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FACTS AND FIGURES Best Time to Visit : October to April INTRODUCTION Diu, the previous Portuguese colony, is an island, which offers six pristine beaches renowned for their scenic beauty and seclusion. Due to their isolated position these beaches are offering complete rescue to the holiday seekers. Along with these unpolluted beaches Diu also possess much more to the history enthusiasts. The remnants of some Portuguese Cathedrals, forts and other monuments still symbolize the glory of the then Portuguese colonials who ruled over 400 years. After 1961, the island is one of the Union Territories of India under the direct rule of New Delhi. Since Diu got its identity in all branches of development, tourism has also begun to be considered as one of the viable economic activities. The proximity of six beaches has already made Diu as a mascot of tourists. |
The island of Diu is located off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. Gujarat is one of the Western states of India. Diu is abounded by Gujarat, separated by a narrow canal. Diu is 13 km long and 3 km wide.
SEASON
Diu island enjoys a pleasant year round climate. The average temperature is 30- 34 in summer. Proximity of the sea makes the Island humid but the sea wind makes it comfortable.
DEPTH & LENGTH
The island of Diu is about 13 km long and 3 km wide. The beaches are not so deep hence swimming is advisable. The Gomtimata beach is having rather heavy waves.
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HISTORY OF POPULARITY The political unrest of Diu remained until the late eighties. Since then the influx of tourists in seeking a total getaway into the small beaches of Diu have made it a popular destination. Now all the six beaches of Diu are filled with innumerable foreign visitors in the season. The emergence of good accommodation facilities indicates the popularity of these beaches. ACTIVITIES The Diu beaches are ideal for sun bathing, swimming, surfing and other marine activities. Among the six beaches Nagoa beach is famous. This pleasant palm-fringed beach, very safe for swimming is now quite busy. Gomtimata, located to the west of Nagoa is a golden sandy beach still deserted, but the waves are quite heavy. Other beaches in the vicinity of Diu include Jallandhar, Chakratirth and Sunset point. Sun rise and sun set cruises from all the beaches can be arranged by the fisher folk. Sea cruises are also popular here. |
Since tourism has not yet started to conquer the Diu beaches in a large scale, there are not too much resorts on the seafront hence private beaches are very few. But in Nagoa beach and Jallandhar beach there are a couple of private beach resorts situated right on the beach side.
VICINITY
The beautiful and small Diu Town is worth full to visit as it houses many of the historical and cultural remnants. The town is in between a massive fort, which extended to the east, and the city wall to the west. The Zamba Getaway possess many carved sculptures of angels, lions etc. Inside the wall one can see the 18th century miniature chapel. The artificial waterfall is a wonderful creation, is light up at night.
The Diu Museum adjacent to the St.Thomas Church houses an array of catholic sculptures. Most attracting one here is that of a statue of Jesus Christ prostrate on a bier, accompanied by two angels.
The Portuguese fort is built in the first half of 16th Century is under threat of collapse due to the ebb and flow of time. Yet a visit is worth full. The presence of cannons, most of them are still in good condition attracts the attention of people. The fort now serves as the jail of the island.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Navaratri festival will be a novel concept to the visitors, which is celebrated in October. The concept is that of praising the Goddess Amba. During this festival women perform a dance form known as Garba. Portuguese dance forms are also performed by the people includes Mando, Vira and Verdigao dances. These dances of slow motion are performed at joyful occasions.
TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
As the local people are still conservative, in public the visitors should be in decent dress. It does not mean that indecent dress is advisable in beaches. Nudity and topless parade of ladies are also prohibited.
SHOPPING
In the Diu town good shopping facilities are there. Diu is specially noted for the absence of commercial exploitation of visitors. The small handicraft shops are having many locally made handicraft items.
ACCOMMODATION
In Jalandhar beach there is a six -cottage complex on the beach. There is also a camping site in Kevdi that provides budget and middle class accommodation. In the Diu town one can find accommodation near the fish market and the town square. Some of the beach resorts have sea view rooms.
HOW TO REACH
Mumbai is the nearest airport to Diu, which is 930 km away. Daily flights are operating to and from Mumbai by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways. Delwada is the nearest railhead to Diu, 8 km away to the beaches. There are trains to Veraval, 96 km away and a daily train to Junagadh, which is 164 km away.
OTHER FACILITIES
There are some Govt. Rural hospitals in and around Diu in Ghoghla, Vanakbara and in Bucharwada. There is a main Post and Telegraph Office in Diu. The sub-Post offices are at Zampa, Ghoghla, Bucharwada and Vanakbara. In Diu beer and alcoholic drinks are very cheap.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
Not in the case of Diu beaches only, keeping one's ears and eyes wide open while roaming in an unknown place always pays. It is advisable to keep the belongings well locked and should not left behind carelessly.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Avoid littering the beaches or polluting the sea. Possession and consumption of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
