12 Best Things To Do In Diu, India

1. Stop by the beautiful Diu Museum

Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs will love visiting Diu Museum, which is also known as St. Thomas Church Museum because it was set up in this particular church. This grand, white-walled building was constructed in 1598, making it the first Parish Church of Diu. It features Gothic architectural elements, such as antique statues and stone inscriptions, and they are still visible to this day.

Since there’s no entrance fee, visitors are allowed to stop by the museum and explore. If you are planning to step inside the building, make sure to remove your footwear and be careful when roaming around.

Diu Museum

Address: PX8Q+6MC, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 362520, India

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Feast on delicious seafood dishes at O'Coqueiro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Seafood lovers will take delight in O'Coqueiro, a restaurant in Diu known for its seafood dishes. In addition to its seafood meals, this eatery features Indian food and dishes from European and Portuguese cuisines. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available if you don’t eat meat or seafood.

Another great thing about O'Coqueiro is its location. It’s situated in a cozy, quiet area, so you and your companions can enjoy peace and serenity, along with the fresh breeze, while eating your pasta or shrimp dishes. If you love to read, you’re also free to grab a book from the provided stack and read while waiting on your order.

O'Coqueiro

Address: Firangiwada Road, Diu, Diu Island, India

Website: O'Coqueiro

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

3. Soak up the sun and sand at Ghogla beach

If you’re looking for a beach that is exceptionally clean and one that provides tranquility, there is no other place in Diu than Ghogla beach. By virtue of its isolated location, which is on the outskirts of the town, fewer people know about its existence, so the beach is clean and serene. Though it is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, adventure seekers can still enjoy several fun water sports such as surfing, banana boat, and parasailing. There are also interesting eateries near the beach to dine at. Ghogla beach is definitely Diu’s hidden gem and a place not to be missed!

Ghogla Beach

Address: Diu una Road Diu, India 362540

4. Enjoy sunrise and sunset at Nagoa beach and take photos with Hoka trees as backdrop

Nagoa Beach has a long stretch of white sand shoreline and is surrounded by beautiful palm trees — a view perfect for tourists who just want to laze around while feasting on a repertoire of visual delights. Aside from its pristine beach, the place is also famous for its water sports, which include parasailing, hot air balloon, water scooter, banana boating, water skiing, and other activities like camel and pony riding. Another attraction that will surely delight visitors is the Hoka trees that serve as a beautiful backdrop when taking pictures. It also yields a coconut-like fruit that is served across Diu. Other things to do here include sunbathing or walking along the two-km (1.2 mi) shoreline while enjoying the majestic beauty of the sunrise or sunset. Shops and restaurants are also available around.

Nagoa Beach

Address: Diu, India

5. Experience the mystical scene of the lapping waves of the Arabian Sea at Gangeshwar temple

Gangeshwar Temple is situated in a village called Fandum, about three-kilometer (1.9 miles) away from Diu. The temple houses five Shiv lingas (iconic representations of Hindu deity Lord Shiva) that remain strong despite the constant crashing of the waves from the Arabian Sea. The Hindus believe that these waves symbolize obeisance to the deity and inspires spiritual reverence and deep feelings for Lord Shiva. The term Gangeshwar refers to Lord Shiva, which Hindus believe as the Lord of the Ganga river. They believe that the river flowed on the earth through his hair tresses (braid or curls). This temple, therefore, was dedicated in honor of Lord Shiva. This iconic temple has both religious and historical importance for the people of Diu.

Gangeshwar Temple

Address: Diu, Daman and Diu 362520, India

6. Relive the past while marveling at the beautiful sea view at Diu Fort

The Diu Fortress is a defensive wall dating back to the mid-16th century. It was erected by Portuguese to safeguard their area from the Mughals. Known as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World, this historical fortress commands views of the vast sea. From this fortress, you can enjoy the view of Panikotha fort that sits in the sea, and is located off the coast that is opposite to the Diu Fort. Indeed, a wonderful way to revisit the past!

Diu Fort

Address: Fort Road, near to PWD Office, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520, India

Website: Diu Fort

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

7. Marvel at St. Paul Church

Nestled at the mouth of Cambay Gulf, St. Paul’s Church dates back to the early 17th century. It stands out with its baroque architecture, complete with carved woodwork throughout the interior. Highlights include the intricate designs of shells and volutes. With this, it is considered to have one of the most elaborate designs in all of the churches built by the Portuguese in India. Another amazing piece found in this church is the image of St. Mary on the church’s altar, which was carved out of one piece of Burmese tropical hardwood and is illuminated by 101 candles. Additionally, on top of the altar lies priceless statues and old paintings.

St. Paul Church

Address: Diu, Daman and Diu 362520, India

8. Admire the carvings and stucco work of Nagar Seth Haveli

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nagar Seth Haveli is one of Diu’s amazing and famous buildings. It has three floors, with a blend of Indian and Portuguese architectural designs. If you want to know more about Portuguese history, then visiting the place will give you a good glimpse of that. The building is very colorful and has intricate interior details. There are carved balconies that will give you a view of the whole street, stone-made lion sculptures, and well-designed porticoes. If you want to snap the perfect Instagram photo, then this is the place to be. Don’t miss this out when in Diu!

Nagar Seth Haveli

Address: Panchwati area, Diu, India

9. Explore the wonderful Naida Caves

Naida Caves is a natural attraction not just for travelers but also for photographers. The intricate details forming the tunnels of the cave make it so attractive and worth visiting. This cave was once used by the Portuguese as stations when they were at war with the Indian Army over the rule of the territory. The huge rock formation of the caves was also believed to be attributed to when the Portuguese broke down large sections of the rock formations to use for construction. Other factors that made the cave this beautiful is due to geological processes over a long period of time. The cave also has its own natural opening that lets in the sunlight, giving the cave a much better visual appeal.

Naida Caves

Address: Diu, Daman and Diu 362520, India

10. Enjoy the sense of serenity at Jallandhar beach

Jallandhar beach is named after the King of Asura, Jallandhar who had vanished many enemies and protected the territory for many years during his time. To commemorate that, the beach was named after him. Compared to the more famous Nagoa beach, this place offers a more tranquil and serene experience due to fewer crowds and less noise. The place is famous for an expansive ocean view, heritage walk, and beachfront dining. It also boasts a good view of the sunset.

Jallandhar Beach

Address: Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 362520

11. Commemorate the bravery of the Indian Naval Forces at INS Khukri Memorial

INS Khukri Memorial is a memorial site to commemorate the bravery of the officers and the sailors of the Indian Navy forces whose warship sank at the coast of Diu, Gujarat. Torpedo shots were fired on the ship at the time of Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, causing it to sink. Before it totally got destroyed, the captain of the ship was given the option to surrender to the Pakistani naval forces. But the captain refused and opted to sink with the ship. This valiant act was awarded the Mahavir Chakra (the second-highest military award) and the INS Khurki Memorial was constructed to honor and remember these brave Indian soldiers.

INS Khukri Memorial

Address: Diu 362520 India

Website: INS Khukri Memorial

12. Be amazed by the Gothic-style architecture of Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary

The Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary was built during the Portuguese regime in the 17th century. The chapel’s structure has a Gothic style, which shows Portuguese influence in its architecture. It has minimalistic exterior design. Opposite to its exterior, the chapel’s interior is more detailed in design and features. Its roof is shaped like a rose petal, and has intricate life-like paintings and carvings with Jesus and his disciples as the inspiration. Because of its visual and religious appeal, this chapel is frequently visited by both locals and tourists alike.

Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary

Address: Government Quarters, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Experience the culture and heritage of Diu

Diu indeed has a lot to offer, not just in its tourist destinations, but also with its rich history. This Indian territory has stood strong despite the many battles it witnessed, and the people remained peaceful and in unity despite the diversity. Aside from the amazing churches, natural wonders, beaches, and architectures, it boasts a rich cultural heritage that makes this town more interesting. Experience the culture and heritage of Diu by visiting this list of wonderful places!