Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Trip to Goa? Done. Beaches of Andaman? Done. Lakshadweep? Done. Pondering about a beach destination in India to head to after covering most of the famous beaches? Well, wait! India is country which never disappoints its visitors. Close to the southern coast of Gujarat is the small union territory Diu.
Diu is very different from the other beach destinations of the country and is one amongst the lesser-known gems of the country. The place offers a rejuvenating experience with its laid-back attitude and hippie soul.
Diu is often called Isle of Calm and has a strong Portuguese influence in its sands like Goa. The tiny territory is connected by a bridge to Gujarat and offers a very different feel. So what are you waiting for? Get your bags packing and head off to one of the most beautiful union territories in the country. Have a look at some of the things you can do here, before heading to the beautiful land.
1. Revisit Portuguese History
PC: Piyush Tripathi
Going by history, Diu was a Portuguese colony for almost 240 odd years. One would come across, a very significant residue of the Portuguese in the form of the well-known fort of Diu. Locals claim that the fort offers one of the best horizontal views of the vast Arabian Sea.
One can climb up to the creek surrounding the fort and capture mesmerising views of the sea. Alight down and head towards the 16th century sentinel to have a look at the brilliant creations on stone and cannons which are well-preserved.
2. Inhale Some Sea Breeze At The Beaches
PC: Rajarshi MITRA
Diu has always been haven for those who love beaches. Begin with the horseshoe-shaped Nagoa Beach to the Chakratirth Beach and Ghoghla Beach; this place offers a variety of beach activities which Goa offers on very rare occasions. One can go for a swim in the shallow waters of the Nagoa Beach and enjoy surfing and parasailing at the Ghoghla Beach.
3. Explore The Nadia Caves
PC: Dr.kpsingh111
Nadia Caves is a one-stop destination to unbox the hidden treasure of Diu. Located on the outskirts of the city, the caves are indeed a delight for explorers. Make sure that you visit the cave during daylight; this is when you can see the light of sunrays entering the caves between the rocks to create a magical experience which cannot be captured by any camera, but must be experienced under the naked eye.
4. Take A Boat Ride To Panikota
PC: Krishna Vir Singh
With the Arabian Sea in front of you, do not hesitate to go for boat ride. One such boat ride takes you to the Fortress of Panikota which is also known as water fort. Constructed at the entrance of the creek, it simply is splendid to look at; it has a lighthouse and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The ruined walls of the structure stand tall to narrate the stories of its lost glory.
5. Relish Portuguese Delicacies
PC: Gilrovina
As the place has the influence of Portuguese running in its veins, it is not surprising to find Portuguese flavours in the seafood here. Fish remains a staple food here due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea. The place offers some delicious platters of fish. Diu is also exempted from the alcohol ban of Gujarat which comes and a very affordable price too.
6. Cycle Around The City
PC: BarbaraBonanno
Often considered as an alternative to Goa, Diu has a certain charm of its own. The streets are free of loud crowds and beaches are forbidden from rave parties. But the place has a free-spirited nature and lets one escape from the chaos which sometimes makes Goa unavoidable.
One of the best ways to navigate through this beautiful place is by hiring a bicycle. One can embark their quest from Bunder Road and go around the place watching the sun setting at a distance, which also makes it a must-do activity when in Diu.
