Shift your memory-clock to reverse once you step into Diu. A tiny Portuguese colony till 1961, Diu still clings to its colonial roots. The 13 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide island on the western edge of India-- connected to the mainland by a narrow channel-- has its main road parallel to the waterfront. Along the main road are quaint Portuguese villas, many of which have been converted to hotels. At the eastern end of the town is a massive fort. Although in ruins, the ramparts have an assortment of cannons and cannon balls strewn around. On the western end is a huge city wall marked by the Zampa Gateway with carvings of lions, angels and a priest; just inside the gate is a mini chapel. Diu Museum, located inside the St. Thomas Church, has quite a collection of Catholic statues. A mixed architecture of Portuguese and local Gujarati styles make the churches an interesting study. Nagoa beach, to the west of Diu town, is a tranquil, palm-fringed beach. Some other beaches within easy reach of Diu are Jallandhar, Chakratirth and Sunset Point.

BASICS

STD Code: 02875.

Airport: Diu. One daily flight to Mumbai.
Rail: Delwada, 8 kilometres fro Diu, is the nearest and has onward connections with Una, Veraval, Junagadh and Sasangir.

Best time: October to June. The monsoon period is best avoided.

Accommodation: Diu town-- Hotel Sanman (Tel: 52342), Apana Hotel (Tel: 52112), Hotel Samrat (Tel: 52354), Hotel Alishan (Tel: 52340).
Jallandhar Beach-- Diu Tourist Cottages (Tel: 52654), Royal Beach Resort (Tel: 52654).
Nagoa Beach-- Ganga Sagar Guest House (Tel: 52249), Resort Hoka (Tel: 53036).

Local Transport: Autorickshaws, local bus. Cycles and mopeds available on hire.

Contact: Tourist Office
Bunder Road, Diu
Tel: 02875-52212