The massive Fort that runs round the settlement like a girdle, dates back to 1559 AD. The Colossal structure in the present form encompasses about 30,000 sq. Meters. with 10 bastions and two gateways. The Fort is protected by a moat on the land side and also connects the river to the sea. It is basically polygonal in plan with projections at regular intervals of about 500 feet and carrying splayed angular bastions.
Information about Moti Daman Fort :
Location: Daman
State: Diu & Daman (Union Territory of INDIA)
Capital: Daman
Language: Gujarati, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 34˚C, Min 30˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: October to May
About Moti Daman Fort :
The parapet above the fortification walls is without merlons but is provided with loop holes. The terraces close to the top of the wall are connected to the top of the wall are connected to the inner ground surface by open flight of steps at many places. All along the inner wall, there are barracks for defense personnel’s. The inscription above the southern (land) gate mentions that this gate along with the bastions adjacent to it was completed in 1581 AD. after the Mughal invasion in Akbar’s reign. The inscription on the Northern (sea) gate gives the date of 1593 AD. for the completion of the Fort wall. On the Northern side within the confine of the Fort were located the palaces, the Secretariat and other official buildings. A large number of Portuguese gentry and their families resided within the Fort.
How to Reach Moti Daman Fort :
By Rail:
Nearest rail head to Daman is Vapi (12 kms) on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line of western railway.
By Road:
Vapi, which lies on Mumbai-Ahmedabad NH no.8 connects Daman by road to Bombay 193 km, Ahmedabad 367 km, Diu 763 km & Panaji via Bombay 787 km. Regular S.T.Bus services are available from Vapi, Bhilad and Valsad.
Local Transport:
Local buses, unmetered taxis and tongas are available from the railhead to other towns.