A Portuguese Jewel - The Island of Diu

Remains of Portuguese History - Pani Kotha (Island Jail)

In India, it is said that with every next city, cultures get changed, food taste changes and you see a different way of living. This phenomenon is unique to Indian and we Indians are very proud of this multi-lingual, multi-cultural cocktail setup. History has witnessed invasions by many foreign cultures but the few noted once includes the English, Mughals, Parsis, French, and Portuguese. The impact of these cultures were so strong and long lasting that they are alive even today. These places provides the visitors with a unique travel experience showcasing different architecture, different food style and a different culture. 

The Island of Diu, belongs to the union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Many confuses Daman and Diu as close twin cities, but it is not. Daman is near Mumbai, whereas Diu is at the far west in Kathiwar peninsula, near Somnath, Gujarat. Historically, Diu was under control by Portuguese settlement from 1535 to 1961. On 19 December, 1961, military of independent India captured Diu island. As a tourist destination, Diu offers a wonderful colonial architectural experience, tit bits from colonial history and lovely coastal food. Diu has a uniqueness of lacking high rise buildings giving a beautiful equi-level city landscape and smooth skyline.

 

Places to See

War Memorials:

 

1. Diu Fort:  

Diu fort is one of the most prominent Portuguese construction at the eastern coastal end of Diu island. It was constructed 1535 under Treaty of Bassein with ruler of Gujarat area. It is a beautiful construction. Bronze canons are still available as museum antique and Iron canon balls can be seen lying around the area. A black lighthouse can be seen at one edge of fort. 

 

Diu Fort

 

2. Fortim-do-Mar or Pani Kotha

The place is a small island fort which can be accessed only by boat. The fort was used as a jail by the Portuguese. The shape of the construction resembles a ship to confuse invaders. 

 

3. INS Khukri Memorial

During the Indo-Pak war in 1971, the ship sank 40 nautical miles off the coast of Diu taking down with her a crew of 18 officers and 176 sailors ,when hit by 3 torpedo. This memorial marks to honor the souls lost in war.It has beautiful ship model and a sea facing amphitheater.

INS Khukri Model

 

Religious  Places

 

1.  St. Paul's Church

The church constructed completed in 1610, dedicated to Our lady of Immaculate Conceptions, and is still used by locals as a place of worship and the construction is still as it was in 1610. A beautiful colonial look gives this place a significant historical significance. 

 

2. Church of St. Francis of Assisi

It is oldest constructed church of Diu which is dated to 1593. The building was utilized as a hospital. The exterior is reconstructed and repaired to give its original colonial look.

 

3. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple

The beauty of the location is glorified by the fact that the Shivalings are placed at a cave type rock formation below sea level and are washed by sea waves continuously. It gives a beautiful outlook to the temple area. Visitors can walk down the shrine to witness this beauty. It is believed that the shivlings are placed by Pandavas from Mahabharat.

 

4.  Gomtimata Temple

A recent construction over an old temple placed on the western coast of Diu. The area around is basically a fisherman area. 

 

Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple

Beaches:

 

1. Nagao Beach

The most famed beach of Diu, which is commercially developed with all amenities. It is one of the most preferred evening spots for tourists. Its a more of a blackish white sand beach. 

2. Chakratirth Beach

A white sandy stretch of beach which is kept natural with less development. But there are signs of upcoming constructions around the area. 

3. Jalandhar Beach

A mixed rocky sandy beach and is a small stretch of area. The visit is preferred by photography lovers.

Nagoa Beach

Other Significant Locations:

1. Naida Caves

These are natural formation of rock, which has openings for sunlight to enter in giving an orange colored lookout. The place is a photographers hot spot. 

 

Naida Caves

 

2. Dinosaur Park

A children park developed for relaxation zone. The place has huge models of Dinosaur species, crabs, shrimps good for photography.

3. Snap with the Hokka Tree or Doum Palm

A unique palm tree seen only in Diu and surrounding areas, as far as in India. The pictures snapped with them in background looks pretty cool.

Hokka Trees or Doum Palms

The best thing about Diu is that most tourist spots are open free to public and maintained quite nicely. The typical opening time is 8am to 6pm.

 

How to Reach

The most preferred way to reach Diu is by railways. You can reach Somnath from anywhere in India via Ahmadabad. Diu can be reached by a small drive of 84km. The roads around the area is good. If you are a flight freak, then you can reach directly to Diu Airport from Mumbai only.

 

Where to Stay

A traveler can opt for stay options on coastal locations for a beautiful evening. A few resorts of fame are Radhika Beach Resort, Hotel Kohinoor etc. Another option is you can stay at nearby town of Somnath, and pay a day visit to this place as opted by me. A good place to have lunch is Apana Foodland, near fort area. It has great taste with good coastal scenes.

Who should Visit

Anyone can visit. It has happy spots for everyone.

 

 

No. of Days: 1 Day visit is sufficient

A colonial time fortified town entrance

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During your travel in India, you will come across many places that are small, not so famed but yet they will impress you with their calmness and pristine escape out places. Diu is one such location which has potentials of a great tourist spot, but I fear, if this place is developed as a famed tourist spot, then the place might loose the peaceful and colonial charm, which is presently the trademark of the town.

Happy Traveling !