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Diu

A tiny island in the Arabian Sea, Diu is an important tourist destination in central India. It is located near the port of Veraval and is connected to the main land by two bridges. The places of tourist attraction are not confined to the sand dunes and sun-bathed sea water. It has a lot more than that. There are time honored edifices that speak volumes of the erstwhile Portugal rule. The places of tourist importance include the following:

The Diu Fort:

Situated on the coast of the island, the fort is an imposing structure. The construction dates back to the 16th century. The fort also houses a Prison. The view of the sea is spectacular as you see gushing water of the sea hitting the walls of the fort. It is astounding how the fort has borne the anguish of the sea for centuries. Within the fort there are cannons that are hundreds of years old, with inscriptions on them.

St. Paul's Church

Constructed in the year 1691, this is the only active church till date. The church is decorated with beautiful shells. There is an exquisite wooden carving at the church which is considered to be the most magnificent one in India .The church is undeniably the most attractive Portuguese architecture in India. It resembles the Bom Jesus church at Goa. The church has very unique wood-paneling which is considered to be the best in church craftsmanship.

St. Thomas Church (Museum)

This church has been taken over by the government authorities who later converted it into the Diu museum. You will find wooden carvings, statues, idols, ancient shadow clocks which were collected from various sites.

Gangeshwar Temple

It is situated about 3 km from the main Diu town. The place is known as Fudam village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located amidst rocks on the sea shore. The five lingas get washed by the sea water. You are allowed to place your offerings near the lingas and it is fascinating to see it get washed away deep into the sea. It is believed that the five Pandava brothers established the lingas here during their exile. This is a religious place and you will be spellbound at its mystifying splendor.

Fortress of Panikotha

This is a ship shaped structure connected with land by an under sea tunnel. It could be reached by a canoe or a motor launch. Within the fort is the chapel dedicated to ‘Our Lady Of The Sea’. This fortress also has a light house. The picturesque view of the fortress can be caught from the jetty, the village of Ghogla or from Diu proper.

Jallandhar Shrine

This small shrine having a dome is located on a hillock close to the beach. There is a place where you will find a stone carved face of Jallandhar. Close to this there is a temple of Goddess Chandrika.

Nagoa Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches in Diu. The beach is shaped like a semi circle. It is surrounded by soft sandy shores and palm leaves. It is located in the Bucharwada village in the Nagoa hamlet. Compared to the other beaches in Diu, Nagoa is crowded. There is a beautiful resort very close to the beach.

Ghoghla Beach

You must visit this beach in Diu not just for its pristine beauty but also the sports facilities organized here. Various water sports like parasailing, surfing and water scooters are seen here and tourists visiting the place at the right time can avail this facility.

Ahmedpur Mandvi

A pristine beach, it commands a beautiful view of the fort. There is a children’s park close by and is one of the major attractions here.

Chakrathirth Beach

It is located 4 km away from the city. Accommodation is also available close to the beach at very nominal rates.

Gotimata Beach

This is a secluded beach spread with natural white sand and is located at the western corner of the island.

While you are in Diu, make sure to relish the sea food available at Le Jardin d'Hoka, a garden restaurant in Diu town. Fresh bread, homemade jam, fresh pasta, grilled tuna, smoked Kingfish crepes are some of the mouthwatering delicacies available.

Though Diu can be visited throughout the year the best time would be between the months of October and May, as the weather is ideal for water related activities and if you want to relish some authentic sea food then do avoid the rainy season.

Reaching there

By air: Diu has an airport of its own. Gujarat airways have a daily flight between Mumbai and Diu.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Delwada located 9 km connected via Veraval by Meter gauge line.

By Road: Located at a distance of 495 km from Ahmedabad, it can be easily accessed by road. Regular bus service is available from Diu, Ghogla and Una to various cities of Gujarat.

Staying there

First Class hotels in Diu

Richie Rich Resort
3340/7Nagoa Beach
Diu (U.T) 362520

Hotel Radhika
Nagoa, Diu-362 520

Suzlon Hotel
Opp. Ghola Check Post,
Diu – 362520

Economy Hotels in Diu

Hotel Samrat,
Old Collectorate Road,
Diu

Hotel Ankur
Jethibai Marg (near Jethibai Bus Terminus)
Diu