Diu - A Introduction
Diu- A
beautiful blend of Sun, sand and sea, is a Gods gift to those in quest of a
blessed turf where the wary weight of the unintelligible world can, for a
while, be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the spheres.
Diu is an island retreat gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the
Arabian Sea. It offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. Diu a
former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union Territory, is steeped in history.
It was a seaport and naval base of considerable strategic importance from
the 14th to 16th Centuries. It was also a vital trade link with the rest of
India for traders overseas. Diu was under the sway of Chanda and Vaghela
dynasties till the 14th Century. The Muslim rulers ruled over the island
town till 1380 AD. Then came the mighty wave of invasion of the foreign rule
that lasted well nigh upto 450 years.
Places of
InterestNagoa Beach It is located in the
Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada. The beach is exceptionally
beautiful and quiet. In the exceptionally beautiful horse-shoe
(semi-circular) shaped beach, various water sports facilities are available.
It is safe for swimming. Plenty of branching Palm Hoka trees whisper and
sway in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach
and serenity of the surroundings give you peace and pleasure beyond
expression.
Jallandhar Shrine It is located
on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome,
contains a niche wherein a stone carved face of Jallandhar is seen. Near by
there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of 1
km from this Town.
St. Paul's Church St.
Paul's Church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The
construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year
1610. The main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborates of all
Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and
shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been
illuminated by flood lights adding to the evening city glow.
Diu
Museum The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum
which houses the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier
rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts
have been collected from various sites and displayed.
Diu
Fort Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort occupies
a prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on
the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was
constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after a defence alliance, concluded by
the Bahadurshah, Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese when the former was
attacked by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor.
Diu Excursion:-
Places nearby Ahmedpur Mandvi Located
at a distance of 70 kilometres from Sasangir, Ahmedpur Mandvi is one of the
finest beaches in India. Apart from the beach, it also provides you with
some of the splendid views of the fishing villages, forts and churches some
of that are in the nearby Island. Moreover, you can also indulge in some
long walks on the beach or go for swimming, para sailing, water skiing,
surfing, and speedboat trips.
Junagadh
Located at a distance of 64 kilometres from Sasangir, Junagadh is the
district to which the famous Sasangir lion sanctuary belongs. Junagadh is
regarded as an important heritage site and is a must include in your
excursion itinerary. The Uperkot Fort, Jami Masjid, Mahabat Maqbara, Durbar
Hall Museum, and temples of Girnar Hills are some of the places to visit in
Junagadh. Easily accessible from the nearby towns and cities, Junagadh is a
convenient base to reach the nearby Somnath, a popular place for Hindu
pilgrims.
Palitana Palitana - city of Jam
temples, lies at the feet of Shatrunjaya hills, in the eastern part of the
Saurashtra. From this town a flight of steps begins and leads to a cluster
of 863 hill top am temples built over a period of 900 years. On a moonlit
night these ivory coloured temples conjure up the vision of a fantasy land.
The ornate temples have deities studded with gems and jewels. These can be
reached after a 90 minute climb on foot. There is also a Muslim shrine on
the hilltop.
Somnath Easily accessible
from Sasangir and Junagadh town, is the holy Hindu destination of Somnath.
Located at distance of about 46 kilometres from Sasangir, a good number of
tourists as well as religious visitors come to this famous Hindu shrine and
seat of one of the Jyotirlingas. Somnath used to be one of the richest
shrines in the country, which was the reason of several Muslims raids on
this shrine during the 10th and 11th century AD.