Sunday 10 July 2016

Diu

A beautiful blend of sun, sand and sea, Diu is a God’s gift to those in quest of a blessed land where the weary weight of this unintelligible world can, for a while, be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the nature. This tiny island of breeze, beauty and serenity situated off the southern tip of the Saurashtra (Kathiawad) peninsula of Gujarat, lapped by the Arabian Sea, is a picture of calmness with superb beaches and a fascinating history.



History

The documented history of the District of Diu begins with the Maurya rule (c. 322-220 B.C.). Emperor Chandragupta Maurya had extended his supremacy over Saurashtra and had appointed Pushagupta as Governor of the province of Saurashtra with the Head-quarters in village Girnar near Junagadh. Yavanraj Tushappa ruled over Saurashtra as Governer of Emperor Ashoka (c.273-237 B.C.). Emperor Ashoka had sent Yavana Thero named Dhammarakhito as evangelist to the western sea board including Diu. His grandson Samprati (c. 229-220 B.C.) seems to have ruled over Saurashtra from Ujjain. He propagated Jainism and erected many Jain Temples. The Jain traditions from Diu seems to belong to this period.

The District seems to be under the rule of Indo-Greek kings Eukratides (c. 171-150 B.C.), Meanandar (C. 115-90 B.C.) and Appollodotes II of the 1st Century B.C. to about A.D. 50. During 1st Century, the district seems to have been ruled by Kshaharatas who had established their rule over western part of India including Saurashtra. For more than the next thousand years, Diu formed part of the kingdoms of dynasties that ruled over the westrn India including Gujarat. The last king of the Vaja dynasty ruler of Somnath Patan ruled over Diu in the first decade of the fifteenth century. Thereafter, Diu came under the control of the Muslims Sultans of Gujarat who seen to have ruled Diu for the next one and a half centuries.

Early in 1535, the Portuguese Governor De Cunha had led his expedition for the capture of the town in Diu, but was defeated by the Sultan. However, around that period, the Gujarat Sultan Bahadur Shah's kingdom was overwhelmed by Mughal invasion. Pressed by Mughal king Humayun on one side and the Portuguese at the gates of Diu, Bahadur Shah entered into a treaty with Nuno da Cunha on October 25, 1535 who agreed to assist Bahadur Shah against his enemy by land and sea. In turn he received permission to construct a fortress at Diu and a site was granted for this purpose in the harbour. After the Mughal danger was receded, te Shah of Gujarat realised his mistake in allowing the Portuguese to construct the fort. Finally Diu was conquered by the Portuguese in 1546 who ruled there till 1961.

The Union Territory was liberated along with Goa on 19th December, 1961 after five centuries Portuguese Colonial Rule. On 30th May, 1987, Daman and Diu were de-lined from Goa which attained statehood there by forming these land blocks into a separate Union Territory under the Govt. of India.

Water Sports

Diu Island there are two beaches more familier for the tourist namely Nagoa and Ghoghla beach.


The following activites of water sports have been carried out for the visiting tourist.

1. Para Sailing 
2. Wind Surfing 
3. Water Scooter 
4. Speed Boat

In addition, Port Department & Tourism Department running Ferry Boat ride during day and alos in evening Cruise Boat "Sham-E-Diu" at Diu Bunder Jetty. The Evening Cruise ride starts from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with music, masti and light refreshments.

Religion Places (Gangeswar Temple)


This is situated 3 km away from Diu in Fudam village. Five shivlings, are located in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, washed by the tidal waves of the sea. It is believed that the 5 Pandavas during their exile worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. 

The gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the "Shiva Lingas" in stone have a mystic aura around them in the cave temple of Gangeshwar where the Lord makes his presence felt. 


Beaches

Nagoa Beach

It is located near the Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada. The Beach is exceptionally beautiful and quiet. In this horse - shoe shaped beach, various water sports facilities are available. It is completely safe for swimming. Plenty of Hoka trees whisper and sway in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings give the visitor peace and pleasure beyond expression.

A perfect semi circle beach where the gentle lapping waves beckon you to wade into them for a fun filled time of swimming, gamboling or just lolling around the soft sand shores or to find you napping under the palm trees filled with the smoothing breeze.


Ghoghla Beach


The Ghoghla Beach is a sandy beach. A tourist complex nearby provides all basic amenities to tourists. It is the largest and gentlest bech of Diu.

The Golden sand beach undulates into the horizon while the Arabian Sea laps away at the edge as though imploring the sands to let it find its own peach. You can do swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, surfing etc.

Jallandhar Beach


Jallandhar Srine is located on hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome houses a stone carved face of Jallandhar a mytholocial demon who was killed by Lord Krishna. Near by there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of 1 ks from Diu Town.



Chakratirth Beach


Chakratirth an inteesting legend is connected with this place. It is believed that Lord Krishna had killed Jallandhar with his disc or Sudarshan Chakra. In the sea opposite the beach is small hillock known as Bhanslo where the footprints of Lord Krishna are carved in stone. This palce can only be approached when there is low tied.


Chakratirth Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the Diu Town. This beach serves the locals as well as domestic and international tourists, providing them with an opportunity to have a worthwhile break. Close to the beach there is a hillock which is called the sunset point. Also there is a memorial of INS Khukri erected on the hillock of those sailors who have sacrificed their life serving the nation. The hillock and the surrounding areas have been beautifully landscaped and illuminated.

Gomtimata Beach



Gomtimata Beach is associated with the temple located at the beach. It is right at the extreme west side of Diu in village Vanakbara.



The beach secluded and spread with natural white sand. It is one of the best beach in the District. The foreigner toruist would like to visit.



Simbor Beach


Simbor is a village situated 28 km away from Diu. It has Portuguesese Fort "Fortim do Simbor".


Fort


Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort of Diu occupies a prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD.


The fort is skirted by the Sea on the three sides. On the fort stands a giant Light House. Several canons still stare menacingly from top. The main front wall is having five huge windows with stone galleries. The Fort has been creatively lit, which creates a breath taking views at night.


Rugged yet gentle, fierce yet loving. The majestic structure stands on the coast of DIU as a sentinel. Once inside, you are overwhelmed by the gaunt majesty of the ancient stone work which transports you to a bygone era of gallant soldiers where time stands still.


Panikotha (Fortim do Mar)


The Fortress of Panikotha is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it also has a light house and a small chaple dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. Located in the middle of the sea, the fortress creates a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the Village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper. Special light effects at night give it a mesmerizing beauty. To reach Panikotha, tourists boats are available.


Legend has it that this ship shape structure was one connected with land by an under sea tunnel. You can see this monument in famous bollywood movie "QAYAMAT".


Churches

St. Paul Church, Diu


St. Paul’s church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. The main facade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India. The façade has been illuminated by flood lights.

The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell - like motifs and the magnificent wood carving is considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portugese churches in India. St. Paul Church, built in 1691 is consecrated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. In architectural style it resembles Bom Jesus Church at Goa. The dominant features are, no doubt, Gothic. The wood - panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftmanship.

St. Fransis of Assisi Church, Diu



It was the friary of the Franciscans. It was built in 1593. The Church is still in use and the cloister has been converted into a hospital.

O. L. Remedios Church, Fudam



The O. L. Remedios Church is at Fudam Village.


Museums

St. Thomas Church (Museum)

The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols. In evening, multicolored fountains and special lighting of the imposing building fascinate everyone. A huge edifice in gothic architecture was built in 1598. A part of it has been converted into a museum - an archaeological treasure house. The artifact displayed are of wood 400 ears old (16th Century).


 

Sea Shell Museum

  

The first museum in Asia which has maximum sea shells and first museum in World where sea shells are displayed in magnifyng glass of various sizes.

The total collection of sea shell is about 2500 to 3000 museum.

It is near Airport, Nagoa Beach Road, Diu.


Hotel Information

In the Diu District, there are number of hotels ranging from "Three Star" Category to "D" Category. One can find the rooms as per their choices like VIP Suits, AC Deluxe, AC, Non AC, Dormitory etc. The tarrif ranges from Rs. 200/- to Rs. 5000/- per day. People can also find very good Restaurants, Bars, Canteens etc. Below find the list of hotels with phone numbers and category.

Click Here to Download the Tarrif List with details of Hotels

Click Here to Download the List of Hotels with Phone Numbers

Sr.Name of the HotelPhone No.CategoryWebsite Address
No.(Code:
02875)
  
1.  Azzaro Resort & Spa, Diu255421 www.azzarodiu.com
255422
255423
255424 
 
2.  Radhika Beach Resort, Nagoa252555Three Starwww.radhikaresort.com
252554
252555
3.  Hotel Kohinoor, Diu252209Three Starwww.hotelkohinoordiu.com
253575
253576
253577
 
4.  Sugati Beach Resort, Ghoghla252212Awww.sugatibeachresort.com
253212
5.  Rasal Beach Resort, Nagoa252498Awww.rasalbeachresort-diu.com
275344
6.  Hotel Apaar, Diu255321Awww.hotelapaardiu.com
7.  Hotel Khushi, Diu252379Bwww.hotelkhushi.com
254199
 
8.  Hotel Cidade De Diu, Diu254695Bwww.cidadedediu.in
9.  Hotel Apana, Diu252112Bwww.apanahoteldiu.com
253650
10.  Hotel Samrat, Diu252354Bwww.hotelsamratdiu.com
11.  Hotel Sea View, Ghoghla252371Bwww.seaviewdiu.com
12.  Hotel Ankur, Diu252388B 
13.  Hotel Prince, Diu252265Bwww.hotelprincediu.com
14.  Hotel Triveni, Diu253045Bwww.hoteltriveni.com
15.  Hotel Uma Shakti, Diu252150B 
16.  Hotel Maheshwari, Betawadi272072B 
17.  Hotel Hemal Graden, Diu252227B 
18.  Hotel Jagat, Diu252469B 
19.  Hotel Galaxy, Diu253888B 
253834
20.  Richie Rich Resort, Nagoa255355Bwww.richirichresort.com
275350
275377
21.  The Resort Hokka, Nagoa253036Bwww.resorthoka.com
22.  Hotel Vishwas, Bucharwada277392B 
23.  Hotel Sanman Palace, Diu253031Bwww.laabhhotel.com
24.  Hotel Palms, Nagoa253974Bwww.hotelpalms.co.in
25.  Prabhat Beach Resort, Nagoa255133Bwww.prabhatbeachresort.in
26.  Paramount Beach Resort, Nagoa275335Bwww.hotelparamount.in
27.  Hotel Relax Inn, Diu255300Bwww.relaxinndiu.com
28.  Hotel Alishan, Diu252340C 
29.  Hotel Premalaya, Ghoghla252270C 
30.  Nilesh Guest House, Diu252319C 
31.  Hotel Aavkar, Diu253001C 
32.  Gangasagar Guest House, Nagoa252249C 
33.  Hotel Jay Shankar, Diu252424C 
34.  Hotel Sukoon, Diu252471C 
35.  Hotel Laabh, Diu254955C 
36.  Harekrishna Guest House, Diu252012D 
37.  Hotel Mozambique, Diu252223D 
38.  Hotel Ashiyana, Diu252260D 
39.  Hotel Gangeswar, Diu252358D 
40.  Hotel Kinara, Diu252835D 
41.  Hotel Super Silver, Diu252020D 
42.  Poonam Guest House, Diu253272D 
43.  Somnath Paying Guest House, Diu255005D 
44.  Star Paying Guest House, Diu252192D 
45.  Shyam Paying Guest House, Diu252010D 
46Jay Jalaram Paying Guest House, Diu252335D 
47Plaza Paying Guest House, Diu320117D 
48Shree Vinayak Paying Guest House, Diu252981D 
49Hotel Royal, Diu253786D 
50Rajhans Paying Guest House, Diu255438D 
51Heritage Villa Paying Guest House, Diu D 
52Sahara Paying Guest Accomodation, Diu253111D 
 
Besides the above hotels there is also Government Circuit Houses for accomodation.
Sr.Name of the Government Circuit HousePhone No.CategoryWebsite Address
No.(Code:02875)
  
1.  Circuit House I252312--- 
Near Jallandhar Beach, Diu
2.  Circuit House II252476--- 
Near Fort, Diu
3.  Circuit Hosue Annexe255212--- 
Jallandhar Beach, Diu
4.  Circuit House Annexure252345--- 
Nagoa Beach, Nagoa

How to Reach
Air:     
Jet Airways operates daily flights from Mumbai to Diu (except Saturday)
 Bombay to DiuDiu to Bombay via Porbandar
 ArrivalDeparture
Jet Airways02:15 p.m.02:45 p.m.

Rail:     
Nearest railway station is Veraval about 90 kms. It is provide an onward connection to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and other cities.
Train from Verval to Ahmedabad, Bombay and other cities
Train NameDeparture TimeDays of RunDestinationArrival Time
Veraval - Bombay Central Passenger Express13:30DailyAhmedabad22:25
   Bombay Central07:40 (Day2)
Somnath Express19:40DailyAhmedabad04:00 (Day2)
Somnath - Jabalpur Express9:53DailyAhmedabad18:25
   Jabalpur18:30 (Day2)
Veraval - Pune Express6:25SaturdayAhmedabad15:15
   Kalyan (Bombay)01:45 (Day2)
   Pune04:45 (Day2)
Veraval - Trivandrum Express3:00ThursdayAhmedabad11:05
   Panvel (Bombay)22:00
   Trivandrum03:10 (Day3)
 
 
Train from Ahmedabad, Bombay and other cities to Veraval
Train NameDeparture TimeDays of RunDestinationArrival Time
Saurashtra Mail (from Bombay)20:25DailyAhmedabad04:55 (Day2)
   Veraval15:35 (Day2)
Veraval Express (from Trivandrum)15:15MondayPanvel (Bombay)21:20 (Day2)
   Ahmedabad06:45 (Day3)
   Veraval16:25 (Day3)
Pune - Veraval Express (from Pune)19:50ThursdayKalyan (Bombay)22:20
   Ahmedabad07:45 (Day2)
   Veraval16:25 (Day2)
Jabalpur - Somnath Express10:00DailyAhmedabad08:00 (Day2)
   Veraval17:30 (Day2)
Somnath Express22:00DailyVeraval06:20 (Day2)

Road:     
Gujarat State Transport Buses and Private Luxury Coaches are available in plenty from Mumbai, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Veraval etc.
Gujarat State Transport Bus Timings:
Sr. No.TimeCityRoute
104.00 A.M.Diu to VeravalKodinar
204.00 A.M.Diu to RajkotKodinar, Veraval, Junagadh (Semi)
304.45 A.M.Diu to RajkotKodinar, Veraval, Junagadh, Gondal
404.45 A.M.Diu to VankanerKodinar, Veraval, Junagadh, Gondal
505.00 A.M.Diu to BhavnagarRajula, Mahuva, Talaja
605.30 A.M.Diu to RajkotTulshishyam, Dhari, Bagasara, Gondal
705.30 A.M.Diu to JamnagarKodinar, Veraval, Junagadh, Dhoraji
805.30 A.M.Diu to BhavnagarRajula, Mahuva, Talaja
906.00 A.M.Diu to RajkotTulshishyam, Dhari, Bagasara, Gondal
1006.00 A.M.Diu to PorbandarSutrapada, Somnath, Veraval, Chorwad
1107.00 A.M.Diu to AhmedabadRajula, Mahuva, Talaja, Bhavnagar, Dhandhuka
1207.30 A.M.Vanakbara to PorbandarSutrapada, Somnath, Veraval, Chorwad
1307.30 A.M.Diu to BarodaRajula, Mahuva, Talaja, Bhavnagar, Dholera
1409.30 A.M.Diu to BhavnagarRajula, Mahuva, Talaja
1512.45 P.M.Diu to RajkotTulshishyam, Dhari, Bagasara, Gondal
1601.00 P.M.Diu to PorbandarSutrapada, Somnath, Veraval, Chorwad
1702.15 P.M.Diu to RajkotKodinar, Veraval, Junagadh, Virpur, Gondal
1802.30 P.M.Diu to SuratJafrabad, Mahuva, Bhavnagar, Baroda
1903.45 P.M.Diu to RajkotTulshishyam, Dhari, Bagasara, Gondal (Semi)
2004.00 P.M.Diu to DamanRajula, Mahuva, Bhavnagar, Baroda, Surat
2105.45 P.M.Diu to BarodaJafarabad, Mahuva, Talaja, Bhavnagar (Semi)
2208.30 P.M.Diu to DamanJafarabad, Mahuva, Bhavnagar, Baroda, Surat
 
Private Bus Timings:
Sr. No.TimeCityRoute
105.00 A.M.Diu to RajkotTulshishyam, Dhari, Bagasara, Gondal
206.30 A.M.Vanakbara to OkhaVeraval, Chorwad, Porbandar, Dwarka
307.30 A.M.Vanakbara to OkhaVeraval, Chorwad, Porbandar, Dwarka
408.00 A.M.Vanakbara to OkhaVeraval, Chorwad, Porbandar, Dwarka
510.00 A.M.Diu to MumbaiMahuva, Talaja, Vapi (four different travel buses)
607.00 P.M.Diu to AhmedabadRajula, Mahuva, Talaja, Bhavnagar, Dhandhuka (four different travel buses)

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