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Cities Of India
>> States & Cities >>
Gujarat >> Diu
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A beautiful blend of Sun, sand and sea, is a Gods gift to those in quest of a blessed turf where the wary weight of the unintelligible world can, for a while, be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the spheres. It is an island retreat gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea. It offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. Diu a former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union Territory, is steeped in history. It was a seaport and naval base of considerable strategic importance from the 14th to 16th Centuries. It was also a vital trade linkwith the rest of India for traders overseas. Diu was under the sway of Chanda and Vaghela dynasties till the 14th Century. The Muslim rulers ruled over the island town till 1380 AD. Then came the mighty wave of invasion of the foreign rule that lasted well nigh upto 450 years.
Sightseeing
Diu offers various sightseeing options which includes Nagoa Beach - The beach is exceptionally beautiful and quiet. In the exceptionally beautiful horse-shoe (semi-circular) shaped beach, various water sports facilities are available. Jallandhar Shrine - It is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome. St. Pauls Church - The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. Diu Museum – which houses rarely found miniature and paintings. Diu Fort - It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. |
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Excursions
The famous Somnath temple near Veraval is about 100 km from Diu. The temple contains wonderful piece of architectural work. Those interested in wildlife can take a trip to the Gir forests, the only home of Asiatic Lions. The temple of Dwarka, Jain temple of Palitana and historic city of Junagadh are a short drive away.
NAGOA BEACH
It is located in the Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada. The beach is exceptionally beautiful and quiet. In the exceptionally beautiful horse-shoe (semi-circular) shaped beach, various water sports facilities are available. It is safe for swimming. Plenty of branching Palm Hoka trees whisper and sway in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings give you peace and pleasure beyond expression.
JALLANDHAR SHRINE
It is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome, contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of Jallandhar is seen. Near by there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of 1 km from Diu Town.
ST. PAUL\'S CHURCH
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, perhaps the most elaborates of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been illuminated by flood lights adding to the evening city glow.
DIU MUSEUM
The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have been collected from various sites and displayed.
DIU 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 after a defence alliance, concluded by the Bahadurshah, Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese when the former was attacked by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor.
Excursions for Diu
Ahmedpur Mandvi
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| Located at a distance of 70 kilometres from Sasangir, Ahmedpur Mandvi is one of the finest beaches in India. Apart from the beach, it also provides you with some of the splendid views of the fishing villages, forts and churches some of which are in the nearby Diu island. Moreover, you can also indulge in some long walks on the beach or go for swimming, para sailing, water skiing, surfing, and speedboat trips. |
Junagadh
Located at a distance of 64 kilometres from Sasangir, Junagadh is the district to which the famous Sasangir lion sanctuary belongs. Junagadh is regarded as an important heritage site and is a must include in your excursion itinerary. The Uperkot Fort, Jami Masjid, Mahabat Maqbara, Durbar Hall Museum, and temples of Girnar Hills are some of the places to visit in Junagadh. Easily accessible from the nearby towns and cities, Junagadh is a convenient base to reach the nearby Somnath, a popular place for Hindu pilgrims.
Palitana
Palitana - city of Jam temples, lies at the feet of Shatrunjaya hills, in the eastern part of the Saurashtra. From this town a flight of steps begins and leads to a cluster of 863 hill top am temples built over a period of 900 years. On a moonlit night these ivory coloured temples conjure up the vision of a fantasy land. The ornate temples have deities studded with gems and jewels. These can be reached after a 90 minute climb on foot. There is also a Muslim shrine on the hilltop
Somnath
Easily accessible from Sasangir and Junagadh town, is the holy Hindu destination of Somnath. Located at distance of about 46 kilometres from Sasangir, a good number of tourists as well as religious visitors come to this famous Hindu shrine and seat of one of the Jyotirlingas. Somnath used to be one of the richest shrines in the country which was the reason of several Muslims raids on this shrine during the 10th and 11th century AD.
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Fact File
• Area 289 sq. km
• Population 210303
• Altitude above Sea level
• Languages Hindi, English, and Gujarati
• Best Time to Visit October to March
• STD Code
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