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Diu is a beautiful tourist location located in the union territory of Daman and Diu. It is an island surrounded by the Arabian Sea and is well-remembered as the land which witnessed the Battle of Diu in 1509 between the Portuguese and other combined forces of Egypt, Turkey, Dubrovnik, Venice and the Sultan of Gujarat state.
With an area of around forty square kilometers and an approximate population of 44, 110 (as per 2001 census), it is a small place with a peaceful environment. Diu is famous for its Old Portuguese cathedral and the majestic fortress and offers magnificent beaches and a number of water sports and activities like parasailing, surfing, swimming and boating, etc . The golden sand beaches present an aura of peace and prosperity and make you feel relaxed and fresh.
Diu is rich in cultural heritage and display a mixed culture of the Gujarati and Portuguese lifestyles. A lot of tourists visit here to enjoy this beauty of nature. Being an important part of historical events, it also holds great value in terms of architecture and religion. The rich environment, the peaceful beaches, cultural heritage, archaeological value and cultural diversity altogether make Diu an interesting destination to explore
History of Diu
The island of Diu has been closely associated with historical events and its history roots back to 1535, when the then Sultan of Gujarat in alliance with the Portuguese defended himself against Humayan, the Mughal Emperor. He allowed the Portuguese to build a fortress and maintain a garrison on the island. Later, when the alliance broke, the Sultan failed to make the Portuguese vacate the island. Since then, the island was occupied by the Portuguese until the Indian military took over in 1961. After this, the island has been maintained by the state government and the fortress still stands strong even after the long and harsh years.
Best Time to Visit Diu
The best time to visit this place is from September to May.
Location
Diu is located in Gujarat.
Distance from nearest cities: Vapi which is 10 kms away and Delwada which is 8 kms from Diu.
How to reach Diu
Nearest airport: Regular flights are available to and from Diu airport.
Nearest railway stations: The nearest railway station is at Delwada which is 8 kms from Diu.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Buses are available from Una
Tourism Department
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited
We are not aware of the contact details of the Diu Tourist office. You can get information from Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. Its contact details are:
Udyog Bhavan,
Block No. 16, 4th Floor, Sector-11,
Gandhinagar - 382 011
Phone: 91-79-23222523, 23222645, 23220002
Fax: 91-79-23222189-23238908
E-Mail:
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Climatic Conditions
Diu possesses a cool and dry climate. The rainfall has been measured up to 700 mm.
Clothing
During summer light cotton clothes and in winters light woolen clothes are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Diu
- Nagoa Beach: It is a beautiful beach in the shape of a semi-circle. It is a popular place to hangout, relax and enjoy the cool waves and the warm sun.
- Gangeshwar: This is a cave temple of Lord Shiva and the mystic aura around this temple gives a feeling of purity and the presence of God around you.
- Ghoghla Beach: It is another beautiful sea beach which offers water sports like surfing, parasailing, swimming, etc.
- Church of St. Francis: This old church was built in 1593. Some part of the church has been converted into a hospital for the residents.
- St. Thomas Church – Museum: A part of this church has been converted into a museum and displays archaeological goods. The church was built in 1598 and depicts beautiful gothic architecture.
- Diu Fort: This majestic fort portrays magnificent stonework and is a must see for visitors here.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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