Sand-swept beaches, rocky coves, tiny fishing villages and a stately fort beckon you to Diu. A tiny island tucked away off the coast of Gujarat, Diu has a long history stretching back to the Maurya dynasty and under Emperor Ashoka’s emissaries. Later the Portuguese colonized it, and their influence and legacy remains the strongest in the region today. The island passed into the hands of the Indian government as a Union Teritory from the Portuguese in 1961.
The island itself is a quaint one, stretching just 11km by 3km from end to end. Separated from the mainland by a narrow channel, Diu is made up of this island and two small mainland enclaves. One of these is home to the village of Ghoghla and serves as the entry point to Diu from Una.
Without doubt the main attraction in Diu is the Diu Fort. Built by the Portuguese in 1535, this colossal fort has been well-preserved and is a great way to spend an afternoon. It has an interesting double moat and you can still see cannon balls and numerous ramparts with canons on their wooden carriages. The fort’s lighthouse is open to the public and provides panoramic views of the surroundings. Located within the fort are many cozy chapels, and one even has engraved tombstone relics as displays.
Beaches are another way to spend time at Diu, the Nagoa, Ghoghla, Gomptimata, Jallandhar and Chakratirth beaches are great for playing in the sand, indulging in some beach cricket and water sports like banana boats. Vanakbara is a fishing village, replete with colorful fishing boats and even more interesting people who can be seen going about their daily activities for a true taste of local culture. Diu is an ethnic mosaic of Portuguese, Gujarati, tribal and Muslim influences. Performances of Portuguese dances, tribal dance known as Siddi Dhamal and colourful Gujarati folk dances such as the garba and dandiya are worth watching during the respective festivals.
Within driving distance from Diu is the famous Gir National Park, home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Meet the fabled king of the jungle here and catch sight of various other indigenous birds and animals such as deer. The world famous Somnath temple is also just a drive away from Diu.
Diu is famed for its smooth, traffic-free roads. In fact, the island is one of the safest places in the country to ride a two-wheeler. Rent one from the numerous garages/rental places dotted along its marketplace and zip along rolling coastal roads with a briny breeze for companion. Don’t miss a ride on the modified motorcycle-rickshaws, known as ‘chakodas.’ These hybrid vehicles made out of Bullet motorcycles and modified truck beds are as colorful and ornate as can get. These are available at most street corners and will take you over short distances on the island and even till the mainland. Government buses run twice a day for Gir and Somnath from Diu.
By road Diu is surrounded by Kodinar, Patan, Veraval which are 16.89 km, 35.87 km, 36.14 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Diu has a total of 10 hotels.There are 10 hotels in Diu with the popular ones being Radhika Beach Resort, Azzaro Resort & Spa, Hotel Kohinoor, Hotel Apaar Diu, Hotel Ankur, Hotel Alishan etc.
'The Diu Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1535 to safeguard their colony. Several additions were made to the superstructure of the fort in 1541 including an interesting double moat—one of which ...
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