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Area : 38.5
Sq.km.
Altitude : 29metres
Season : October to May
Diu a beautiful tiny island lies on the west coast of India with a
coastal length of 21 kms. The word ‘Diu’ is derived from the
Sanskrit word ‘Dweep’. Diu was one of the best seaports and a naval
base between the 14th and 16th century. The 11 kms long and 3 kms
wide island of Diu off the southern tip of Kathiawad peninsula has a
fascinating history and some superb beaches. It has a pleasant
relaxed atmosphere. The place is for many the highlight of Gujarat
with its relaxed pace of life Portuguese architecture huge fort and
quiet beaches.
Like Daman and Goa Diu was a Portuguese colony until it was taken
over by India in 1961.Along with Daman it is still governed from
Delhi as a Union Territory rather than as a part of Gujarat. The
former colony includes the island of Diu about 13 kms long by 3 kms
wide separated from the coast by a narrow channel. In 1987 its
administration was separated from Goa which then became state-Diu
remains a Union Territory. With its attractively ornamented
buildings with balconies and the town has more of a Portuguese
flavour than Daman. There are also two tiny mainland enclaves. One
of these where the village of Ghoghla stands is the entry point to
Diu from Una and some nice quiet sandy beaches just outside the town
near Sunset Point. The branching palms are also very much in
evidence.The islands main industry is fishing followed by booze and
salt. Kalpana Distillery at Malala produces rum from sugarcane.
The northern side of the island facing Gujarat is tidal marsh and
saltpans while the southern coast alternates between limestone
cliffs rocky coves and sandy beaches.The fishing village of Ghoghla
on the mainland was also part of Diu. The north side of the island
has been subject to marine deposition so there are saltpans and
marshes. The south coast has some fine limestone cliffs.
Places of attraction :-
Ahmadpur Mandvi:
One of the most beautiful beaches of India the Ahmadpur Mandvi beach
commands a magnificent view of the fort. A lovely children’s garden
shadowed by branching palms on the other side of the road is another
attraction.
Chakratirth Beach:
4 kms ride on bicycle or auto rickshaws away from Diu city one can
visit Chakratirth Temple. There are newly constructed tourist
cottages which provide all modern amenities at a very nominal rates.
Diu Fort:
It is an impressive and imposing structure situated on the coast of
the island. It was built by the Portuguese Governor Nuno-Da-Chuna in
1535.As it is surrounded by the sea on three sides it commands a
magnificent view of the sea. The fourth side has a canal around it.
Fudam Church:
The ruins of the Fudam Church still remind one of its old glory
Fortum Dumar “Panikotha” as is called by the locals is a mini fort
in the sea. Panikotha is a ship-like concrete structure constructed
on a rock surrounded by sea on all sides.
Gangeshwar:
About 5 kms from Diu city Live Shiva Lingas known as Gangeshwar can
be seen in the midst of rocks on the sea shore. At the entrance
there is 25 meter long carved figure of Nagaraja on the rock.
Jalandhar Beach:
This beach is a synonym aquarium in front of the circuit house is
another fabulous attraction.
St. Paul Church:
Built in 1961 is a pearl oyster shaped St.Paul’s Church dedicated to
our Lady of Immaculate Conception with a fine baroque façade and
impressive wood paneling. The main façade of the church has an
impressive Gothic architectural style.
Zampa Gateway:
The town is sandwiched between the massive fort to the east and a
huge city wall to the west. This main gateway in the wall has
carvings of lion’s angels and a priest while just inside the gate is
a miniature chapel with an icon dating from 1702.
Zampa Waterfall:
Just to the south outside the wall is the Zampa waterfall a strange
artificial creation that is lit up at night.
Diu Museum:
St. Thomas Church houses the Diu Museum which contains an
interesting collection of Catholic statues. There are also some
stone remnants of a Jain temple which is thought to have once
occupied the site.
Marwar Memorial:
In a small park on the esplanade between the square and the police
station this memorial topped by a griffin commemorates the
liberation of the island from the Portuguese.
Portuguese Fort:
Completed in 1541 the massive Portuguese fort with its double moat
must have once been virtually impregnable but sea erosion and
neglect are leading to a slow but inevitable collapse. Piles of
cannon balls litter the place and the ramparts have a superb array
of cannons; many are still in a good condition. A small chapel holds
engraved tombstone fragments. The fort part of which also serves as
the island’s jail is open from 7 am to 6 pm daily. |
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