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Diu / Ahmedpur Mandvi
Brief
A small island at the southern tip of Gujarat, Diu is a beautiful blend of sun, sand and sea. Though beaches are small, Diu offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. An island retreat, gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea, most visitors stay longer than intended, idling in cafes, cycling around the island or strolling along the cliffs and enjoying alcoholic drinks. Easy to explore, Diu town is a maze of alleys lined with distinctive Portuguese buildings and a fort that looks out to the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea.
History
Diu is steeped in history. A seaport and naval base of considerable strategic importance, Diu was under the sway of the Chanda and Vaghela dynasties. Soon after, it fell into the hands of the Muslim rulers, till the mighty wave of invasion of the Portuguese, who took control of Diu, by unscrupulous means. Though Mughal and Arab attacks were courageously resisted, the Indian Government, finally forced out the Portuguese in 1961 and Diu is now part of the Union Territory.
Culture
Diu sports a colourful culture. As in Daman, there is a magnificent mix of Gujaratis and Portuguese here, which reflects on lifestyle and culture. The friendly fun-loving people of Diu, keep alive their priceless heritage of folk arts by singing and dancing. While the colourful Garba festival with its mesmerising music and graceful steps cast an enchanting spell, the typical Portuguese regional folk dances depicts happiness, the life style of the people and its traditions. These traditional dances, have the elderly participating in them, and the young carrying on the traditions of the old.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
The climate is warm and salubrious in summer and cool and sunny in winter. 75 km from Somnath, Diu is a small island at the southern tip of Gujarat overlooking the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea.
How to Reach
Air, rail and road connect Diu. By air, Diu is connected by air to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. By rail, Delwada, between Una and Ghoghla and only about 8 km from Diu, is the nearest railhead though Veraval (80 km) is the convenient railhead with onwards connections to Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It is connected to Diu town by hourly buses. By road, Una is the access point for Diu, and there are direct buses to neighbouring towns like Bhavnagar, Palitana, Veraval and Talaja. Luxury buses ply between Diu and Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Mumbai.
Tourist Places
Diu Fort.
It is considered to be one of the most important Portuguese forts in Asia. Occupying a prominent position, it is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. It was built, after the Mughal Emperor Humayun attacked the Sultan of Gujarat with the help of the Portuguese. This cosy little town is protected by the fort in the east and a wall in the west.
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.
Nagoa Beach.
The longest and most attractive is the Nagoa Beach. An exceptionally beautiful and quiet beach, naturally, sunbathing is tempting on these sun-kissed sands. Having various facilities for water sports, it is also safe for swimming. Plenty of Palm Hoka trees whisper and sway here in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings, give s you peace and pleasure beyond expression. Buses from Diu to Nagoa ply infrequently, hence one has to keep an eye on the bus timing, otherwise, missing the last bus leaves you with little choice, but to walk
St. Pauls Church.
Although the Christian population is dwindling, along with the old language, a few churches, built by the former European inhabitants are still used. Dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. Portuguese mass is still celebrated here.
Fortress of Panikota.
The Fortress of Panikota, is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. It can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it also has a lighthouse and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. Located in the middle of the sea, the fortress makes for a beautiful view, whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.
Chakratirath Beach.
Chakratirath Beach is centrally located and continued to the town of Diu. This beach is a popular haunt for locals and domestic and international tourists as well. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape, have been beautifully illuminated by artificial lighting. An open air auditorium on the sea side of the hillock stands nearby.
Others
FUDAM - The village of Fudam, has a huge abandoned church, Our Lady of Remedies. A large, old carved wooden altar with Madonna and child remains inside. It also houses the Gangeshwar Temple in Fudam village.
JALLANDHAR SHRINE - Jallandhar Shrine, 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. Nearby there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika.
MARWAR MEMORIAL - It commemorates the liberation of the isalnd from the Portugese.
NAGAR SETHS HAVELI - One of the grandest of the towns distinctive Portuguese mansions, is on Makata Road, hidden in the web of narrow streets that wind through the residential Old Portuguese District.
VANKBARA - At the extreme west of the island, Vanakbara has a church, fort, lighthouse, and a small bazaar. A ferry crosses from here to Kotla village on the mainland and one can get a bus from here to Kodinar.
ZAMPA GATEWAY - On the wall, it has carvings of lions, angels and a priest. As you move into the gate, you will see a tiny chapel, with an icon dating back to 1702. Just to the south is the Zampa Waterfall, an eccentric artificial creation, that is lit up at night.