A Daman good idea

The Jain temple at Nani Daman

What does Daman have that Gujarat doesn't? A licence to drink alchohol. That's why when you get off at Vapi station in the dry state and cross the border into the Union Territory (UT), you will be greeted by a long stretch of booze shops that are almost literally just 10 metres apart, each with chairs and tables set out in front of them so that revelers sit comfortably while they get their fix.

The Portuguese fort at Moti Daman

But there's something else that Daman has which Gujarat doesn't, something a lot more beautiful - a rich Portuguese history that has left remnants of forts and churches that date back to the 15th century. Mumbaikars can now get a feel of that thanks to a day trip that travel company T Trikon is organising this weekend. The UT is divided into two parts separated by the Daman Ganga river - Moti Daman and Nani Daman. The fort in Moti Daman is bigger and older, and offers panoramic views of the river and the Arabian Sea because of its strategic location. The one in Nani Daman is smaller, but it has a church that houses one of the oldest Catholic seats in the country. "There is also a Jain temple next to the Nani Daman fort, which has murals that depict the entire life of Lord Mahavir, and which was built in the 18th century," says Eshant Shah, who will lead the tour.

Eshant Shah

He adds that the trip will also involve a visit to Jampore beach in Moti Daman, a pristine beach that has activities like parasailing (the beach in Nani Daman is usually as choc-a-bloc with people as Juhu beach in Mumbai is over the weekend, and is best avoided). All in all, the day promises a tryst with history where the participants can soak in history, even as the visitors from Gujarat soak in the alcohol that they are denied in their home state.

On: November 20, 6 am
Meeting Point: Pritam Da Dhaba, Dadar
Log on to: ttrikon.com
Cost: Rs 2,625