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Diu is a beautiful coastal town nestled at the eastern end of Diu Island. Read this article to find some great places to visit near Diu, which will give you a glimpse into the colonial culture through majestic ancient forts, bungalows, churches and villas resembling the Portugal architecture. The town is brimming with several activities for you, some of which include historical expeditions, water sports and getting acquainted with the traditional cuisines. The Island also features some of the best sunset points in the country offering scenic views and great opportunities for you to click Instagram-worthy pictures.
10 Wonderful Places To Visit Near Diu
Learn about some of the fantastic places to visit near Diu amidst the beauty of ancient Portuguese architecture and traditional culture.
1. Diu Fort
Photo: Chirag Godhaniya / Wikimedia Commons
Diu Fort, or Fortaleza de Diu, is one of the places to visit near Diu with great historical significance since it was constructed between 1535 and 1546 AD by the Portuguese. The fort was built over an area of 5.6 hectares and features a variety of structures, including lighthouses, walls and bastions. Several Bastions have been named after various saints, the oldest one being St. George’s Bastion. The fort is easily accessible from all the major cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The railway station is Veraval which is approximately 90 kilometres away.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to February
2. Naida Caves
Photo: Dr.kpsingh111 / Wikimedia Commons
Naida Caves are a hidden gem and one of the tourist attractions near Diu. It is often missed by travellers due to its location amidst the lush beauty of nature. You will encounter a series of block-shaped stairs arranged beautifully, which unfortunately lead to nowhere but are a beautiful part of the architecture. The caves are interlinked and carved out of huge rock formations which are believed to have been built around the Portugal era. The caves are open daily from 8 in the morning till 6 in the evening. It is believed that the caves served as a significant hideout place for soldiers during conflicts, particularly during Operation Vijay.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. St. Paul Church
Photo: Mohnish1208 / Wikimedia Commons
St. Paul Church, also known as the Church of Immaculate Conception, is one of the historically significant places to visit near Diu. It was constructed between 1601 and 1610 by the Portuguese. It features various architecturally marvellous components like high vaulted domes, detailed altars, beautiful motifs and many more. To this day, the church continues to serve the local Christian community and hosts significant religious events. It is open for visitors daily from 8 in the morning till 6 in the evening for all visitors and is easily accessible by all the significant modes of transportation like air, road and rail. When visiting the church, you can also explore other sites nearby and get introduced to Diu’s vibrant culture and traditional cuisine.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
4. Nagoa Beach
Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Visitors can explore the exquisite Nagoa Beach, a stunning horse-shoe-shaped beach, approximately 8 km from Diu, known for its beauty and ambience. It is one of the places to visit near Diu, spread over a vast area of 2 km, and its elegance shines through the white sands and calm and clear waters. Enjoy your time here by indulging in various activities like swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and camel and pony rides. You can visit the beach at any time of the year and enjoy its beautiful climate. The beach is open to the public at all times, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
5. Ghoghla Beach
Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
Ghoghla Beach is one of the popular tourist places to see near Diu renowned for its breathtaking views and golden sands. It is currently a candidate for the International “Blue Flag Certificate,” which signifies high environmental and safety standards. The beach has been designated as a “safe swim haven” and equipped with trained lifeguards and water rescue equipment. The nearest airport is in Nagoa, which connects to Mumbai easily. This serene and well-maintained destination is a must-visit if you are seeking relaxation. It also features ergonomically designed bio-toilets and changing rooms equipped with showers.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
6. Diu Museum
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Popularly known as St. Thomas Church Museum is a historic church which was built in 1598 by Bishop D. Aleixo Menezes. It served as the first parish church of Diu and has undergone several transformations over the years. Early morning hours are considered the best time to visit this museum due to the temperate weather and fewer crowds. The peak season is considered from October to February when the number of visitors is highest. This museum showcases a wide range of antiques providing an insight into the history of this old city.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
7. Zampa Gateway
Photo: Viraat Kothare / Wikimedia Commons
The Zampa Gateway is a notable historical landmark that serves as the main town gateway, marking the western part of this fortified city. Get a chance to immerse yourself in the aesthetic beauty of this historically significant structure. Learn about the detailed history of this site through extensive guided tours available at your disposal. The best option is the two-hour-long guided tour for elaborate knowledge, while other general tours, which are also shorter in duration, are available. The gateway is open to the general public 24/7 but it is recommended to visit during the daytime.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
8. Panikota Fort
Photo: Ainslie / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Panikota Fort, also known as Fortim do Mar is another significant site nestled on the small islet in the Arabian Sea located approximately 3.2 kilometres away from the bus stand. Originally, this fort was strategically constructed to control the maritime trade routes, particularly entering Diu. To reach the fort, travellers need to take a boat from the Diu jetty, located near Diu Fort. The best time to visit Diu Fort is during the cooler months, and it is advisable to refrain from visiting during the monsoon period, which lasts from June to September. Get Instagram-worthy pictures at the time of sunrise and sunset for some stunning visuals.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
9. Chakratirth Beach
Photo: Sean Oulashin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chakratirth Beach is another one of the renowned places to visit near Diu with a smaller crowd and a serene atmosphere. It is the best location for you if you are looking for a getaway from the bustling city life. The nearest airport connects to Mumbai making it easy for the tourists to travel from other main cities to reach here easily. The rocky and sandy shoreline of this beach makes it a picturesque destination for you and allows for a rich coastal experience. You can also get a chance to explore all the nearby food stalls boasting the local cuisine along with tea and samosas while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
10. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Photo: Navneet Sharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the significant religious places to visit near Diu. This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple is built out of stone featuring five Shivalingas carved into the rocks. The beauty of this temple can be seen only during low tides coming from the Arabian Sea. According to legends, Lord Shiva is said to have held the Ganga in his hair to protect the earth from its destructive force, reflecting the association of Lord Shiva with the River Ganga.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Diu is a perfect blend of architectural beauty and historical significance, the places to visit near Diu offer a perfect getaway for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. It is best if you plan your visit from October to February and enjoy the serenity of the city amid the pleasant weather. Plan a visit with TripXL for an amazing experience with friends and family and get a perfectly curated personalized itinerary for the trip.
Cover Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
