Daman... Small is big!

    Night View from St.Jerome Fort

History is a record of events, places, food and what goes on then and there at the time recorded by a traveller, explorer and these records have stood as a testament for generations and narratives that keep changing. Are we recording what is happening today? 

 

In the digital era everyone is an explorer, traveller but do we really capture the essence of the place or just click a picture, shoot a video for the publicity? Do we have the record of the essence that any particular place means? In my series going further ‘Art Tales & more…’ I will try to capture the essence of the present along with the past that has travelled along. Join me as I begin my journey from the union territory of India… ‘Daman’.

Evenings at Devka Beach

‘Daman’, once ruled by the Portuguese, became a part of India post its independence in 1961. Ruled by the Portuguese for approximately 400 years, the traces of their rule still remain in the niches. Daman today stands as a popular tourist destination where one can have a relaxing weekend and experience the long-lost traces of Portuguese rule. Daman is lined up with pretty beaches where the views are mesmerising and breathtaking. ‘Devka Beach’ is a perfect spot to spend a lazy evening. The beach is perfect for taking a long walk, enjoying the waves and the colourful sunset. The lush green garden across the beach is perfect for a quiet evening or family picnic. A little train ride that takes you across the space, the picturesquely designed space is perfect for a modern-day photoshoot. Devka is lined up with several food cart options that offer fresh seafood and home-cooked food options to cater to your taste buds. The freshly cooked seafood infused with local flavours was the highlight of this trip. Many homes near Devka offer such freshly cooked meals, which are prepared only on order, with a limited menu. Devka also offers a range of luxury, simple resorts and stays for every budget. 

Spots at Daman are quite close to each other, with a distance of 3-5 minutes by car or bike. Daman’s Dubai Market is a single-stop, popular shopping destination for anything and everything of your choice at an affordable price. 

A few minutes away from this market is the  St.Jerome fort…Today, what remains of the fort are just the protective walls and a few spaces where no one is allowed to enter. The huge walls, narrow steps all of it gives you a glimpse and reminds you of the Portuguese style architecture similar to the Goa or Vasai fort in Maharashtra. The walls of St. Jerome stood tall, looking at the jetty right in front and Moti-Daman Fort across it. The interesting part of the fort is a functioning modern-day school and a church within. While the graveyard stands in one corner. The Portuguese fort and the modern-day school together tell a tale of time that keeps changing and drafting new stories.

 Inside the St.Jerome Fort. 

                          St.Jerome Fort 

 Evenings at the lane outside St. Jerome's fort are quite a hustle and bustle. The streets are filled with food carts and the aroma of a variety of cuisines that come from all the food joints around. The narrow streets are bustling with families, couples, cars and bikes trying to make their way in the busy evening, capturing the views. The Jetty garden across the fort is also a quite popular spot. 

                            Inside the Moti-Daman Fort

 Across the Fort is a jetty and opposite it stands the huge Moti-Daman fort. A beautiful blend of history, modern day infusion of restaurants in the fort giving you an experience and vibe of the ancient architecture Moti-Daman has it all. The colorful buildings where every pop of color on the wall makes it picturesque,the graffiti honouring the legendary artist Mario Miranda born in (Damao) - Daman. The church with its exquisite architecture and all the government offices functioning even today inside the old buildings of the fort. Every nook and corner of the Moti Daman tells a tale of time that has survived and seen generations change. From the rule of Portuguese to the independent India to the modern day era of tourism. 

Daman stands true to its tag line ‘Small is big’. 

Standing on the top of the Moti-Daman fort and looking around the entire Daman staring at the light house made me think about the history and the changes this tiny space has seen. And I wonder how it might change going further.

Make sure you visit Daman…where small is big.

                      

    Keep exploring, keep reading...