Diu

Want to enjoy the sun, sands and sports without the thronging crowds? Plan a trip to Diu and get amazed at the attraction of the places to visit in Diu. This unspoilt beach destination has a quaint, old-world charm with pristine beaches and beautiful buildings. Want some fun on Nagoa Beach? Indulge in beach and water sports such as parasailing and swimming. For those more adventurous at heart, trekking to Diu Fort or sailing to Panikota Fort is a great activity, as is exploring the labyrinthine Naida Caves. You can find some spiritual vibes at various churches and temples. The clean seaside, fresh green surroundings and unpolluted air are great reasons to tour the places to visit in Diu not to forget the delicious Diu food. The trip would be a lot cheaper and hassle-free.

Diu Overview

When to Visit Diu?

The winter season is the best time to visit Diu. The months between October to February display an average Diu temperature ranging between 15-23 degrees keeping the days pleasantly warm and nights comfortably cool. The springtime, the months of March, April and May, is the shoulder season. Diu weather during the months between June and September sees heavy showers alternating with a humid atmosphere. This is the low season. You will find less crowd while touring the places to visit in Diu.

How to Reach Diu?

Diu has a great network of roads and is well-connected to all cities of Gujarat. Mumbai, Baroda and Ahmedabad are connected by NH8. There are state buses from Veraval, Porbandar and Junagarh. Though the nearest station is Delvada, which is 10 km away, the more convenient railway station is Veraval, about 90 km away. You can travel by train to Veraval from other parts of the country and take a taxi to places to visit in Diu. Diu has a domestic airport. The Diu Airport has daily flights from Mumbai and Porbandar. There are many connecting flights too. Check with your tour operator for the most convenient travelling options when you have decided the best time to visit Diu. Within the town, local buses, rickshaws, rented bikes and walking are all convenient transport options when hopping between places to visit in Diu.

What are the Things to see & do in Diu?

Beaches, forts, churches and nature make up the various places to visit in Diu. Make time to enjoy the beaches Nagoa beach, Jalandhar beach, Chakratirth beach and Gomtimata beach. Some of the beaches offer water sports while some others offer privacy and me-time. If you have kids travelling with you, head to the Dinosaur Park for some fun. Got serious teenagers with you? The Seashell Museum and St Thomas Church Diu Museum would be interesting places. The INS Khukri Memorial is a place to know about our gallant wars and feel patriotic. Do register for parasailing as well as for water rides. Dont forget to sample some Portuguese delicacies.

Places to visit in Diu

Diu Fort - Diu Fort is a historically significant and iconic structure in this coastal town. Located right beside the Arabian Sea, you can hear the waves crashing against the fort walls. It offers a spellbinding panorama of the sea and the coasts nearby. Built by the Portuguese, Diu Fort has a lighthouse (though closed for visitors) and a jetty (still used). The top of the fort has a series of cannons. You would find cannon balls lying randomly everywhere. This tops the list of places to visit in Diu for most visitors.

Naida Caves - One of the most famous places to visit in Diu, the man-made rock formations are called Naida Caves. Shaped by hands, these caves served first the Portuguese and later the Indian Army in reclaiming Diu. The labyrinthine Naida Caves have long, interlinked pathways that still retain their aura due to the streaming lights and shadows. These caves are located 3 km away from the main city.

Nagoa Beach - Since Nagoa beach is near Diu Airport, this can be either your first or last destination. This long, clean beach is famous for its calm sea and various water sports. Take long walks, watch the sun set into the sea, luxuriate on the golden sands or go for various water rides. This beach ranks top among the places to visit in Diu for numerous reasons. The beach activities include camel rides and horse rides too.

Ghoghla Beach - Ghoghla beach gives you the impression that nature can be stunning if left alone. This beach is less crowded leaving it clean of garbage and litter. There are massive waves and a cool breeze to enjoy when you are looking for some solitude among the places to visit in Diu. There are a few water sports and restaurants to amuse you at this location.

St. Paul Church - St Paul Church is a spiritual abode that you must list among places to visit in Diu. Pristine white, the St Paul Church is the largest functional church in Diu. With sculptures, latticework and carvings, the structure is mesmerizing and majestic. It can transport you to the past and leave you with a peaceful mind. Those looking to receive divine blessings may spend some time meditating and praying here.

Church of St. Francis of Assissi - Looking for artistic relics from history among the places to visit in Diu? You must have a look at the charming Church of St Francis of Assissi. The white and blue construction holds patches of sea-spray decay proudly as a testimony of its age. Built in 1593, this church was transformed to serve as a hospital for some years. It is reinstated to its original glory recently. Do not miss the carved wooden altar with images of the Holy Virgin.

Food to try in Diu

Diu food consists of both Indian and Portuguese cuisine. There are a lot of fresh catches, making seafood items very popular. Among Indian food items, try Gujarati and Punjabi food when touring places to visit in Diu. Sample some of the local items such as rotla (a kind of flatbread) with vegetable/fish curry. Get a taste of Portuguese delicacies such as Penn de calamari (pasta with squid), Caldinho de Camarao(shrimp soup) and Cozido de pixie (fish stew). Diu food includes poori-aloo, chhole-bhature, kingfish with rice and saag which are popular in the home kitchens. As you make rounds of the places to visit in Diu, try the local food along with the local beer.

Things to Buy in Diu

Pick small, quaint artefacts when exploring places to visit in Diu. You will get decorative items made of seashells, tortoise shells, pearls and bamboo. You will also find pretty ornaments, keychains, wall hangings and many more. One popular ornament is the colourful plastic bangles sold in Diu. You can find these in shops and street stalls in various tourist places to visit in Diu. Another great buy is a pack of dry fruits of your choice plain, salted or roasted. You will find alcoholic drinks very cheap here. There are licensed shops around the places to visit in Diu that offer good liquor at unbelievable prices. You can also find foreign goods hauled by the customs department sold at throwaway prices.

Diu is extremely popular for its beautiful beaches. You will love exploring the beaches and water sports. Diu is the perfect getaway for relaxation-seekers.

Here are a few quick facts to make your travel safe and easy to Diu. Diu is a Beach destination. The best time to visit Diu is October, November, December, January and February. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. March, April and May period experiences moderate weather. So, you can easily avoid facing a large gathering.

In peak season the weather is warm afternoons and pleasantly cold evenings, whereas in off-season the weather is humid weather along with unexpected showers. Weather in moderate season is high temperatures with cool sea breeze. During Songkran (Thai New Year), Loi Krathong (festival of flowers and lights), a large number of tourists flock together. The festivals are celebrated in the month of April 13-15, November,... consecutively. So, if you are fond of bustling streets and localities, choose this time of the year to travel.

If your travel seems incomplete without getting into some fun activities then you will love to get indulged in exploring the beaches and water sports. In moderate season you will love to get indulged in the thrilling water sports and amazing deals on hotels.

Conclusion

The small beach destination of Diu is a well-kept secret among travellers looking for relaxing, unpolluted places. The old-world places to visit in Diu will transport you to the bygone era while the delectable food will tantalise your tastebuds. Since most of the places to visit in Diu involve beaches and ancient constructions, you must come prepared with the right kind of gear. Do away with the expensive touristy places and head to this beautiful destination for a tranquil vacation.