India,
the country, where culture echoes, traditions speak and diversity
delights is a land of magnificent monuments and where Taj Mahal,
is only one of the historical wonders. India, the land of culture
and heritage.
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.