By Public Daman

Hit the Road

If you're all washed out from working maniacally Monday to Friday, and want nothing more than to put up your feet and down a cold one, Daman is the place for you.

This former Portuguese colony is only four hours away from Mumbai and makes for a perfect do-nothing-but-relax weekend.

It exudes the Mediterranean influences of Goa and is just as laid-back, only there aren't as many people about. The tiny town is separated by the Daman-Ganga river into Nani (small) and Moti (big) Daman.

Most of the hotels are in Nani Daman, while the fortified area of Moti Daman has important structures like the Church of Bom Jesus. The churches in Daman are apparently among the best-preserved examples of Portuguese architecture in Asia.

There are also forts to explore, a lighthouse on which to feel giddy and Jampore beach to splash about in. Having done with the day's exertions, slip into a seafood restaurant, tuck in and wash everything down with UT-priced (ie cheap!) beer.

Daman is 192 km from Mumbai. Take NH8 to Vapi and turn left to Daman. Once there, there's Hotel Miramar (Ph: 0260 - 22250671-73) at Rs 1000 onwards, or you could try Hotel Gurukripa (Ph: 0260 - 22250227) at Rs 600 onwards.

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