10 Must places to see in Diu
If you really want to revive and rejuvenate your mind and spirit, Diu is one of the finest places you must consider in your bucket holiday list!
I experienced Diu as a part of my Gujarat trip booking a travel agent in Somnath who arranged for car and showed us the major landmarks out there. Diu is a coastal town overlooking Arabian Sea at the Eastern end of the Diu Island, India. A bridge connects the island to the state of Gujarat.
Best time to visit Diu is from September to February. Diu remains a bit hot and more humid in summer season as it's a coastal area. Ideally two days are enough to cover all the major landmarks but it depends if one wants to reside in nature's lap for some more time.
So, here I prepare a list of 10 places that you must put in your must see list on your visit the island.
The major site seeings of Diu are-
1.Diu Fort
The renowned Diu fort has historical significance tagged to it as it was built subsequent to a strategic defensive alliance between the Portuguese and Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat to check the annexation of the territory by Mughals. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides offering a magnificent view of the sea. It also commands a spectacular view of Panikota Fort located in the sea, of the coast, opposite to Diu Fort, which once served as a jail for Diu Island. The fort also houses heavily guarded cannons on all sides.
2.Nagoa Beach
Synonyms to Goa, the Nagoa Beach is perfect place to witness remarkable view of the sunrise or sunset or to just stroll around the white sand. The uniquely distinguishable 'Hoka trees' spotted only in Diu in India, adds to its charm. On the adventurous side, one can enjoy activities like parasaling, scuba diving, water scooter.
3.Naida Caves
Located just a few metres away from the Diu Fort, Naida Caves will leave you awestruck. It sets the prime example of nature's work of art. The caves are intricate network of tunnels and step like structures having natural light opening which makes it photogenic and attracts pre wedding photo shoots. Caves are formed as a result of different geological processes. During the 20th century, when Portuguese were adamant of not leaving Diu, under operation Vijay, several Indian soldiers were stationed in Naida caves to seize control of the territory. Moreover, the caves are reckoned one of the most magnificent natural attractions since prehistoric times.
4.Gangeshwar Mahadev temple
The temple believed to be established by Pandavas, famous for its five Shivlingas succeeds to uplift one's mind and spiritual being. The Shivlingas often gets washed by the sea waves during high tides. Besides, holding mythological reverence, the temple surrounded by cliffs and sea make it picturesque.
5.INS Khukri Memorial
INS khukri Memorial pays homage to the valiant martyrs of Indo Pak Submarine war of 1971, who decided to embrace death rather than to surrender themselves to the enemy. Indian submarine was shot with torpedoes and started to sink when the 18 officers and 176 sailors on board were issued the orders to hand over them to the invaders and indeed save their lives. However, the officers discarded the offer and chose death to it. The memorial site is a monument with a small replica of INS Khukri- the Indian Navy Ship. Later, the commanding officer Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla was awarded Mahavir Chakra posthumously.
6. Diu museum
Saint Thomas Church was converted into a museum in 1997 which is a repository of artefacts including antique statues, wooden carvings, stone inscriptions, idols, shadow clocks, worn out and faded portraits and paintings left behind by the Portuguese. The architecture of the church building was Gothic. A beautifully maintained garden leads up to the elevated museum, to be reached through a series of stairs. At night, museum is illuminated by coloured lights from the outside creating a striking image.
7. St Paul's Church
Around 400 year old, Saint Paul's Church, dedicated to our lady of Immaculate conception, built by the Portuguese, is one the finest instance of baroque architecture in India. The exquisite wood carvings, splendid facade, volutes and shell like motifs is real feast to eyes. Sitting in utmost silence while sinking in the aura of the church is soul soothing in itself.
8.Ghoghla beach
Ghoghla beach located in the outskirts of the city is one of the top places in India to relax and explore. It is touted to be the best eco friendly beach in India. Lesser footfalls on the beach makes its pristine, hence is clean compared to other beaches. One can also indulge in water sports like surfing, parasailing, and banana boat.
9.Zampa Geteway
The Gateway is painted with bright red colour and is beautifully carved with angels, lions and a priest. It holds immense historical significance doesn't fail to enthrall its guests.
If you really want to revive and rejuvenate your mind and spirit, Diu is one of the finest places you must consider in your bucket holiday list!
I experienced Diu as a part of my Gujarat trip booking a travel agent in Somnath who arranged for car and showed us the major landmarks out there. Diu is a coastal town overlooking Arabian Sea at the Eastern end of the Diu Island, India. A bridge connects the island to the state of Gujarat.
Best time to visit Diu is from September to February. Diu remains a bit hot and more humid in summer season as it's a coastal area. Ideally two days are enough to cover all the major landmarks but it depends if one wants to reside in nature's lap for some more time.
So, here I prepare a list of 10 places that you must put in your must see list on your visit the island.
The major site seeings of Diu are-
1.Diu Fort
The renowned Diu fort has historical significance tagged to it as it was built subsequent to a strategic defensive alliance between the Portuguese and Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat to check the annexation of the territory by Mughals. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides offering a magnificent view of the sea. It also commands a spectacular view of Panikota Fort located in the sea, of the coast, opposite to Diu Fort, which once served as a jail for Diu Island. The fort also houses heavily guarded cannons on all sides.
2.Nagoa Beach
Synonyms to Goa, the Nagoa Beach is perfect place to witness remarkable view of the sunrise or sunset or to just stroll around the white sand. The uniquely distinguishable 'Hoka trees' spotted only in Diu in India, adds to its charm. On the adventurous side, one can enjoy activities like parasaling, scuba diving, water scooter.
3.Naida Caves
Located just a few metres away from the Diu Fort, Naida Caves will leave you awestruck. It sets the prime example of nature's work of art. The caves are intricate network of tunnels and step like structures having natural light opening which makes it photogenic and attracts pre wedding photo shoots. Caves are formed as a result of different geological processes. During the 20th century, when Portuguese were adamant of not leaving Diu, under operation Vijay, several Indian soldiers were stationed in Naida caves to seize control of the territory. Moreover, the caves are reckoned one of the most magnificent natural attractions since prehistoric times.
4.Gangeshwar Mahadev temple
The temple believed to be established by Pandavas, famous for its five Shivlingas succeeds to uplift one's mind and spiritual being. The Shivlingas often gets washed by the sea waves during high tides. Besides, holding mythological reverence, the temple surrounded by cliffs and sea make it picturesque.
5.INS Khukri Memorial
INS khukri Memorial pays homage to the valiant martyrs of Indo Pak Submarine war of 1971, who decided to embrace death rather than to surrender themselves to the enemy. Indian submarine was shot with torpedoes and started to sink when the 18 officers and 176 sailors on board were issued the orders to hand over them to the invaders and indeed save their lives. However, the officers discarded the offer and chose death to it. The memorial site is a monument with a small replica of INS Khukri- the Indian Navy Ship. Later, the commanding officer Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla was awarded Mahavir Chakra posthumously.
6. Diu museum
Saint Thomas Church was converted into a museum in 1997 which is a repository of artefacts including antique statues, wooden carvings, stone inscriptions, idols, shadow clocks, worn out and faded portraits and paintings left behind by the Portuguese. The architecture of the church building was Gothic. A beautifully maintained garden leads up to the elevated museum, to be reached through a series of stairs. At night, museum is illuminated by coloured lights from the outside creating a striking image.
7. St Paul's Church
Around 400 year old, Saint Paul's Church, dedicated to our lady of Immaculate conception, built by the Portuguese, is one the finest instance of baroque architecture in India. The exquisite wood carvings, splendid facade, volutes and shell like motifs is real feast to eyes. Sitting in utmost silence while sinking in the aura of the church is soul soothing in itself.
8.Ghoghla beach
Ghoghla beach located in the outskirts of the city is one of the top places in India to relax and explore. It is touted to be the best eco friendly beach in India. Lesser footfalls on the beach makes its pristine, hence is clean compared to other beaches. One can also indulge in water sports like surfing, parasailing, and banana boat.
9.Zampa Geteway
The Gateway is painted with bright red colour and is beautifully carved with angels, lions and a priest. It holds immense historical significance doesn't fail to enthrall its guests.
10.Diu market
One of the most famous is the Town Square market where you get to buy the sleepers, bamboo mats other attractive handicrafts. There are shops selling custom goods and decorative utility articles. Articles made of pearls and shells can be purchased from shops near beaches. Cashews and other dry fruits can also be purchased at reasonable rates. Overall, the shops in Diu sells a wide range of items to satisfy every shopaholic's desire.
Despite being a small union territory Diu has abundance of nostalgia to offer as it is rich in its cultural heritage due to the blend of English Portuguese and Indian culture. Diu experience will mesmerize you with the yearning to revisit the place.
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