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The union territories of Daman and Diu lie on the edge of the southern borders of Gujarat, in western India. The northern side of the isolated island, Diu, facing Gujarat, is made of tidal marsh and saltpans, while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches. This wind beaten and somewhat arid island is filled with quarries built by the Portuguese rulers. The rocky and sandy interior reaches a maximum altitude of 29 m above sea level, and palms and coconut trees abound on this island.
There are several places of tourist attractions in Daman and Diu that are worth visiting.
In Daman, one can visit the Fort of St. Jerome at Nani Daman, where there is a Jain temple as well. The 17th-century-old Se Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Moti Daman are also worth a visit, and one can see the exquisite Portuguese carvings on the walls of these churches.
There are several places to visit and see around Daman and Diu that make excellent weekend trip and excursion options.
The 1000-feet-high hill resort of Saputara near Daman is quite famous. The name means the Abode of Serpents and one can see a holy serpent image on the banks of the river Sarpaganga.
Nariyal Purnima marks the beginning of the fishing season after the monsoon. Excited boat races, and swimming contests usher in the fisherman's bread with traditional pomp.
Daman and Diu are easily accessible from various other important cities of India through air, rail and road.
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