DIU CITY GUIDE
The relaxed island of Diu, just south of the southern tip of the Saurashtra Peninsula, is a good place to take a break. Diu is a fairly popular place with travelers because of its nice laid-back beaches. Diu is an island 13km long and 3km wide, which also includes Ghoghla, a strip of land connected to the mainland. This area is popular with Gujaratis because Gujarat has prohibition laws and many of them come here to drink.
Diu, along with Goa and Daman, was a
Portuguese colony until 1961, when India took it over. The Portuguese
established their first fort here around 1539. There is still a Portuguese
influence in the town, shown by the churches, old buildings, and the impressive
fort. Diu and Daman are governed as a Union Territory by Delhi.
The old city is full of Portuguese buildings and villas, and this along with the winding streets makes it an interesting place to visit. The Portuguese Nagar Seth’s Haveli is one of the most impressive houses.
There are three old churches in the town of Diu. St Paul’s has excellent paintings and a high ceiling with arches. Mass is still held here. Within St Thomas’s is the Diu Museum, which has Catholic statues and religious paintings. St Francis of Assisi Church is now a hospital
Beaches
Nagoa Beach, 7km from town, is the longest and most beautiful beach in
Diu. It forms a half circle and is surrounded by palm trees. It is a good place
to relax.
Jallandhar Beach, conveniently located south of town, is small, as is Chakrakirth Beach, which is slightly further west. Sunset Point is where the locals like to go. Women alone should be careful while sunbathing.
Outside
Town
Fudam village, near Nagoa Beach, has a Portuguese atmosphere with its
old houses and an old church. The village of Vanakbara, on the west side
of the island, has Our Lady of Mercy Church and is an interesting place
to walk around.