To read the previous blog on day 3 of Daman click here
Day 4: Zoroastrian History and Quiet Beaches
Tuesday began with a buffet breakfast at Hotel Nest Beacon , Daman. We visited to Nani Daman Fort and St. Jerome Fort, two more gems that offered stunning views of the coastline.
Nani Daman Fort, situated in Daman, is a compact yet historically significant site that offers insight into the region’s Portuguese colonial past. Enclosed by fortified walls with watchtowers, the fort features a picturesque church, a historic cemetery, and breathtaking views of the Daman Ganga River. Its strategic waterfront location enhances its appeal. While not extensively preserved, the fort’s old-world charm and historical importance continue to draw history lovers and photographers alike. A serene place to explore and immerse oneself in Daman’s rich heritage.
The ‘Church of Our Lady of the Sea‘ is one of Daman’s oldest churches, built in 1901 within the Nani Daman Fort. Showcasing stunning interiors with exquisite Portuguese-style architecture, the church continues to hold regular Eucharistic celebrations in both Portuguese and English. Attached to the church is a school, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
While driving towards Nani Daman Fort, we had come across a colony of beautiful Art Deco style houses. We parked the car and I came back walking towards the same colony. It was a visual treat to see the beautiful pastel coloured building in ziggurat profiles, sun burst patterns, coastal iconography and lotus motifs.
We went back to our hotel for lunch. We then headed to Udvada, an important pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians. A huge entrance gateway welcomes tourists to the city of Udvada.
This town is renowned for Zoroastrian Atash Behram or the holy fire which has been burning for over 1250 years. This place of worship is the oldest still functioning example of its kind. Udvada is to Parsis what Mecca is to Muslims, Kashi for Hindus and Vatican for Christians. Not many would be aware that Udvada Atash Behram (Holy fire temple) is one of the nine Atash Behram worldwide (four are in Mumbai, two in Surat, one in Navsari and one in Udvada), The only place outside India is in town of Yazd in central Iran.
Legend has it that during the Muslims conquest of Iran in 7th century marginalised Zoroastrians fled to Indian sub-continent to preserve their diminishing culture and populace. It is said that they first landed on shore in small beach village of Nargol from where they settled in Sanjan and over the years due to changing political situation moved places and finally landed in Udvada. The journey of Atash Behram is well documented in Zoroastrian information centre in Udvada which is open to all public.
We reached Iranshah Fire Temple and parked on the road opposite to it. Non-parsi people are not allowed to enter Irshanshah Fire temple. It is not a pet friendly either. hence the guards did not allow us to enter.
The Zoroastrian Museum was equally enriching, giving us a deeper understanding of the Parsi community’s contributions to the region. The museum is not pet friendly.
We visited Arjun Gadh Fort near Udawada and were absolutely captivated by its natural beauty! Perched on a small hill, the fort offers breathtaking panoramic views, including a mesmerizing sunset, a peaceful river, and lush green, jungle-like surroundings.
According to local folklore, Arjun, the great warrior from the Mahabharata, kidnapped Subhadra from this very place, which is why it is named Arjungad. It is believed that Chimaji Appa later constructed the fort, which was under Portuguese control for some time. At the heart of the fort stands a temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, with steps built for easy access.
We parked our car near the base and started walking towards the Fort through a slum. After a 5mins walk through the slum, we saw a flight of steps. One local indie dog showed the way to the Fort. She followed us in this entire trek. A short 10-minute climb along the steps, which wind around a bastion, leads to the fort’s entrance, which faces east. The fort has a rectangular structure with four bastions at each corner, providing stunning vantage points of the landscape.
Sophie enjoyed the breeze at each of these points. The fortified walls, doorway, and bastions remain in good condition, and porches for gatekeepers can still be seen. Within the fort, besides the temple, there is a large water tank. The fortification wall features six bastions, and to the south, the Kolak River is visible. Given its compact size, exploring the entire fort takes around 10 minutes.
What truly stood out to me was the beautiful Mahalaxmi Mata Temple within the fort, adding an air of serenity and tranquility to the entire experience.
We visited Envairoh again for dinner since it is completely pet friendly. We tried Vegan Tofu satay, Vegan Tortilla rolls and Vegan Orange chocolate almond cake.
The day ended with packing luggage and a sound sleep at Hotel Nest Beacon , Daman.
Day 5: A Relaxing End to the Trip
Wednesday marked the end of our journey. After a hearty breakfast, we began the long drive back to Pune, stopping for lunch at Mumma’s Homely Food in Lonavla. It felt good to be heading home after a whirlwind adventure, but there was a sense of fulfillment knowing we had explored two such diverse destinations.
This trip was yet another reminder of the joys of traveling with Sophie, and how much she enhances every experience we share together. Igatpuri’s mountains and Daman’s beaches have now etched their memories in our hearts, and we can’t wait for our next adventure!
Stay tuned for more travel stories, as we continue exploring the world one paw at a time!
Where did we stay ?
Hotel Nest Beacon , Daman.
Green Heritage Resort, Igatpuri
Where did we eat ?
Hotel Shivneri Misal in Manchar
Prakriti Agro Farm, Jawhar
Envairoh, Daman
