Daman and Diu (દમન અને દીવ)

Daman and Diu (Gujarat: દમન અને દીવ, Marathi: दमण आणि दीव, Portuguese: Damão e Diu) are small territories on the coast of Gujarat that are today a Union Territory in India. It comprises two separated districts covering 112 sq km (43 sq mi) and having a population of 243,000 (2011 estimate). Daman District is an enclave of Gujarat while Diu District comprises Diu Island and Diu mainland, which has a border with Gujarat.

Daman, India


Daman and Diu were formerly colonies of Portuguese India, similar to nearby Dadra and Haveli. The colonies of Goa, Daman and Diu were merged with India in 1961, "by military conquest", meaning it was annexed.

Portugal only formally recognized Indian administration of these former colonies in 1974. They were administered as a single unit until 1987, when Goa was made a state of India, while Daman and Diu remaining as a union territory.

Diu Fort and Lighthouse


The people of Daman and Diu speak Marathi and Gujarati, with English being used mainly for commerce. The use of Portuguese has declined since the change in administration, and today only elderly people are able to understand it. There are also two Portuguese-based creole languages spoken namely Língua da Casa ("Language of the Home") and Língua dos Velhos ("Language of the Elders"), both endangered speeches not commonly spoken outside the local homes.

How to go to Daman and Diu

There are 6 flights a week connecting Diu and Mumbai.

Main Sights in Daman and Diu

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