Know Diu

Diu a tiny ex-Portuguese island is the reason most travelers come to Gujarat. And while it might not fairly be the tropical paradise they imagined, it has a peculiar charisma that will attract inhabitants towards it. Diu city is best known as a place that mixes tradition with modernity.

This perfect blend is evident in its architecture, with number of historical monuments and structures. The history of Diu time back to many centuries. It has a rich and a multicolored past that saw the supremacy of many emperors. Rulers of different dynasties ruled Diu in diverse periods of history.  People of Diu are very affectionate, friendly, and peaceful and show good hospitality.

Diu Fort is one of the popular historical place of diu. 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. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD.

The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell – like motifs and the magnificent wood carving is considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portugese churches in India. St. Paul Church, built in 1691 is consecrated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. In architectural style it resembles Bom Jesus Church at Goa. The wood – panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftsmanship.

It was inaugurated on 15th December, 1999 in memory of the officers and the sailors who chose to go down with the warship INS KHUKRI when it was hit by a salvo of three torpedoes fired from PNS Hangor, a Pakistani Submarine on 9/12/1971 during the INDO-PAK war.

The gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the “Shiva Lingas” in stone have a mystic aura around  them in the cave temple of Gangeshwar where the Lord makes his presence felt.

Legend has it that this ship shape structure was one connected with land by an under sea tunnel. You can see this monument in famous bollywood movie “QAYAMAT”.

It was inaugurated on 15th December, 1999 in memory of the officers and the sailors who chose to go down with the warship INS KHUKRI when it was hit by a salvo of three torpedoes fired from PNS Hangor, a Pakistani Submarine on 9/12/1971 during the INDO-PAK war.

The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols, in evening, multicolored fountains and special lighting of the imposing building fascinate everyone.

A perfect semi circle beach where the gentle lapping waves beckon you to wade into them for a fun filled time of swimming, gamboling or just lolling around the soft sand shores or to find you napping under the palm trees filled with the soothing breeze.