Diu, the more famous one of Daman and Diu, doesn’t usually finds a place in a traveller’s list. Perhaps, owing to the assumption that there is little when it comes to things to do in Diu. Though Diu is not Goa (it’s so much more solitary than Goa), there was something about it that made me book the tickets and land here on a sunny day in January, 2014.
Though the road from Veraval to Diu had some bone-breaking bumps, everything became alright as I crossed the bridge to the main town from Ghogla Beach. Countless flags hooked on to tiny fishing boats were happily fluttering in sea breeze, breaking the monotony of greyish-blue water of the Arabian Sea. In that very instant, I fell for Diu.
One look at that and you can go, “Ooh, what a perfect place to take wedding vows!” But then, I’m not getting married anytime soon 🙂
A tiny piece of land, around 14 km, Diu is a part Muslim-part Hindu settlement in a starkly visible Portuguese setting. The beaches at Diu, unlike the many beach destinations in India, were fairly solitary. With no other sound apart from the sea waves’ crashing on the shore, Diu’s beaches are perfect to take a nap in the Sun. A must if you’re still not in a mood to strike off items from all the things to do in Diu.
Another delightful discovery at Diu were the almost deserted roads, perfect enough to take a bicycle (for just INR 50 for a day!) and move around at leisure.
Impressive churches, a seashell museum, gorgeous walkways, a lot of Portuguese food on the menu (though largely non-vegetarian :/), a fine spread for Gujarati cuisine on every food joint’s menu, deserted beaches, a labyrinth of caves to be explored, an amazing fort with a lighthouse inside, narrow well-paved roads, and a lot of colourful fishing boats made me fall in love with Diu.
Visit Diu if you have a beach vacation that is away from the crowds in mind. Best time to visit Diu is in the months of September – March. Sharing with you some of the countless Diu photographs, which I clicked during my 5 days stay there.
This is a shot worth peeping over a hoka plantation’s concrete boundary. A good bit of rain obliged too.
Diu has just one word for its art – free. Splashed all around this little town is graffiti and wall art, giving you and your camera good company.
That’s me, trying to do the Johnny Depp “Pirate” Walk at a beach in Diu. A drowning sun did lend a helping hand.
Don’t call it a day unless you have seen this. Pani Kotha looks like a rainbow in the dark on the waters of the Arabian Sea. Camera out again.
Do you see that cliff over there? Watching that from the Lighthouse, I had this sudden urge to go cycling, full speed, on that track and jump over the cliff. But (alas) I did not do it. There’s still plenty to see to try that stunt.
The range of elements that make this photograph took me by surprise. The old, dilapidated roof, the golden grass, that parrot and the Arabian Sea in the background. This was bliss 🙂
Now, as promised before, my travel tips and a list of things to do in Diu –
1. Get a bicycle from Safar Bicycle Rental Point or any other such places if you wish to explore Diu at leisure. That, if you can pedal around for 5-6 km a day (INR 50 per day and INR 1000 as refundable security deposit).
2. Alternatively, you can get a scooter/bike as well (INR 400 per day and INR 1000 as refundable security deposit).
3. Stick around to Chakratirth Beach rather than Nagoa for a more solitary time.
4. Explore the many bylanes of the place to get to some of the best places for Portuguese food.
5. A homestay is perhaps the better bet to stay if you are looking for a hotel in Diu. Heranca Goesa is a famous (and good) one, while there is one more that you will have on your way to Chakratirth Beach. Both are pretty awesome.
6. If you’re visiting Diu, do not skip a visit to the Somnath Temple, which is some 2.5 hours away from Diu.
7. Largely safe for even solo travellers, Diu has some portions of its beaches reserved for foreigners or women.
8. Your only tip to stay safe here is to steer away from the high on alcohol crowd. There’ll be quite a many, for this is where the Gujarat alcohol lovers come. Remember Gujarat is a dry state?
Rest assured, Diu has somehow managed to retain its old world charm, preserving the way Portuguese colonies in India actually were. One of the most undersold destinations in India, Diu scores high with its little crowd and quaint charm. For more on my pick on all the things to do in Diu, click here.
I’ve been to just Diu and as far as I know Daman is 8 hours away and not of much use to travellers. Suggest you skip it or go another time.
Can we visit Daman & Diu in one trip or should we go for one at a time?
Comment:-However, i m very lazy regarding typing with mobile but your way of discription as well as eye for cathing beauty has compelled me to compliments to you. you just reminded my service tenure at Diu. Diu is beautiful bjt your art of viewing beauty photography and writing make diu more beauitiful. thanks and stay blessed with such aesthetic sense.
Good blog and nice pictures. It’s interesting that you didn’t find cycling on the beautiful cycle track of Diu, next to the beach, as something of a thing-to-do! I think it’s a great way to explore Diu.
Cheers!
Thank you Manoj. Hope this makes you plan a trip to Diu then! And you’re welcome.
Thank you Harjeev. Hoke truly is a great place and so is Diu. Some of the most solitary beaches in India.
Great Post on Diu. I’ve visited Diu twice (both times drove from Delhi) and simply love the place.
Lovely pictures and useful information too. During both my visits I stayed at Hoka and like the place and the owner has become a good friend overtime.
Cant wait and visit again.
Thank you Prashanth 🙂
Beautiful captures! My pick is that of the cliff.
This is something authentic on Diu. I have been to Goa thrice. I hardly found one’s space on beaches. Diu looks promising.
A load of Thanx to you.
Thank you. It’s a gorgeous beach destination; visit sometime around November and you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Great tips and beautiful pictures!! Diu has been added to my bucket list!!
Thank you Niranjan. And yes, that’s a great wedding setting! Also, I had a tough time resisting the urge to cycle off that cliff in the other photo 🙂
Beautiful captures! Loved the church and cliff shots. Who wouldn’t want to get married there and I loved your idea of cycling off the cliff. Diu definitely has a quaint charm to lure the travellers.