We stayed at the Magico do Mar resort by the Arabian Sea where you can choose between Gujarati style cottages or single rooms, with its restaurant serving three delicious cuisines (Gujarati, Goan and North Indian) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The name of the (sort of) resort was Portuguese, but there was nothing Portuguese about it.
From our duplex cottage doorstep to the sand of Ghoghla beach it took us about thirty seconds. Yes, really. The beach was deserted most of the time, maybe because it was for the use of guests only or because it was Monsoon season (it’s not usual for people to travel around the rain seasons).
Address: Diu Checkpost, Ahmedpur Mandvi, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362510
Phone: +91 2875 252567
www.magicodomar.com
The Portuguese has quite a lot of influence in regions like Diu, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Goa. Like any other type of colonisation, portuguese too had their share of evils but the architecture that they left behind in these places have truly been mesmerizing.
It’s true Jennish, but one must also try to understand if the descendants of the colonised don’t wish to pay tribute to the colonisers by centering their heritage. It’s an ongoing discussion, for sure.
The former Portuguese colony has historic architecture, gracefully decaying churches and long beaches similar to those found in Goa, but without the heavy crowds or the beckoning calls of touts. It may not be as tropical or as trendy but the wide, well-paved roads, quiet streets, inexpensive drinks and bare beaches make up for a lot.
I agree with you regarding history and heritage; it is so important for the indigenous people, the memory of the old inhabitants, tourism, and the civilization itself to preserve the history that created the culture that is present today. Thanks for sharing your experience. – Emme @ Green Global Travel
Thanks for stopping by Emme! Travel should be seen as an opportunity to experience all that 🙂