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A Portuguese colony like Goa, Diu is an off - shore
island on the western coast, off the Gulf of Cambay. The coast has limestone
cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches, the best of which are at Nagoa. A
massive fort built by the Portuguese dominates the skyline.
An island of breeze and beauty. The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese
colony, is situated off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat bordering Junagadh
district. It is an exquisitely beautiful getaway with golden sand beaches,
dense palm-groves and historical monuments sans commercial exploitation and
environmental degradation. Diu stands out, in marked contrast to other
places, as a tiny island, where people have an excellent civic sense. With
the magnificent serenity of its ambience, it is perhaps one of India’s last
undiscovered jewels.
With a pleasant climate throughout the year, it affords unprecedented peace
and tranquillity to tourists. The beautiful tiny island, is lying on the
west coast of India, with a coastal length of 21 kms., is at a distance of
about 930 kms. from Bombay. The word 'Diu' is derived from the Sanskrit word
'Dweep'. During the period from the 14th to 16th century Diu was one of the
best Sea Ports and a Naval base. Merchants of various lands carried on trade
here.
Nagoa beach which is horse-shoe in shape, could well be one of the best
beaches of the world. The other equally beautiful beaches are Ahmedpur,
Mandvi,Chakratirath, Jallandhar, and Gomtimata all having their own charm
and thrill. The administration has provided water-sports facilities. Diu can
boast of several historical monuments which are imposing in architecture and
design, like the Diu Fort built in 1535, St. Paul’s Church built in 1610 and
St, Thomas Church converted into a museum. The Church and the Museum have
been floodlit by the administration and gardens, parks and fountains have
been created around the monuments to beautify them. Diu is all about lazy
days and hazy nights.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Diu is connected by Vayudoot services with Bombay and
Ahmedabad.
By Rail - Nearest railhead is Delwada (9 km) connected via Veraval by
metre gauge line. However Veraval (85 km) is the convenient railhead
connected to Bombay via Ahmedabad.
By Road - Diu is well connected by road via Una (30 km), to
Ahmedabad (495 km), Bhavnagar (225 km), Bombay (930 km), Daman (763
km), Sasangir (128 km), Rajkot (261 km), Somnath (87 km), Veraval
(77 km).
WHEN TO GO
Diu Can be Traveled Round The Year. but its better to plan your tour
between October To May as this is the most ideal time for all
visitors.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Nagoa Beach - A perfect semi circle beach where
the gentle lapping waves beckon you to wade into them for a fun filled
time of swimming, gamboling or just lolling around the soft sand shores
or to find you napping under the palm trees filled with the soothing
breeze. The Nagoa beach is the most famous in Diu. Gomptimata,
Chakratirth and the beautiful Sunset Point are the other famous beaches.
A 20 min. refreshing drive from the town through the open arid land and
dense coconut groves brings you to the Nagoa Beach. It is located in the
Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada.
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Gangeshwar Temple - is situated 3km away from
Diu town in Fudam village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are five
lingas here that are located in the midst of the rocks on the seashore,
and are washed by the waves of the sea. It is believed that these lingas
were established here by the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata
during their exile. The gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the
"Shiva Lingas" in stone have a mystic aura around them in the cave
temple of Gangeshwar where the Lord makes his presence felt.
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Ghoghla Beach - Ghoghla Beach is among the six
beautiful beaches in Diu District. It also has facilities for water
sports like parasailing, water scooters etc. 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 peach. You can do
swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, surfing etc.
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St. Thomas Church - Museum - St. Thomas's Church
that has now been taken over by the authorities and converted into the
Diu Museum. A huge edifice in gothic architecture was built in 1598. A
part of it has been converted into a museum - an archaeological treasure
house. It houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and
other important artifacts collected from various sites.
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Diu Fort - Diu Fort is an expansive and imposing
structure, situated on the coast of the island. It was constructed
between 1535 and 1541 AD after the defence alliance concluded between
the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. The fort commands a
magnificent view of sea. Rugged yet gentle, fierce yet loving. The
majestic structure stands on the coast of DIU as a sentinel. Once
inside, you are overwhelmed by the gaunt majesty of the ancient stone
work which transports you to a bygone era of gallant soldiers where time
stands still.
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St. Paul's Church - St. Paul's Church is the
only active church till date. The church adorned with curiously treated
volutes and shell - like motifs and the magnificent wood carving is
considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portugese churches in
India. St. Paul Church, built in 1691 is consecrated to our Lady of
Immaculate Conception. In architectural style it resembles Bom Jesus
Church at Goa. The dominant features are, no doubt, Gothic. The wood -
panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftmanship.
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Gomtimata Beach - is one of the best beaches of
the region. Secluded and spread with natural white sand, it is located
at the western corner of the island
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Panikotha-Fortim Do Mar - Legend has it that
this ship shape structure was one connected with land by an under sea
tunnel. You can see this monument in famous bollywood movie "KAYAMAT".
it is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth
of the creek. It can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch.
Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it also has a light
house and small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress
makes for a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort,
from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.
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Jallandhar Shrine - Jallandhar Shrine is located
on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome,
contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of Jallandhar is seen. Near
by there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a
distance of 1 km from Diu Town. This small shrine crowned with a dome,
contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of the demon Jallandhar is
seen. Nearby, is the temple of Goddess Chandrika.
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WHERE TO EAT
Le Jardin d'Hoka Garden Restaurant located in Diu Town. They serve
large portions of food, have fresh coffee, fresh bread, homemade
jam, fresh pasta, grilled tuna, smoked kingfish, crepes, and more.
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