About City
Diu
"A mini-Goa"
Located near the port of Veraval, Diu is a small island which was earlier a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches all around. Diu takes up most popularity given the ample number of beaches, along with Gujarat's southern coast such as the Nagoa beach, but has a lot more to offer too. Alcohol is legal in Diu.
The Diu Fort, a primary imprint of the Portuguese on the area's heritage and architecture makes up a popular tourist attraction. Another interesting place is the Vanakbara, a small fishing village whose charm has tints of colourful fishing boats and humming of day to day activity. This perfect add-on to a visit to Gujarat will complete your experience with interesting museums such as the Sea Shell Museum, temples and churches.
Places To Visit In Diu
1. Naida Caves
The Naida caves are located on the periphery of the Diu fort. These caves have a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps. Interestingly, these caves were formed due to geological irregularities and natural processes over time. The caves also have a natural opening that lets in sunlight, making it photogenic.
2. Nagoa Beach
Famous for its pristine beauty and swaying palm trees, Nagoa Beach in Diu is an ideal and a recommended place for tourists all over the world. The place is well connected with the resorts, hence it making it easy for the travellers to relax and explore its beauty at the same time. The beach is surrounded by beautiful palm trees swaying in the cool breeze which creates an exotic environment for the travellers to laze around. The serene beauty of the beach due to its white sands and quiet blue water is worth experiencing and enjoying. It is very much known for its water sports along with camel and pony riding. Sunbathing can turn out to be the most intoxicating experience at the Nagoa Beach. A walk along the shore mixed with witnessing the sunrise and sunset is a great way to relax one's mind.
3. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated 3 km from Diu, Gangeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has 5 Shivalingas that were supposedly laid by the Pandavas during their exile period. These Shivalingas are situated amidst rocks that are washed by waves continuously.
4. Diu Fort
Fort Diu, located on the Western coast of Indian was built by Portuguese during their colonial rule and is now under the administration of Indian government. The fort- cum - castle, is known as 'Praça de Diu' in Portuguese, is situated on the southern tip of Gujarat and is at the mouth of the Gulf of Khambhat.
5. Ghogla Beach
The Golden sand beach undulates into the horizon while the Arabian Sea laps away at the edge as though imploring the sands to let it find its own beach.
6. Sunset Point
A beautiful hillock located near the Chakritirath beach in Diu, offers its visitors a mesmerizing view of sunset from here. The hillock and the surrounding areas have been beautifully landscaped and illuminated. Chakratirth Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the Diu Town.
7. St. Paul Church
One of the most famous tourist attractions of Diu, this magnanimous structure is the St. Paul Church dedicated to 'Our Lady of Immaculate Conception'.
8. INS Khukri Memorial
INS Khukri Memorial is the memorial site of an Indian Naval Ship that sank during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
9. Panikota Fort
Also known as Fortim-do-Mar, Panikota Fort is a former Diu Jail. This white coloured huge structure is located within the Diu Fort.
10. Zampa Gateway
The Zampa Gateway is another attraction. It is a major landmark of Diu and is carved with dedicated angels, lions and a priest. An artificial waterfall adds to its beauty.
11. Shell Museums in Diu
One of the few shell museums in the world is located in Diu. It houses collections of Captain Fulbari, a sailor, who during his voyages collected many unique, pretty and amazing shells.
12. Diu Museum
A famous tourist spot of the town, the Diu Museum has been set up in the St. Thomas Church. This church had been built in 1598 but was later converted into a museum.
13. Chakratirth Beach
Nestled amidst the picturesque hills meeting the Arabian Sea, the Chakratirth beach is the ideal place to soak up the sun or frolick in the enchanting waters while beating the heat and relaxing by the calming shores of Diu.
14. Jallandar Beach
Named after the demon, Jallandar, this sunny beach lies almost 1 km from Diu and has a temple and a memorial. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandrika while the memorial is atop a hill with a stone structure of the demon Jallandar. The beach also offers exciting water sports.
15. Gomptimata Beach
Located on the western end of the Diu in the village Vanakbara, this is one of the best beaches of the region. Secluded and with natural white sand, Gomtimata beach is a beautiful beach to just sit back and relax. You will also find a temple located at the beach.
16. Church of St. Fancis of Assisi
This church is one of the oldest churches in Diu. The church, constructed in 1593 was later converted into a hospital.
17. Simbor Beach
Located in the village of Simbor in Diu, the namesake beach boasts of unparalleled serenity, mesmerising surroundings and incapacitating beauty. Apart from the sweeping picturesque views of the sea and the sands, the highlight of the beach is also an old Portuguese fort called "Fort St. Anthony of Simbor."
18. Chapel of Our Lady Rosary
The Chapel of Our Lady Rosary is located in Old Moti Daman, Diu. The church dates back to the 17th century and is of great historical and religious significance. The structure of the church employs Gothic-style architecture, which displays an elegant Portuguese influence.
How to Reach Diu
Diu is connected to other parts of Gujarat and the country with good road network. Diu does not have its own railway station and the nearest railhead is at Veraval which is 90 km from Diu. One can take a taxi after Veraval to reach Diu. Diu also has its own airport and daily flights connect Diu to Mumbai and to Porbandar.
Best time to visit Diu
The best months to plan a trip to Diu are November to February during the Winter season because of its ideal weather and a host of activities that are sure to keep you engaged. From thrilling watersports, calm beaches, historic architecture, abandoned forts and lip-smacking food; Diu is a paradise in Winters.
Food of Diu
Diu is a unique and composite blend of Gujarat's and Portuguese cuisine. This blend then, leaves few food domains that are not covered in the island's menu. On one hand you find traditional Gujrati food, its flavors and elements derived from the state nearby and on the other hand you have an influence of the past with Portugeese cuisine only complimented by the sea around and a dominance of exotic sea food.
While these are the defining cultures, one can find a few more international cuisines as well as typical Indian food in the restaurants. The island is also popular because of availability of alcohol, givent the adjacent dry state of Gujrat.
Diu Tour Packages
About Diu Tourism: Part of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Diu is a small island on India’s western coast bordered by Gujarat. The island with its beaches was once a Portuguese colony and is home to heritage sites dating back to the 16th century. We bring you great Diu tour packages so that you can discover its hidden gems with friends or family!
Situated along the Arabian Sea, Diu is known for its numerous beaches like the Nagoa Beach, Ghoghla Beach, Jallandhar Beach and Simbor Beach. These golden beaches boast gorgeous views and complete tranquillity, making them the perfect spot for relaxing, parasailing, boating, surfing, etc. Though the beaches undoubtedly provide excellent views of the sunset, you can always head over to Sunset Point, a breathtaking hillock near Chakratirth Beach.
Your trip to Diu might be incomplete without a visit to the Diu Fort built by the Portuguese. Also called “Praça de Diu”, the majestic structure was once one of Portugal’s seven wonders and overlooked the beautiful sea and a jetty used for trading. Moreover, the premises feature a lighthouse and several cannonballs, while on the periphery lie the Naida Caves, within which are tunnels for you to explore.
Other heritage sites to visit in Diu include the Panikota Fort, a former jail located within Diu Fort and the Zampa Gateway featuring carvings of angels, lions and a priest. When travelling to Diu, don’t skip out on its beautiful churches that date back to the colonial era, like the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Paul Church and Chapel of Our Lady Rosary.
Diu Museum and the Sea Shell Museum make for a great cultural experience. Diu Museum used to be a church and contains inscriptions on fountains, ancient rulers and statues, wooden and marble statues. The Sea Shell Museum has shells collected by the sailor Captain Fulbari. The INS Khukri Memorial is a tribute to the Indian Naval Ship that sank during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The best time to visit Diu is during the wintertime, between November and February, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Diu tour packages also provide you with the opportunity to visit neighbouring cities like Ahmedabad and Dwarka. Ahmedabad is a major metropolitan city in Gujarat famous for attractions like Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived, Statue of Unity, Jhulta Minar, Kankaria Lake and Rani ki Vav.
Dwarka is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is an ancient city that is synonymous with the Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka Beach, Gomti Ghat, picturesque Dwarka Lighthouse and more. Customisable and affordable, Diu tour packages are the perfect choice for an enjoyable trip, no matter if you’re travelling alone or with someone.
