Diu a costal town in Daman-Diu territory is located at eastern wand of Diu Island. Earlier a Portuguese colony it is situated near Veraval port. It is a town depicting Portuguese culture and lifestyle surrounded by beaches. Even Gujarat southern coast beach Nagao beach is also nested alongside Diu. It has idyllic beaches and fort depicting Portuguese architectural style. As it is situated in near Gujarat and alcohol is legal in Diu, it serves as a weekend gateway for Gujaratis. Diu also is a major fishing port for saurashtra region. It is also an oasis and swamp land which attracts many bird species to migrate. Diu is an ideal leisure destination, from collecting shells on beaches to adrenaline rush sports activities, it has long-lasting imprints. Diu is a must visit during your trip to Gujarat. 

HISTORY

Diogo de Melo a Portuguese arrived in Daman-Diu by chance in 1523. While sailing on a boat he stuck in a storm and reached Daman-Diu shore. Since then for 400 year it turned into a Portuguese colony. A larger fort was built in Moti Daman and a fortified fort was built in Diu in the 16th century to guard against the Mughals who ruled the area until the Portuguese arrived. It stands today, most of it preserved in its original form. In 1961 India invaded Goa, Daman and Diu and captured these territories from Portuguese. 

ADVENTURE SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO INDULGE IN

•    PARASAILING: If you want rise above sea level and let you feel fresh air with water splashes, then parasailing is awaiting you. Head to Ghugla beach and several instructors help you learn basics before performing this activity. 
•    SCUBA DIVING: Isn’t it one of the coveted activities among youngsters. Yes scuba diving is available in Diu. You can train yourself for a day or two and get a sneak into aquatic life. 
•    HOT AIR BALLOON: If you want to witness crimson sky a bit closer then hot air balloon is an adventurous activity. It is a memorable experience to witness forts and transparent water from height. 
•    WATER SKIING AND WATER BOATING: Riding a speed boat and water skiing are two another adventurous water activities for tourists. Get splashes of water and solely enjoy your fun-filled day. 
•    DOLPHIN SIGHTING: Yes, In Diu you can go to watch adorable dolphins. There are organised tours in daytime to ride you to a spot where dolphins are sighted. See these most loved aquatic animal and you can also swim with them.
•    ZORBING: Just imagine being put inside a huge transparent ball and then pushed through a slope. That adrenaline rush and your screams can be quite a fun. Diu provides this different sports for tourists. 

PLACES TO VISIT

1.    NAIDA CAVES: Naida caves is located near Diu fort. It is one of the unexplored places in pre-historic days. Recently it has become a one of the must visit places in city. These are natural caves carved out of stone in Portuguese reign. 
2.    NAGOA BEACH: Blue water and white crystal sand this beach is a serene landscape. Covered semicircular by swaying palm tress and connected to resorts it’s amongst most visited places in Diu. It also offers sports activitie and you can bask in sun all day long. 
3.    GANGESHWAR TEMPLE: Gangeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva near Nagoa beach. It is believed this temple has five shivalinga each places by Pandava during their exile. Interestingly it is continuously washed by waves automatically. Visit this temple for some insight on history.
4.    DIU FORT: Known as mouth of Khambhat and Praça de Diu in Portuguese is a fort cum castle. It was built by Portuguese during their colonial period in India. Facing Arabian sea it is an architectural exquisite fort depicting Portuguese culture. Several history buffs and photography enthusiast visit it. 
5.    GHOGLA BEACH: Not a crowded place and is desired destination for people who prefer to be aloof. It is a golden sand beach located in North of Diu town. A complete package for its cleanliness, sports activities, restaurants and less crowded, Ghogla beach is a place for peaceful alone time with nature to soak in. 
6.    CHAKRATIRTH BEACH: Relax on calming shores in Diu. Chakratirth beach is surrounded by hills and is a delight for eyes. Perfect leisure destination this idyllic beach also has some horse rides and kiosks for food. 
7.    SUNSET POINT: Located near a hillock near chakratirth beach witness some crimson sun at evening. It’s provides a perfect view of setting sun with illuminated and scenic landscapes. 
8.    ST. PAUL CHURCH: A catholic architecture and magnanimous church, St Paul church is a must visit tourist place of Diu. Dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Immaculate Conception’ this place also is a revered shrine for Christians in Diu. 
9.    INS KHUKRI MEMORIAL: A memorial site for INS Khukri which drowned during Indo-Pak war of 1971. It is an ideal destination if you want to garner some knowledge. 
10.    PANIKOTA FORT: A jail in Portuguese colonial period is located near Diu fort. It is mostly surrounded by water. It has definitely played a vital role in consuming Portuguese culture on Diu sands. 

HOW TO REACH 

•    AIRPORT: Diu airport is about 5 km from city. But it has very less operating airlines. Rajkot airport is about 175 km from Diu. 
•    RAILWAY: Diu junction connects to major Gujarat cities. You can also travel to Rajkot and hire a cab to reach Diu. 
•    ROAD: Diu is well connected with Gujarat national highways. From Ahemdabad you can travel hassle free. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

November to March is the best time to visit this idyllic beach destination.
•    SUMMER: Temperature hovers from 35°c to 42°c (Too hot and dry) 
•    RAIN: Temperature hovers from 25°c to 30°c ( Heavy rainfall) 
•    WINTER: Temperature hovers from 17°c to 28°c (Sunny and pleasant weather)