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Diu
is a beautiful blend of sun, sand and sea. It is an island retreat gently
rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea. It offers you
undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday.
History
Diu a former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union Territory is steeped in
history. It was a sea-port and naval base of considerable strategic
importance from the 14th-16th centuries. It has also been a vital trade
link with the rest of India for traders overseas. Diu was under the sway
of Chanda and Vaghela dynasties till the 14th Century. The Muslim rulers
ruled over the island town till 1380 AD. Then came the mighty wave of
invasion of the foreign rule that lasted for 450 years.
Culture
Diu sports a colourful culture. As in Daman, there is a magnificent mix
of Gujaratis and Portuguese here which reflects on lifestyle and culture.
The friendly fun-loving people of Diu keep alive their priceless heritage
of folk arts by singing and dancing.
Garba
festival
Is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and especially of Diu. It is normally
performed by women dressed in colourful costumes with typical ornaments,
accompanied by singing of song in praise of Goddess Amba. This is the most
popular festival of the region. The colourful costumes, the mesmerising
music and the graceful steps cast an enchanting spell on the viewers.
Folk Dance festival
The typical Portuguese regional folk dances of the territory include the
Mando Dance, Vira Dance, the Verdigao in which happiness and the whole
life style of the people of Diu is depicted. In these dances the clean
roads, the delicious food and the traditions of Diu are described. Drink,
eat, sing and be merry, that is the mote of the song and dance. The
traditional dances are in slow motion with the elderly participating in
them, but the young are carrying on the traditions of the old.
Nagoa Beach:
If you are not keen on sightseeing, take a 20-minute refreshing drive
through open arid land to dense coconut groves to reach the semi-circular
Nagoa Beach in Bucharwada village. An exceptionally beautiful and quiet
beach, . it has various facilities for water sports. It is also safe for
swimming. Plenty of Palm Hoka trees whisper and sway here in the
intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and
serenity of the surroundings give you peace and pleasure beyond
expression.
Jallandhar Shrine
Jallandhar Shrine is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small
shrine crowned with a dome and contains a niche wherein a stone carved
face of Jallandhar is seen. Nearby there is also a temple of Goddess
Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of 1 km from Diu Town.
St.
Paul's Church
is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Begun in 1601, the
church was completed in 1610. The main facade of the church, perhaps the
most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with
curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts
visitors. The facade has been illuminated by floodlights adding to the
evening city glow.
Diu Museum
The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses
the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers,
wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have
been collected from various sites and displayed.
Diu
Fort
Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort of Diu occupies a
prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on
the coast of the island.
Fortress of Panikota
The Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the sea,
built right at the mouth of the creek. It can be reached only by a canoe
or a motor launch. Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it
also has a lighthouse and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea.
Located in the middle of the sea, the fortress makes for a beautiful view
whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or
from Diu proper.
Ghoghla
The Ghoghla Beach is among the six beautiful beaches in Diu District. A
tourist complex built here provides all basic amenities to tourists.
Chakratirath Beach
Chakratirath Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the town at Diu.
This beach is a popularr haunt for locals and domestic and international
touristsas well. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape has been
beautifully illuminated by artificial lighting. An open air auditorium on
the sea side of the hillock stands nearby.
Gangeshwar Temple
This is situated 3 km away from Diu in Fudam village. A Shivlinga, known
as Gangeshwar, is in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, and is washed
by the tidal waves of the sea.
| Area | 38.8 Sq. Kms. |
| Population | 39,485 (1991 Census figure) |
| Climate | Cool and dry |
| Rainfall | 70 cm |
| Altitude | 29 metres from MSL |
| Tourist Season | September to May |
| Clothing Required | Cotton in Summer, Light woolen in Winter |
| Languages Spoken | Gujarati, English, Hindi, Portuguese |
Accommodation: The Tourism Department has developed
a well-appointed tourist complex at Ghoghla and Jallandhar where boarding
and lodging facilities are available at affordable price.Tented
accommodation on the beachside has become extremely popular among the
tourists in love with open spaces. A number of good. hotels, restaurants
and eating houses are available with A/C and Non A/C accommodation. Tariff
ranges from Rs. 200/- to Rs. 3,000/- per day.
Tourist Complex,
Ghoghla Tel: 52212
Pelican Resort Tel: 52654
Govt. Rest House Tel: 52476
STD 02875
Diu
has excellent, all weather road links with Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot
and Baroda. Luxury buses ply between Mumbai and Diu. It is also air linked
with Mumbai.
Air: Gujarat Airways is operating a daily flight between Mumbai
and Diu
Rail: Nearest rail-head is Veraval, about 50 kms. From Diu train
service is available from Veraval to Rajkot and Ahmedabad.
Bus: Regular bus services are in operation from Diu, Ghoghla and
Una to various cities in Gujarat operated by Gujarat State transport
corporation. Daily luxury bus service is available on Mumbai-Diu route.
Local Transport
There is a good network of internal private bus services. Auto rickshaws
and motorcycle rickshaws are also available throughout Diu.