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Diu Attractions |
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Various tourist
attractions in Diu are the Diu Fort, Fortress of Panikota,
Nagoa Beach, St. Paul's Church, Jallandhar Shrine,
Gangeshwar Temple, Diu Museum, Ghoghla Beach and Gomtimata
Beach. |
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Diu Fort
Diu Fort is a very large and imposing structure,
situated on the coast of the island. This fort was
constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the treaty
signed between the Sultan of Gujarat and the
Portuguese. The fort is surrounded by the sea on the
three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort
offers a magnificent view of sea. On the fort stands a
giant structure which now houses a Light House and the
Diu jail. The beam from the lighthouse reaches to
about 32 kms. Several canons are still located on the
top of the fort and peep out of the holes on the walls
of this gigantic structure. |
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Fortress of Panikota
Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the
sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. This fortress
can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. This
fortress has a light house and small chapel dedicated to Our
Lady of the Sea. The fortress offers a very beautiful view
whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village
of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.
Gangeshwar Temple
Gangeshwar Temple is situated 3 kms away from the Diu town
in Fudam village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
There are five lingas which are located in the middle of the
rocks on the seashore, and are washed by the waves of the
sea. It is believed that these lingas were established here
by the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata during their
exile.
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St. Paul's Church
St. Paul's Church is dedicated to the Lady of
Immaculate Conception. This church was built during
the 17th century and the most elaborate of all
Portuguese churches in India. St. Paul's Church was
founded by Jesuits in 1600 and then rebuilt in 1807.
Inside it is a great barn, filled with heavy dark
wood, with a small cloister, next door. The main
entrance of the church is adorned with volutes and
shell-like motifs.
Jallandhar Shrine
Jallandhar Shrine is located on a hill close to the
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beach. This small shrine
crowned with a dome, contains a niche where a stone carved
face of the demon Jallandhar can be seen. Near to this
shrine, the temple of Goddess Chandrika is located.
Diu Museum
Earlier there was no building in Diu to house the antique
statues and various stone inscriptions, so the old St.
Thomas Church was converted into Diu museum. Diu Museum
houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and
other important artifacts collected from various sites.
St. Thomas Church
St. Thomas Church is a lovely simple building housing the
Diu Museum. There is a spooky, evocative collection of worn
Catholic statues. Once a year, on 1 November, this is used
for a packed out mass. There are also some remains of the
Jain temple. There is a guest house upstairs and you can
also climb the roof for amazing views.
Church of St. Francis
of Assisi
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been converted into
a hospital, but is also sometimes used for services. The
Portuguese descended population mostly live in this area,
still called the foreigner's quarter.
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Naida
Caves
The Naida Caves are situated outside the city wall.
These caves have an intriguing, overgrown network of
square hewn hollows and steps leading off into
nowhere. This is where the Portuguese hacked out their
building materials.
Shell Museum
The Shell Museum contains the shells collected by
Captain Devjibhai Fulbaria. Captain Devjibhai Fulbaria,
a merchant navy captain collected shells for almost 50
years. The amazing shells range from the silver
abalone to folding shells. |
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Vanakbara
Vanakbara is a fascinating little fishing village. It is
great to wander around the port, packed with colorful
fishing boats and bustling activity. It is best to watch
this place at 9 AM when the fishing fleet returns and sells
off its catch.
Ghoghla Beach
Ghoghla Beach is one of the most beautiful beach in Diu.
This beach also offers various water sports facilities like
parasailing etc. |
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Nagoa
Beach
Nagoa Beach is located in the Nagoa hamlet of the
Bucharwada village. This beach stretches about 2 km
from one end to the other. This long, palm-fringed
beach is very beautiful and quiet and is in the
horse-shoe shape. This beach is very safe for
swimming.
Gomtimata Beach
Gomtimata Beach is located on the western end of the
island. This is one of the best beaches of the region,
long and secluded and spread with natural white sand.
Other beaches |
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Some of the other beaches within the easy
reach of the Diu Town are Jallandhar, Chakratirth and the
stunning Sunset Point. These beaches are very popular among
the foreign tourists and a small, gentle curve is good for
swimming and hassle free. |
