Diu is a town in Diu district of Daman and Diu, India. This is having its own place in the history. According to Hindu Mythology, Diu was once ruled by King Jallandhar. He was killed by Lord Vishnu with his Sudharshan Chakra. After killing him, Lord Vishnu left his chakra on the Island known Chakra Tirtha. There is another mythology to this place i.e. during 14 years of exile of Pandavas they have visited this place. Name of this place during that period is Mani Nagar. At that time it was under the control of Yadava Dynasty.
Several rulers ruled this place but Portuguese Influence is more. They have ruled for more than 400 years. Hoka trees are major attractions to the tourists. These are bought by Portuguese from Africa. Three beaches are another major attraction to the tourists. Several cultures such as Christianity, Islam, Hindu, and Portuguese Saurashtra can be seen here.
What to see in Diu:
Diu Fort: Diu is the major attraction to the tourists. This was built by Nuno De Cunta, Governor of Portuguese. On 3 sides of the fort sea was surrounded. Stone gallery is the major attraction of the fort. Canons and Light house can be seen here.
St.Thomas Church Museum: Earlier this was church built in 1598. In this museum idol, wooden carvings, stone inscriptions, antique statues are major attractions.
Nagoa Beach: Water sports are most famous here. Shape of this beach is horse shape.
INS Khukri Memorial: During 1971 war PNS Hangor hit INS Khukri. In the memory of sailors and officers of INS Khukri this was built in 1999.
St.Paul’s Church: It look like Goa Bom Jesu Basilica. Between 1601 to 1610 this church was built.
Ghogala Beach: Surfing, Parasailing, Water sports are the major activities in this place. In Diu this is the largest Beach.
What to see around in Diu:
Somnath Temple: Lord Somanth is worshipped here. It is one of the 12 Jyothirligas. This is 47 Kms from Diu Museum.
Junagadh: This place is now part of Mumbai but earlier it was the part in Saurashtra state. Meaning of Junagadh is Old Fort. In Gujarat it is the 7th largest city. It is located 150 Kms away from Diu Museum.
Gir National Park: Other name of this park is Sasan Gir National Park. Refugee of Asiatic Lions is placed in this park. Area covered by this park is 1412 Sq Kms. It is located 68 Kms away from Diu Museum.
Getting to Diu: This place is well connected with Road ways. Buses from all the major cities such as Gujarat, Talaja, and Veraval Bhavnagar regularly come to this place. Major railhead is at Veraval. Nearest Airport is located at Nagoa.
Getting around Diu: Auto’s, Taxi’s are available to go the place surrounding Diu. Some people prefer to go on foot.
Best time to visit Diu: Tourists prefer to visit this place between November to February.
Where to stay in Diu: At Ghoghla tourism department is maintaining few hotels and resorts at reasonable costs. For the budget people several hotels are available. Luxurious hotels are also available here. Beach resorts are most famous here.
Where to eat in Diu: All type of cuisines such as Chinese, Portuguese, Punjabi, South Indian, Gujarati Cuisines are available to eat. Plenty of restaurants are available here. Best restaurants in Diu are Shri Ram Vijay, O’Coquerio Music Garden restaurant, Apana Foodland, Night Heron Restaurant.