Diu

Diu (Gujarati: દીવ) is an island home to 44,000 people (2011), south of Gujarat, connected to the mainland by bridges and a ferry. It is part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. A Portuguese colony from 1539 to 1961, Diu has a distinctly relaxed atmosphere — quite different from most of India. It has fine beaches, a charming old town with Portuguese architecture, and a very laid-back vibe.

The island experiences a tropical climate. The best time to visit is October to May, when skies are clear and waters are calm for water sports. Summers can be hot, and the monsoon (June–September) brings rain and rough seas.

By Plane

Diu Airport (DIU IATA) on Airport Rd. Alliance Air flies from Mumbai four times a week. IndiGo operates daily flights from Ahmedabad and Surat. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from the airport.

By Train

Diu lacks a railway station. The nearest junction is Veraval (90 km), with direct train connections to Ahmedabad. The closest station is Una (12 km from Diu).

By Car / Road

Diu's road system is underdeveloped with frequent traffic jams during rush hours. State-run and private buses serve Diu from Ahmedabad (approx. 10 hours, including sleeper buses). A bus from Mumbai takes over 20 hours. Bus stations at Diu, Ghoghla, and Vanakbara.

Autorickshaws are the main local transport. Renting a bike or scooter is the best way to explore the island independently.

• Diu Fort — Built by the Portuguese in 1535. 7AM–6PM. Free. Every bastion named after a saint. Houses an old church, a chapel, and a lighthouse. Fantastic sea views from the cliffs.

• St. Paul's Church — Built 1610 in Gothic architecture with a three-storey facade. Illuminated at night. Sunday services held.

• Diu Museum (St Thomas Church) — Daily 8AM–10PM. Built in 1598, converted to a museum in 1992. Contains ancient statues, wood carvings, Hindu and Jain idols, and stone inscriptions.

• Naida Caves — Natural caves with rock-cut steps and beautiful lighting through tunnels.

• Sea Shell Museum — Near the airport. Houses shells from around the world. ₹10.

• INS Khukri Memorial — Memorial park for the crew of the warship sunk in 1971.

• Gangeshwar Temple — Seafront temple with five Shivalingas washed by tidal waves.

• Fudam Bird Sanctuary — 8AM–6PM. Mangrove creek with watchtowers for birdwatching.

• Gomtimata Beach (Vanakbara Beach) — Virgin beach on the western edge, 13 km from Diu.

• Ghoghla Beach — The best and largest beach, golden sand, safe swimming zone, water sports.

• Chakratirth Beach (Sunset Point) — Small beach near Diu town, good for sunset views.

• Zampa Gateway — The main entrance to Diu, painted red.

• Makata Lane — Near Zampa Gateway, mansions of wealthy Portuguese and Indian merchants with Indo-European architecture.

• Pani Kotha (Diu Jail) — Historic jail from Portuguese times, lit up at night.

• Water sports at Nagoa Beach and Ghoghla Beach — 9:30AM–1PM and 4PM–6:30PM. Parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, banana boating, speed boating, scuba diving, and more.

• Evening Cruises — From Bandar Chowk jetty with loud music.

• Night stroll — The night market near the post office is popular. Bars open till 9:30PM.

• Drive/ride/cycle around the island — A loop covering the fort, St. Paul's Church, Diu Museum, Gangeshwar Temple, Fudam, and Nagoa Beach.

• Relax on the beaches — Especially Nagoa Beach (the most commercial, with restaurants and Hokka trees) and Jalandhar Beach (quiet and isolated).

Fresh seafood, Gujarati food, and standard North and South Indian food are all available. Most restaurants serve non-vegetarian fare, but pure vegetarian options exist near the tourism office. Nagoa Beach has numerous seafood restaurants lining the shore.

Alcohol is legal in Diu, unlike in neighbouring Gujarat, making it a major draw. Indian and foreign beer and spirits are widely available. Deepee Bar (Fort Rd, +91 2875 252 273, W 9AM–2PM, Th–Tu 9AM–10PM). Stick to bottled water.

• Budget: The Hoka Island Villa (Nagoa Beach, +91 9824294048) — Chic boutique budget hotel. US$30–50.
• Mid-range: Magico Do Mar (Ghoghla Beach, +91 9824230908) — Resort on a beach with lots of greenery. US$50–70.
• Numerous cheap guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Diu town, plus resorts near Nagoa Beach.

• Fish Market (Fish Market Rd, 7AM–2PM) — Fresh catch daily.
• New Vegetable and Fish Market (Near Bus Stand Garden at Diu-Una Rd, 8AM–2PM).
• Vanakbara Fish Market (Bunder Rd, Vanakbara).

• Veraval — 90 km, popular for the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple.
• Gir Forest National Park — The only place on earth with Asiatic lions.
• Tulsishyam — Drive through forest to hot water springs.
• Daman — Former Portuguese enclave with forts and beaches.
• Silvassa — Capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with tribal culture and gardens.