A blissful confluence of the golden sun and silver sands, the island of Diu is a tiny district that is popular for its laid-back lifestyle and fabulous architecture. This picturesque island is lapped by the Arabian Sea and should be on your travel bucket list if you are in quest of blessed land. It is home to majestic beaches and whitewashed fishing cottages.
Ruled by many well-known kings and dynasties during prehistoric, ancient, and medieval times, this island is bestowed with immense natural beauty. Until 1961, it was a Portuguese colony and that’s why bits of Diu are reminiscent of Portuguese history. If you want to travel somewhere not just for its places but for souls, then Diu is an ideal destination for you.
How Much Does It Cost To Explore Diu?
I spent around ₹32,000 on this trip that included round-trip flights (₹21K), accommodation (₹7K for 4 nights at Hotel Apaar), food (₹2,500), and rental scooty (₹1,750 for 3 days including petrol). There is no entry fee at any tourist place. The best way to see Diu is by renting a scooty at ₹500 per day (return by 8 PM if you rent it for only 1 day). The roads are smooth and there is no traffic at all. You can ride along the coast with the sea breeze playing with your hair. It was an absolute joy for me to ride in the rain with the massive water body on one side and lush greenery on the other. Moreover, you will find free parking spaces everywhere.
Without further ado, let’s dive into Diu, which is historically an important trading post and naval base. You can visit these 6 top places in a span of 3 days.
1. Diu Fort
The Fort of Diu holds a prominent position among the places of tourist interest in this union territory. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD. An expansive and imposing structure, it is situated on the coast of the island. You will be offered a magnificent view from here as the fort is skirted by the sea on the three sides. The giant structure now housing a lighthouse is perfect for photographers. At this colossal structure, you can still see cannons staring from the top and peeping out of the holes on the walls.
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2. St. Paul Church
Considered as one of the most beautiful Portuguese churches in India, St. Paul church has both historical as well as religious importance. The front façade of this magnificent building of Gothic architecture built by the Portuguese immediately attracts one’s attention. The inside walls are curiously treated with shell-like motifs and the high vaulted stone dome leaves everyone spellbound with awe. The church looks heavenly beautiful and auspicious at night when it is illuminated by lights. It is Diu’s little marvel!
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3. Ghoghla Beach
With its prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ certification, this beach is the largest one in Diu. It features golden sands, smooth gentle waves, and a vast tidal area. You can visit this beach at any time of the year as it always has clean and clear water at optimum temperature. It’s equipped with a number of amenities like ergonomically designed world-class bio-toilet blocks, change rooms facilities with integrated shower panels, tourist information boards, pure drinking water, etc. You will also find a designated ‘Safe Swim Heaven’ there.
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4. Jallandhar Beach
At a distance of 1 kilometer from Diu Town, this secluded beach offers a beautiful panoramic view. It is sparsely crowded; I had the whole place to myself when I went there. It’s a serene spot to chill and enjoy the sea rejuvenating your soul. The sunny Jallandhar Beach also has a temple and a memorial on a close-by hillock, and you will get Instagram-perfect pictures with them in the backdrop. This tiny beach is a haven of splendor, peace, and tranquility and it’s your best bet if you wish to spend your time lazing on the soft sands.
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5. INS Khukri Memorial
Indian Naval Ship Khukri was a warship of the Indian Navy. It fell prey to 3 torpedoes fired by a Pakistan submarine during the Indo Park War in 1971 and sank 40 nautical miles off the coast of Diu. A crew of as many as 18 officers and 176 sailors were taken down with it. The memorial is an epitome of unyielding spirit and indomitable courage glorifying our country’s navy. This replica of the INS Khukri naval ship inaugurated in 1999 stands proudly on the hillock at Chakratirth Beach. The way to reach up there and its surroundings are extremely stunning!
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6. Nagoa Beach
Of all the beaches in and around Diu Island, this one is my favorite. This perfect semi-circle beach is at a distance of 8 kilometers from Diu. The constant gentle crashing of waves on the soft sandy shore is a sight to behold. It’s an ideal beach for swimming, taking a leisurely stroll, as well as napping under the green palm trees amidst the soothing breeze. This palm-fringed beach transported me to the magical land of an exotic ambiance. I found it to be largely deserted and secluded, and for me, that was the best part!
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Some of the other places that you can visit in Diu are as follows:
- Naida Caves
- Panikotha
- Sunset Point
- Gangeshwar Temple
- Dinosaur Park
Diu is a heavenly beautiful flavor of the sea, the sand, and the sun. The island is known for its Portuguese architecture. Its lovely beaches are popular for several recreational activities as well. Include this magical place in your travel bucket list!
Let me know if you have any travel queries regarding Diu in the comment section below.