, Mirasol Lake Garden.
Tourist Attractions in Diu District:
Diu district is a scenic island in Arabian sea near Kathiawar peninsula (also known as Saurashtra) of Gujrat state. Diu is known for its peaceful beaches, Portuguese architecture, historic forts and island tourism. (HQ: Diu city) Key attractions in Diu are:
- Diu Fort: A historic sea fort near Diu city, famous for panoramic Arabian Sea views & Portuguese history and housing a lighthouse & ancient cannon.
- Nagoa Beach: A much famous beaches in Diu, known for water sports, swimming, parasailing and palm-lined shores.
- St. Paul’s Church: An old magnificent church in Diu, famous for baroque-style Portuguese architecture.
- Naida Caves: Unique natural hidden cave formations and rock structures near Diu, popular among tourists and photographers.
- Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple: A sacred sea facing Shiva temple near Diu, where sea waves naturally wash the five Shivlings.
- INS Khukri Memorial: War memorial in Diu, dedicated to Indian Navy sailors martyred during the 1971 war.
- Ghoghla Beach: A scenic ‘Blue Flag’ beach with water activities.