Gangeshwar Temple, a cave temple which is situated amidst the rocks, is an enchanting place to visit in Diu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. The place witnesses a lot of tourists and devotees coming from borders and beyond. As devotees enter the premises, they can worship Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple has a historical ambience, rocky architecture and picturesque setting which also reflects the natural beauty of the Diu.
How To Reach Gangeshwar Temple
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Gangeshwar Temple lies on the outskirts of Diu City and is easily accessed via roads and other means of transport.
By Air: The nearest airport to Gangeshwar Temple is Diu Airport. Visitors can land at Diu Airport and hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple which can be reached within 15 minutes.
By Train: The nearest Railway Station is Delvada Railway Station, just 12 kilometres away. Visitors can also get down at Veraval Railway Station or Somnath Railway Station. These railway stations lie approximately 90 kilometres from Diu. One can get down at any station and hire a cab or take a local bus to Diu.
By Road: Visitors travelling to the place by road can take the Kodinar-Amreli Highway to reach the destination. Those travelling by bus can get down at Diu Bus Station, just 3.7 kilometres away from Gangeshwar Temple.
Places To Visit Near Gangeshwar Temple
There are many historical landmarks and interesting places to visit near Gangeshwar Temple. All notable places have a rich history and promise a unique experience.
1. Nagoa Beach
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Nagoa Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Diu that has a peaceful vibe and is ideal for relaxation. This beach has a crescent-shaped shoreline and golden sands. Many watersports are performed on this beach including jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and speed boat rides. The beach is ideal for swimming too. It is popular for its Hoka Trees which are found on the beach and vicinity. The visitors can try pony rides and camel rides. There are many shacks on the beach to witness stunning views of sunsets and sunrises.
Location: Diu, Daman and Diu, India
Distance From Temple: 4.5 km
2. Diu Fort
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Diu Fort was strategically built as a defence structure by the Portuguese, between 1535 and 1541. It protected the region from any foreign invasions. The fort offers breathtaking vistas as it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It also served as a significant base for Portuguese Naval Operations with a functional lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since the 19th Century. St. Thomas Church located within the premises has Portuguese Architecture. Guided tours to the fort are also available.
Location: Fort Road, Near The PWD Office, Diu, Daman and Diu, India
Distance From Temple: 4.9 km
3. St. Paul’s Church
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St. Paul’s Church is a beautifully built 17th-century church in Diu. The place is a landmark famous for its Baroque architecture and intricate designs. Inside the premises, there are pretty glass paintings, wooden carvings and coloured glass pieces which offer an enchanting vibe. St. Paul’s Church is also known as the Church of Immaculate Conception. Visitors can also see the statues of Sacred Heart of Mary and St. Joseph. The most attractive thing about this church is the decorated motifs and beautifully carved volutes.
Location: Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 362520
Distance From Temple: 4.5 km
4. Jalandhar Beach
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A scenic beach near the South Pole Point in Diu, Jalandhar Beach gets its name from a mythological demon called Jalandhar who was killed by Krishna. There is a memorial dedicated to Jalandhar with a stone structure of his face perched atop a hill. A small temple dedicated to Goddess Chandrika is also nearby. The beauty of this beach is untouched and is one of the lesser-known beaches of Diu. One can indulge in swimming at the beach.
Location: Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 362520
Distance From Temple: 3.4 km
5. Pani Kotha
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Pani Kotha is a stone fortress and a prison with a small chapel and lighthouse. The place is just one mile from Diu Jetty and can be visited via ferry rides, motor boats or speed boats during high tide. From Pani Kotha, the movements of many ships were controlled and redirected. There are many stone inscriptions on the structure which are in the Portuguese language. A chapel erected inside the fortress was built by the Portuguese in 1638 and is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory.
Location: Fort Rd, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 362520
Distance From Temple: 4.9 km
Where To Stay
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Diu has a variety of accommodations suitable for guests. These hotels and resorts range from luxury to budget-friendly stays. Luxurious resorts include Radhika Beach Resort, Azzaro Resorts and Spa, The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort and The Palms Beach Resort. Mid-range hotels include Hotel Cidade Diu, The Grand Highness, Hotel Sea View Bar and Restaurant, Hotel Palacio De Diu, Hotel Diamond, Kohinoor Hotel, and Hotel Gokul. Whereas, budget-friendly stays include Hotel Apaar, Hotel Prince, Hotel Relax Inn, Apana Hotel, Hotel Laabh Diu and Hotel Galaxy.
Where To Eat
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There are many notable restaurants near the temple which serve scrumptious food. Some of the options for dining include Tawa Tadka Diu, Sea Cafe Diu, Chulawala Bar and Restaurant, Just BBQ Restro, Apaar Garden Open Restaurant, Rio Restaurant and Shiv Fast Food.
Best Time To Visit Gangeshwar Temple
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The best time to visit Gangeshwar Temple Diu is during the drier months except from June to September. There are no interrupting rainfalls during this time. Also, it is recommended to visit the temple during low tides as during high tides, the Shiva Lingas might get submerged under the water.
Gangeshwar Temple, located at the seashore in Diu, is a blend of religion, history, culture, and natural beauty. The temple has a coastal setting and the sea waves beautifully touch the Shiva Lingam of the temple. Book a trip to Diu with TripXL and have a unique religious experience by the sea, along with nearby tourist attractions which can be easily accessed and explored.
Cover Photo: Prateekmalviya20 / Wikimedia Commons