Dream Place Diu

DIU

1) Nagoa Beach

Famous for its pristine beauty and swaying palm trees, Nagoa Beach in Diu is an ideal and a recommended place for tourists all over the world. The place is well connected with the resorts, hence it making it easy for the travellers to relax and explore its beauty at the same time. The beach is surrounded by beautiful palm trees swaying in the cool breeze which creates an exotic environment for the travellers to laze around. The serene beauty of the beach due to its white sands and quiet blue water is worth experiencing and enjoying. 

The beach is located in the Nagoa hamlet of Bucharwada village and serves as an attraction for its Hoka trees which produces a unique kind of fruit. It is very much known for its water sports along with camel and pony riding. Sunbathing can turn out to be the most intoxicating experience at the Nagoa Beach. Shops and restaurants act as refreshments which are one of its kinds. The beach extends over an area of 2 km from one end to the other. A walk along the shore mixed with witnessing the sunrise and sunset is a great way to relax one's mind.

2) Fort 

Fort Diu, located on the Western coast of Indian was built by Portuguese during their colonial rule and is now under the administration of Indian government. The fort- cum - castle, is known as 'Praça de Diu' in Portuguese, is situated on the southern tip of Gujarat and is at the mouth of the Gulf of Khambhat. The Fort of Diu is a colossal structure that occupies a prominent place on the tourist's list. The enchanting fort commands a magnificent view of the sea, and a jetty constructed on the northwestern coast is still under use and was once used to trade with Cambay, Broach and Surat in Gujarat. The lighthouse that one can climb leads to the highest point on the island and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding. Cannonballs litter the entire place, and the parapet has a fantastic array of cannons. 

It was built in the year 1535 after the alliance between Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor waged war to annex the territory. Portuguese rule over Diu and the fort is considered as the longest ever colonial rule in the world. They ruled over the territory for 424 years, from 1537 to 1961 (even after India's independence from British) and were ousted from Diu only when the government of India launched a military action called the "Operation Vijay". Along with the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Diu fort was listed as the seven wonders of Portugal but during their colonial rule. This new achievement further highlighted the importance of the fort and put it on the world tourism map. 

3) Jail

The world is full of mysteries. Wherever the eyes gracefully look, something strange and interesting is seen. If you look at one end towards the Gujarat state of India then you will see some such interesting scenario. You can also be confused after watching it. A luxurious building overlooking the sea shore. That seems like a palace. But you will be surprised to know that this is not a palace but a prison.

Here's the talk of Diu. Diwani, known as Union Territory, will be surprised to see the grandeur of a prison. For some time, this place came within the colony of Portugal.

Nearly 475 years old, there is only one and only prisoner in this prison. Yes you read right Only one prisoner lives in this jail

The prisoner's name is Deepak Kanji and he is 30 years old. Deepak Kanji is alleged to have murdered his wife by poisoning him.

In Kanji, Kanji is the only person who has been deployed so that 5 soldiers and 1 jailer have been deployed in their security. All have been fixed according to shift hours.

In 2013, the prison was announced to close. Since then the presence of prisoners has stopped. A few years ago, there were 7 prisoners here. Of which 2 women were also involved. But for some reason 4 of them were transferred to Amreli prison in Gujarat, while the sentence of 2 prisoners had been completed so they were released. So now only one prisoner is left.

The soldier posted on duty in the Diva Jail was talking to the media and told that it is very difficult to spend time for a prisoner. According to the data, every prisoner in Daman and Diu comes to the cost of 32 thousand rupees. Which is much more than other states.

4) Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple

Situated amidst serenity and scenic beauty, the Gangeshwar Temple is dedicated to the transformer of Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva. This ancient Hindu Temple is located 3 km away from Diu in the Fudam Village of Gujarat. Believed to have been built by the Pandavas, this temple is famous for its five Shiva Lingas, i.e. rocks in the shape of Lord Shiva which are present in the middle of the sea. Only the tip of these rocks can be seen whenever there is a high tide because the sea water submerges them.

Gangeshwar refers to Lord Shiva who is considered to be the Lord of River Ganga since it descended to earth starting from the tresses of Lord Shiva who is also the presiding deity of the Gangeshwar Mahadev Mandir.

5) Naida Caves

Naida caves, Diu are located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese. The caves feature a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps, which is yet to be fully explored. It is believed that the Portuguese during their reign hacked building materials from these caves. You can reach Naida caves in Diu through Delwada which is the nearest railway station. The place is also well connected by road. 

Naida caves in Diu are within a short distance from the Diu town. Diu’s greatest glory is the huge fort, a sight that justifies the long trip here. The northern side of the island, facing Gujarat, is tidal marshland and saltpans while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky covers and sandy beaches. Diu Naida caves have a natural opening in the ground extending beyond the zone of light. Caves are formed as a result of different geological processes. Caves vary in shapes and sizes. Speleology is the scientific study of caves. The science incorporates the study of geology, archeology and biology and thus ranks in special interest for earth scientists of the U.S Geological Survey.

Naida Caves, Diu have been reckoned among the one of the magnificent natural attractions since prehistoric times. Productive evidence of early man’s interest has been discovered in caves dotted throughout the world.

6) Church

There are many tourist attractions in Diu. All the tourist attractions own some unique feature and differ from each other on the virtue of their appearance. The common factor that dominates them all is the refined architectural patterns. It is owing to this reason that numerous travelers visit this part of India to bask in Portuguese colonial charm as expressed through certain motifs in the structure or the style in which they are molded. Definitely the best example to relish the Portuguese glory is monuments. But there are some very famous holy places in Diu that too account for these. One of these is Church of St Francis of Assisi in Diu.

Diu Church of St Francis of Assisi is one of the very old churches in the district of Diu. It stands aloft overlooking the brilliant and absolutely mesmerizing Arabian Sea.

History of Church of St Francis of Assisi, Diu The very exquisite and most venerated Church of St Francis of Assisi in Diu was constructed around AD 1593.

Description of Church of St Francis of Assisi, Diu Diu Church of St Francis of Assisi is counted among the highly venerated churches in the region. Its foundation was kept in 1593 AD. It boasts of an impressive structure overlooking the very gorgeous Arabian Sea. Today this famous church has been turned into a hospital.

To reach here you need to come to the nearest railhead Delwada Railway Station which is just 8 km from Diu.