Places to visit When In Diu, Gujrat, India

We went to Diu when we were in Jamnagar (Gujrat, India) for some time. We were looking for the places which we can explore for short trips and many of our friends suggested Diu as a better option. After hearing a lot we planned our trip to Diu for two days, as according to an Asian proverb it is rightly said that it's better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.

We drove down to Diu from Jamnagar. Though it's a long drive, it took us 8 hours to reach Diu. We reached Diu around 4:15 pm. One thing I want to suggest you guys from my experience is to have a heavy breakfast before heading and take some snacks, fruits, and water with yourself as during the journey a time will come when there will a long stretch without any place to eat or buy something. Apart from the hunger issue what I enjoyed was the greenery and there were belts which were so agriculturally productive with many fruits trees.

Look at the way...It's so green and beautiful around while going to Diu

As we entered Diu I was happy, refreshed and excited at the same moment. There is cycling track made on the sides of the road which makes tourist visit more exciting as it would be a lovely experience cycling on the track enjoying the lovely breeze and sea view.

Entering Diu

Diu is a tiny island with a coastal length of 21kms in the union territory of Daman and Diu, India which is connected by a bridge to the southern coast of Gujrat. Here, you will get a glimpse of Portuguese India as this union territory was ruled by Portuguese for over four centuries and have an evident touch of Portuguese food, culture, and architecture.

We checked in to the Hoka Resort. It's a beautiful, colorful and reasonable resort with good food, library, swimming pool, games, and pleasant atmosphere around. We were so hungry that on reaching our room, the first thing I did was ordering some snacks to eat. After freshening up and having food we went ahead to Nagoa Beach which was at a walkable distance from the resort.

Some colorful tit bits from the Hoka Resort

Some snacks to fulfill calm our hungry soul

Nagoa Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Diu. There are loads of shops and resorts just outside the beach area. Nagoa beach is crowded and much more commercialized than other beaches in Diu, especially in the evenings. We also went there in the evening and it was so crowded, people sitting here and there with there mats and liquor. Even some of them were so drunk. To find some solace we went towards the end of the beach to feel the sound of waves and the soothing breeze. Water sports are also available here but I can't ensure you about the water on the beach. I find it dirty. I Personally didn't like the Nagoa beach much but you can give it a try.

Nagoa Beach

One interesting thing I noticed was the Hokka trees in Diu. Hokka trees are a unique type of Palm tree and are not found anywhere else in India. Most probably Hokka trees are the gift from Portugal. These trees are the only Indian species of the African genus. In Diu, country liquor is made from the fruit of Hokka Trees. Almost everywhere you can find these trees in Diu. You must be thinking why out of a sudden I have jumped to these trees! So, here is my answer as in Nagoa beach you will find these Hokka trees.

Hokka Trees on Nagoa Beach

Dog Squad also out for some walk beach walk :)

After spending some quality time at the beach, we went back to the resort. We had early dinner as we wanted to take rest after the long journey. Next morning after having breakfast we head towards the Naida caves.

Naida Caves are one of the best things to see in Diu. There are no entry fees. It's a complex network of small caves, big caves with natural stair-like structures with natural openings through which sunlight disperse into the caves which moreover makes the place like heaven and photogenic for the travelers. It is said that when Portuguese in the 20th century were rigid about not leaving Diu for which Indian army launched an operation called Vijay during which the army personnel was stationed there at the caves. I literally enjoyed my time here clicking photographs, wandering around the caves and hopping on the stairs. For directions, authorities have just drawn arrow sign on the caves. It is comparatively underrated compared to other tourist spots. It is a must visit to enjoy the wilderness of Diu.

Naida Caves

Our next spot was St Paul's Church. It is near to Diu Fort. It is a big and old church with beautiful architecture. Here you can see how Portuguese influence in the architecture of the church. A camera is not allowed inside the church and parking is available near the church. It is a perfect place to pray and spend some peaceful moment with god. You will find some stalls and coconut water stall outside the church. Next on our list was Diu Fort.

St Paul's Church

Diu Fort was built by the Portuguese during their colonial rule of the Diu Island. The fort is huge and occupies a large area with a magnificent view of the sea. It skirts the sea on the three sides. There are several cannons at the top of the fort and iron shells scattered around in the fort area. The Panikotha fort located in the mid sea is also visible from the Diu Fort. I am sharing with you guys some of the memories of Diu fort I borrowed from Diu :

The view

Diu Fort

View is spectacular

Panikotha Fort/ Panikotha Fortim-Do-Mar visible from the Diu Fort

A large lighthouse is also located at one end of the Diu Fort. In all its a must visit place in Diu. Get ready to walk as the area is huge and I will recommend visiting Diu Fort in morning or evening to avoid harsh sun. There are washrooms near the fort but not in a good state at all.

Panikotha Fortim-Do-Mar is a gigantic jail amidst the sea was made to keep the dangerous criminals. Tourists are not allowed to visit this place but as I mentioned above you can have a view from far from the Diu Fort.

After visiting Diu fort we were so exhausted. There were so many stalls on the entry point of the fort area. We had some coconut water and head back to the resort for lunch. After having lunch and rest for some time our next spots on the list were Ghogla Beach, Gangeshwar temple and INS Khukri Memorial.

First, we went to Ghogla Beach. From the resort, it took us 21 minutes to reach there. The beach is little away from the town but that's the reason it still holds its charm and pristine beauty. It is a long, clean and nice beach to enjoy the beach wave and breeze. Most importantly it's not that crowded and dirty as the Nagoa beach. Adventure sports are also available here too.

Ghogla Beach

Second on our list was Gangeshwar temple. The Gangeshwar temple is about 3km from the town. It is located near the seashore. According to locals, Five Pandavas have established the shivlingas there. During high tide, the shivlings get submerged in the sea water which is in itself is an amazing experience to witness. Standing in the Gangeshwar the roaring of the sea and the breathtaking environment make altogether the experience worth visiting. There is a huge open space well maintained, clean and having sitting arrangement where you can enjoy the beauty of the place with your loved ones.

Lingas at the Gangeshwar Temple

As sunset time was near we went to INS Khukri Memorial. Although we missed the sunset by few minutes but nevermind.

INS Khukri Memorial is a memorial site of an Indian naval ship INS Khukri that sank off the coast of Diu, Gujrat, India on 9 December 1971 during Indo Pakistani war of 1971. The place reminds the bravery of Martyr soldiers. Over 18 officers and 176 sailors were lost in the sinking. There is a model of Khukri encased in a glass house placed atop mound facing the Arabian sea. There is an amphitheater too but not working. Overall a good place to visit to enjoy the sunset and relax. Anyhow, I was so caught in the moment I forget to take some pictures for you guys.

Random pic of the lighthouse near the INS Khukri memorial

That was our trip to Diu. It is a lovely place to have a short trip. We enjoyed our trip more than we expected. On our way back to Jamnagar we decide to visit Somnath Temple which is hardly 2hrs journey from Diu.

At last, I am sharing some of the pictures with you guys which I clicked on my way to Somnath temple: