About Diu Island



About Diu Island



The scenic isles of Diu have much to offer to the tourist. Visitors cannot know enough about Diu Islands just at one go. It would take a lifetime to explore the whole of the island. The tranquil ambience of the isles coupled with the angler's song, the forts and cathedrals of the past era, the sparkling beaches and the cool breezes of the sea casts its magic spell on the visitor and transports him to almost another realm.

Island Geography



Diu Island is a union territory of India. It is located in the vicinity of the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. The island has an area of 15 square miles or 40 kilometers. The latitude of Diu is 20° 41' N, while the longitude is 70° 58'60" E. The island is close to the Malabar Hills, Nawabandar, Akarpati, Dores, Gogola, Kora and Podome. Diu experiences rainfall of about 700 mm annually. The climate remains cool and dry.

In the Depths of Time



Diu Islands was a Portuguese colony in the past. It was once under the dominion of the Chowda Rajputs. The Waghalas and the Muslims ruled it in turn. Bahadur Shah, the ruler of Gujarat, entered into a pact with the Portuguese against Humayun, the Mughal Emperor. Under the terms of the alliance, the Portuguese were allowed to build a fort on the island. The Portuguese were the rulers of Diu, for almost 451 years. They were removed from the Diu Island by the Indian military on the 19th of December 1961.

Beaches, Cathedrals and more!



Diu has one of the most gorgeous beaches in India, renowned for its pristine beauty. The deep blue sea, the sparkling sands, the remnants of the architecture of the colonial period, and the calm, quiet ambience of the place make it an ideal place for relaxation and sight seeing. The three beaches in Diu - Jalandhar, Nagoa and Ghogla - are the must visit destinations. St.Paul's Cathedral, St. Thomas-Museum, and St. Francis of Assissi and the Diu fort are fine examples of Portuguese architecture. Gangeshwar, INS Khukri Memorial, Sea Shell Museum, and Pani Kotha are the other prime attractions of this island. Water sports are a favorite pastime of tourists in Diu Islands.

Where to Stay?



Diu Islands has a host of three star, mid-range and budget hotels, which suit every pocket. The Hotel Kohinoor is the only luxury hotel in Diu. The hotel has 50 well-furnished rooms, a swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, a discotheque, a bar, a multi-cuisine restaurant and bakery, a banquet hall and conference centre. The budget accommodations are located near the fish market and the town square. The six-cottage tourist complex on Jalandhar Beach is also a good lodging option. There is also a camping site at Kevdi that provides economic accommodation.

How to Reach?



The nearest access point to Diu is the Mumbai airport. The Jet Airways and Indian Airlines operate daily flights between Mumbai and Diu. The nearest railway station to Diu is Delwara, which is only 8 km away. Daily trains to Veraval and Junagadh in Gujarat are available from Delaware. The commonest means of local transport is the auto rickshaw. Mopeds, motorcycles and scooters, which are available on rent, are the other viable options.

The Diu Island is a favorite haunt of the tourists. The nostalgic charm of the old world era exuded by the island, and the calm, gentle breeze of the sea rejuvenates the spirit.

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Last Updated on 26 September 2012