Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Anand Mahindra Highlights Daman’s Shift Toward Heritage Tourism
Anand Mahindra shared a story about how Daman has changed.
In the past, many people knew Daman mainly for cheap alcohol.
Gujarat nearby does not allow alcohol sales, while Maharashtra has high liquor taxes.
Because of this, some people visited Daman to buy alcohol and take it across the border.
Mahindra said this gave Daman an unhelpful reputation.
He now sees more attention being paid to its forts, beaches, promenades and history.
Some people think Daman should develop in its own special way.
Others want nightlife and casinos like those in Goa to attract more visitors.
Anand Mahindra described Daman’s transformation from a bootlegging hub into a growing tourist destination.
He said Daman’s location near Gujarat and Maharashtra made it a hub for lower-tax alcohol.
Mahindra recalled customs officials checking vehicles leaving Daman when he was younger.
He said the territory is increasingly associated with restored forts, clean promenades and heritage.
Online commenters debated whether Daman should preserve its distinct identity or add Goa-style nightlife and casinos.
- Who
- Anand Mahindra discussed Daman’s changing reputation, while online users responded to his post.
- What
- Daman is being presented as changing from a bootlegging destination into a heritage and seaside tourism hub.
- When
- Anand Mahindra shared the post on September 13; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Daman, a coastal Union Territory near Gujarat and Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- Its past reputation was linked to low-tax alcohol, while its forts, coastline and heritage are now being promoted as tourism attractions.
Distinct Heritage Identity
Goa-Style Tourism Expansion
Daman’s tourism model
Distinct Heritage Identity
Daman should build on its forts, promenade and history rather than try to become another Goa.
Goa-Style Tourism Expansion
Adding nightlife and casinos could make Daman a stronger domestic destination and ease pressure on Goa.
Future reputation
Distinct Heritage Identity
The territory’s transformation should replace its old bootlegging image with a unique cultural and heritage identity.
Goa-Style Tourism Expansion
A broader entertainment offering could attract more visitors and encourage competition that may improve value for money in both destinations.
- Person
- Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group
- Location
- Daman, a coastal Union Territory of India
- Former reputation
- A destination associated with cheap alcohol, bootlegging and cross-border liquor movement
- Nearby states
- Gujarat and Maharashtra
- Emerging attractions
- Restored colonial forts, coastal promenades, heritage and seaside tourism
- Public debate
- Commenters differed over preserving Daman’s distinct identity versus adding Goa-style nightlife and casinos