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Diu Fort is a magnificent structure on the scenic island of Diu and is a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. The Portuguese built the fort during the 16th century and was a part of the agreement with Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, thus enabling the Portuguese to strengthen their hold. Portugal held on to it until January 1961 when India took Diu in. It has been playing an important role in India’s historical narrative, which impresses tourists with its architectural grandeur and breathtaking scenery.
Diu Fort Location
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The Fort is on Diu, an island that happens to be one of India’s Union Territories lying in its western seaside region. At the extreme southeast end of the isle, it borders Diu town. The distance from Diu Bus Station is roughly two kilometres. On three sides, the fort is bordered by the Arabian Sea while one side faces the mainland. The northern direction harbors the Kolak River whereas at its southern side flows the Kalai River. Diu shares boundaries with Valsad, Daman and Junagarh districts; which are located in Gujarat state.
How To Reach Diu Fort
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To arrive at the Fort in Diu, you have multiple options for transportation that include aeroplanes, railways and highways.
By Air: Diu Airport is approximately ten kilometres from the Fort. Major cities have flights connecting to the airport. After arriving at the airport, you can use a cab or local transport services.
By Train: The closest train station to Diu is Veraval, almost 90 kilometres away. Additionally, Delwada Railway Station is just 8 kilometres away from Diu, this station has limited connections but its proximity to the fort makes it worth noting. You can reach it via Junagadh or Veraval.
Places To Visit In And Around Diu Fort
The ancient fort of Diu is a must-see for any person who is discovering Diu island. It was established to provide insight into the colonial history of this area and also contains many interesting places worth visiting.
1. Diu Museum
Photo: Shakti / Wikimedia Commons
Diu Museum, previously referred to as St. Thomas Church is an important cultural and historical attraction found on Diu Island in the Union Territory of Daman and also Diu, India. The Diu Museum displays numerous exhibits as well as artefacts that represent the history and culture of this place. The visitors can enjoy looking at some exhibits about Portuguese colonial times, local arts, and even military history relating to the fort. The museum has many ancient coins and inscriptions as well.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: NA
2. Sunset Point
Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
Sunset Point in the Fort is one place where every person travelling to Diu should have a stopover. Sunset Point offers one of the finest views of the Arabian Sea as the sun sinks into the horizon to the south of Diu. It is a natural area that is also a tourist attraction due to its scenic beauty and calmness. Its extremely attractive scenery, tranquil ambience, and deep historic background make it an appropriate spot for rest and contemplation.
Timings: Sunset
Entry Fee: NA
3. Panikotha
Photo: Shiv.mer / Shutterstock
Panikotha, also called Fortim Do Mar, is an amazing sea fort sitting around one nautical mile away from Diu Island in the Arabian Sea. The Portuguese constructed this fortress during their colonial dominance in the 16th century and it was a significant sailing station and place of confinement indicating the strategic significance of Diu for ocean-going commerce.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
4. Nagoa Beach
Photo: Ankur_soni / Shutterstock
Diu has many beaches like Nagoa Beach which is one of its most visited beaches. It has a shape like a crescent moon and palm trees sticking out from all sides similar to an umbrella. Tourists can participate in water games such as parasailing, skiing on jet skis and riding on banana boats. Several beach shacks offer tasty seafood items along with drinks here.
Timings: 7 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: NA
5. Gangeshwar Temple
Photo: Mrinalpal / Shutterstock
Gangeshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple on a seashore. The five naturally formed Shiva lingams in the ocean are the main attractions of the temple. Many devotees visit this temple during Mahashivratri festival. Surrounded by hills and green trees, it is a good place to meditate and relax.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Where To Stay
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Diu presents a diverse range of staying choices to comply with different financial plans. Whenever looking for ultimate luxury, think about residing at hotels like The Diu Hotel or Hotel Kohinoor. Places such as Hotel Apana Diu and Hotel Sanman allow relaxation while fully equipped. In case you’re on a low budget, hotels like Guruprerna or Devka Beach Resort will accommodate you inexpensively. It is advised to pre-book the rooms, especially during the peak season, to avoid any last-minute disappointment.
Where To Eat
Photo: Mustafa Fatemi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Image source
Photo credit: Mustafa Fatemi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are numerous dining options available for tourists who want to grab a bite after exploring the Fort. A range of cuisines can be sampled at local Diu eateries and restaurants including Goan as well as Gujarati, seafood and continental food. Some of the better-known ones are Café Harmonia with its offering of different foods in a relaxed environment and The Fisherman’s Wharf which serves freshly caught fish items.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
The best time to visit the Fort is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. One should visit the Fort during the early morning hours or late evening. On average, one spends about two hours here when they are walking around taking photographs of both the structures and the hills around them.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip:
A trip to the Fort in Diu can vary in cost depending on travel preferences.
- Transportation: Flights to Diu are available from large cities at a price of between ₹3,000-5,000. Travelling to the nearest train station may cost you around ₹500-1,500.
- Accommodation: These low-budget hotels charge anywhere from ₹1,000-3,000 per night whereas mid-range ones are charging around₹3,000-6,000 for a night stay.
- Food and Activities: There can be an approximate food expenditure of ₹500-1,000 in a day. The Fort does not charge an entry fee.
In a nutshell, an average person may spend somewhere around ₹10,000-20,000 for a three-day vacation depending on the choices made.
Tips For Travellers:
- Put on footwear that comforts you as there are undulating surfaces in the fort that require walking around. You will have fun if you are using comfortable shoes when exploring.
- Keep some bottles of water to stay hydrated, particularly in summer season days when it’s hot outside. It has few options for refreshments inside it.
- Carry a camera or your phone and take pictures of beautiful views and historical buildings. There are many good places in the fort where one can take photos, especially at sunset time.
Diu Fort, being a monument of time, denotes a lot concerning the history and culture of the island. Additionally, tourists get the chance to step back into the past all while appreciating the environmental beauty around them. On this account, anyone whether a lover of historical events, ecological diversities or just looking for silent places can find themselves imagining the fort as their memory location so plan your trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: arun uppadhyay / Shutterstock
