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One of India’s 8 union territories, Daman and Diu is a former Portuguese colony that lies along the coast of the Arabian Sea. There are several interesting things to do in Diu that attract large crowds of tourists owing to its beautiful colonial structures, pristine beaches with clear blue water, verdure as well as overall natural beauty and serenity which offers some respite from the bustling city life. Have an unforgettable & exciting trip, be it for solo travellers or those travelling in a group, with TripXL and get amazing deals!
Top 11 Things To Do In Diu
Confused about what to do in Diu? The following is a list of the best things to do in Diu for a marvellous holiday:
1. Visiting Nagoa Beach
Photo: JediPro / Wikimedia Commons
Nagoa Beach is one of the most popular beaches here and visiting it should be on your list of things to do in Diu. Mostly untouched by the human hand, this picturesque beach boasts white sand and crystal-clear water and is an excellent place to catch the sunset. You can take a nice stroll along the shoreline with your loved one, go surfing or take some photographs here! Moreover, there are many Hoka trees around the beach which are known for producing a unique sort of fruit. There are restaurants nearby too.
Timings: Open 24 hours
2. Exploring The Naida Caves
Photo: Piyush Tripathi / Wikimedia Commons
Situated outside the walls of Diu Fort, the Naida Caves are one of the unique things to see in Diu. These caves are a well-known attraction in the town that were created by the Portuguese. They came to exist when the Portuguese broke down a large rock to use for construction, followed by geological processes over time. These are a set of interlinked caves that comprise numerous tunnels, many of which have not yet been explored. If you’re into photography, this is a must-visit for you, not only because the tunnels make for splendid scenes but also because the sunlight entering the cave’s entrance is quite a sight to see.
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. Going To Sunset Point
Photo: Piyush Tripathi / Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps the ideal spot to visit if you are travelling with your partner, Sunset Point in Diu is a renowned site close to Chakratirth Beach. It is essentially a small hill that offers unmatched views of the setting sun. The entire area is quite picturesque with views of the serene water, jagged rocks and swaying trees. This would be a great spot for taking some pictures and perhaps for a small picnic; you can take some snacks with you and munch on them as you soak in the stunning scenery.
Timings: Open 24 hours
4. Spending Time At St. Paul Church
Photo: Mohnish1208 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the fascinating things to do in Diu is to learn about the region’s Portuguese heritage and a great way to do so is by visiting the St Paul Church which was built by the colonisers in the early 17th century. Also called Igreja de São Paulo, it is reminiscent of the baroque style of architecture and is one of three churches built here by the Portuguese. The church’s interiors feature beautiful intricate carvings on wooden surfaces, columns with impressive volutes, an altar with the image of St. Mary and a barrel-vaulted nave above it with paintings and statues.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
5. Relaxing At Ghoghla Beach
Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
Another one of Diu’s major attractions, the Ghoghla Beach is a well-known one that is located in the northern part of town. It is a quiet beach that is quite famous amongst those who prefer to stay away from crowds. There are tall trees all around the beach which add to its beauty and the cool winds coupled with the scenic views make Ghoghla Beach the ideal spot for relaxing. The beach is also popular for water sports like swimming, parasailing and motorboat riding as well as banana boat riding.
Timings: Open 24 hours
6. Exploring The Diu Fort
Photo: JediPro / Wikimedia Commons
Out of the many things to do in Diu, exploring Diu Fort is one that you shouldn’t skip. Also called Praça de Diu in Portuguese, this fort located on the southern tip of Gujarat is known for its impressive structure and its breathtaking views of the sea as well as a jetty that was used to trade with some neighbouring cities. You would find cannonballs scattered all around the premises and there is also a lighthouse here that you can climb to get even better views of the open sea. It is an excellent place to catch the sunset.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
7. Relish Seafood At Beach Shacks
Photo: Siddharth Ashok / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the things to try in Diu is its delectable cuisine on a vacation to this place. There are countless shacks around the beaches where you can munch on some yummy seafood and refreshing beverages. Some of the food to try out here includes Goan fish curry, fried squid, lobster, butter garlic tiger shrimp, jetty roll and chicken xacuti. The food is generally inexpensive and although it is best known for non-vegetarian dishes, you would also find vegetarian items on the menu.
Cost Per Person: Approximately ₹500
8. Admiring The Zampa Gateway
Photo: Viraat Kothare / Wikimedia Commons
The northern part of Diu is home to the Zampa Gateway. It happens to be a major landmark as well as a historical structure. It is located en route to the Naida Caves and dates back to the mediaeval era, having been constructed as a gateway to Diu’s fortified township. The gateway is painted in a bright red colour and its walls are carved with images of angels, lions and also a priest. There is also a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. An artificial waterfall close to the gateway adds to its appeal.
Timings: Open 24 hours
9. Shop For Souvenirs
Photo: Michal Osmenda / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shopping for souvenirs for yourself as well as for your loved ones is something you should surely take time for when in Diu. There are several unique items you can take home with you. These include jewellery made using seashells, items featuring nautical patterns, bamboo products like mats and baskets, leather sandals and slippers, Portuguese pottery, oyster artefacts etc. Moreover, you might even find places selling alcohol at cheap rates. There are many markets and vendors along the beaches where you can buy a variety of souvenirs.
Popular Shopping Spots: Princess Park, Maharaja Supermarket, and Khwaja Custom
10. Head To Panikota Fort
Photo: Viraat2000 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Panikota Fort, or the Fortress of Panikota, is a major tourist site in Diu. It was constructed by Malik Aiyaz to control the entry of merchant ships that came here for trading. It is constructed using white stone and lies in the middle of the sea opposite Diu Fort. Thus, it is required to hire a boat to access this place. There is a small chapel as well as a lighthouse close to the fort. What’s interesting is that the fort was once used as a jail. The Portuguese later added elements to the Panikota Fort.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11. Visit INS Khukri Memorial
Photo: Archan Dave / Wikimedia Commons
Don’t forget to go to the INS Khukri Memorial when in Diu since it is a very important attraction in town. It is a memorial for a Naval ship that sank during the 1971 Indo-Pak war as a result of torpedo shots being fired at it. The memorial was built to commemorate the sailors and officers who were on board the ship. A scaled model of the ship has been preserved inside a glass case for visitors to see.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 (Adults), ₹50 (Children below the age of 15)
A trip to Diu would undoubtedly be exciting and memorable for you and your loved ones! With such a vast variety of activities to partake in here, you would also get an opportunity to learn about the region’s rich cultural and historical past. Whether you are looking forward to a relaxing holiday or one filled with lots of activities, there are countless things to do in Diu. So make sure to plan your trip with TripXL for an incredible experience.
Cover Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
