Tithal Beach

About The Location: Situated on the coastline of Valsad, Daman(a union territory)is divided into two areas, Moti Daman, Split by the Damanganaga River.After the Portuguese successfully infiltrated Goa, they searched for a coastal territory in Gujarat to conduct trade. They landed in Daman, and 1531, the Guajrat Sultan agreed to hand the territory over to the Europeun power in exchange for a share in their customs revenue. The port thrived in trade and was more important than Diu for the Portuguese. Daman became part of the Indian Union in 1961.

The town is worth a day trip if you are interested in seeing the ligering influences of Portuguese colonialism,especially in moti daman.The beaches hoewer, are far from paradise and often packed with drunken local tourists who flock to this popular drinking destination. Of the two former Portuguese territories touching Gujarat, Diu is no doubt the more attractive destination.

The imposing Moti Daman Fort was built from 1559-93 over an area once occupied ny a small Muslim citadel.It spreads over three hectares in a polygonal layout.Just outside the fort is Church of our Lady of the Remedies,built at the begining of the 17th c. Although outwardly simple, the interior is stunning with golden cherubs, rose petals and excellent woodwork. The Badrapore District retains a Portuguese influence in its winding lanes ans small house.

In Nani Daman, the Fort of St jerome, completed in 1627, covers 12 ha with a striking gateway facing the river. A status of St jerome crowns the entrance with two imposing human figures standing guard.You can walk along the ramparts and get a view of the surrounding area. Another prominent building is the church of our Lady of the Sea. The local claim that an underground passage conects this fort to the one in Moti Daman.

This beach is famous for its black sand. It is a popular tourist destination in south Gujarat. The main beach has several shops selling Indian snacks like Bhajiya, Dabeli, Bhel chaat, sweet corn roasted on charcoal, and also freshly prepared sugar cane juice, coconut water and souvenirs.

How to get there

By Road: Valsad lies 92kms from Surat, 336kms from Ahmedabad, 223Kms from Vadodara and 193 Kms from Mumbai. Valsad has a bus station that is connected with the major cities of Gujarat.

By Rail: Valsad lies on the Western Railway network and has well connectivity with major cities of Gujarat & India

By Air: Various domestic flights connecting metros and other major cities are operational from the nearest Surat Airport