Fortim do Mar Diu |
About: |
The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is situated off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat bordering Junagadh district. The other equally beautiful beaches are Ahmedpur, Mandvi,Chakratirath, Jallandhar, and Gomtimata all having their own charm and thrill.The word 'Diu' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dweep'. During the period from the 14th to 16th century Diu was one of the best Sea Ports and a Naval base.
Diu Fortim-do-Mar is one of the very magnificent and unique sites to visit in Diu. This famous monument has an excellent stone structure. Standing right at the opening of the creek, this monument boasts of a fabulous lighthouse and small chapel consecrated to Our Lady of the Sea. It is almost a nautical mile away from the Diu jetty and is accessible by a canoe or a motor launch. The fortress of Panikotha or Fortim-do-Mar in Diu looks absolutely stunning whether captured from the village of Ghoghla, from the jetty, from the Fort, or from Diu. Sitting in the heart of the sea, this monument is a remarkable sight to savor. In fact its beauty has impressed many people world over and its due popularity has attracted even the Bollywood makers to capture its picture in their camera. The clear view of this fantastic monument is available in the very renowned box-office hit bollywood movie "QAYAMAT". You must visit Diu Fortim-do-Mar or Panikotha once. It is a magnificent site to take in. Its ship like shape creates an indelible impression on the minds of the travelers. Located exactly at the opening of the creek, this opulent stone structure houses a light house and small chapel devoted to Our Lady of the Sea. It is almost a nautical mile away from the Diu Jetty and ensures exciting moments to bask in during vacations in Diu. |
Location info: |
Address:Fortim do Mar,Diu,Gujrat,India |
District: Diu |
Nearest City: Mumbai |
Best time to visit: October to May |
Climate/Weather: |
Summer: Min 20 °C, Max 38 °C,Winter: Min 20 °C, Max 25 °C |
History: |
The "Fortim-do-Mar" (actually fortress of Panikotha) in Diu was built by the Portuguese. This model made of Ivory shows every detail of the real monument. This interesting piece lacks however any indication of the date of its entirely manual manufacturing, as well as any signature from the artist. |
Interesting things to do: |
Activities: A horseshoe beach with a flat bottom (very safe for swimming) and lined with Hoka palm trees, which the Portuguese got from Africa, it is ‘the’ place to master the ‘art of doing nothing’. Besides lazing in a hammock sipping beer, contemplating on life, the universe and the shade of your tan or indulging in a languid swim, one can also choose from a host of water sports for those obsessed with activity. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
Naida Caves: Naida caves, Diu are located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese. The caves feature a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps, which is yet to be fully explored. It is believed that the Portuguese during their reign hacked building materials from these caves. You can reach Naida caves in Diu through Delwada which is the nearest railway station. The place is also well connected by road. Indianholiday.com provides all the requisite inputs on the tourist attractions in Diu.
Portuguese Fort: Diu Museum: St Paul’s Church: Church of St Francis of Assisi: St Thomas Church: Jallandhar Beach: Chakratirth Beach: Goptimata Beach: Nagoa Beach: Bazaars in Diu: Zampa Gateway: |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Delwada and Vapi railway station |
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad and Mumbai International, airport |
Road Transport:Diu is connected to various cities in Gujarat like,Una- 30 kms, Ahmedabad- 495 kms, Bhavnagar- 225 kms, Bombay- 930 kms, Daman- 763 kms, Sasangir-128 kms, Rajkot- 261 kms, Somnath- 87 kms, Veraval- 77 kms. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
Gopnath: Gopnath by sea is just 80km from Bhavnagar, which has daily flights from Mumbai and overnight trains from Ahmedabad. It was the summer home of Maharaja Krishna Kumar Singhji of Bhavnagar 75 kms from Bhavnagar, Gopnath is well connected by rail and bus to Ahmedabad. The breathtakingly beautiful sea coast with it's spectacular limestone cliffs and great views, sea breezes and colourful birdlife, must have made an excellent break from the city during the summer months.
Udvada: Sanjan: Saputara: Navsari: Palitana: Narmada river: Chorwad Beach: Somnath temple: Girnar Hill: Sasan gir national park: |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Petrol Pump:Available in city, Navsari,Gujarat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Samrat:Near Vegetable Market,Old Callectorate Road,Diu,Gujrat,India
Radhika Beach Resort:Diu,Gujrat,India |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:100 |
Nearest Hospital: Surat civil hospital:Surat,Gujarat,India Parsi General Hospital:Surat,Gujarat,India,Ph:0261 2423922 |
Society/Community Phone Number: |
Links:www.indianholiday.com |
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Diu Beach |
Located at a distance of 125km from Junagarh, the island of Diu is one of the finest beaches in the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. Its soft sandy beach with swaying palm trees and fantastic forts, churches make it one of the most beautiful beach holiday destination in Gujarat. The island of Diu was a Portuguese colony and a major port for maritime trade during 14th and 16th century.Diu beach is situated off the Saurashtra coast and is connected to the state of Gujarat via a causeway. Diu is a secluded island and does not have much population. This makes it the place ideal for a serene vacation, away from the worries of daily life. Diu Beach is a perfect blend of sun, sand and sea. The captivating scenic beauty of the place is popular not only in India, but the world over. As the sea is not too deep here, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water....more |
Zampa Gateway Diu |
Located at the southern border of the state of Gujarat off the Saurashtra coast bordering Junagadh district is the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. A colony held by the Portuguese for a long period even after India got independence Daman and Diu became a part of the erstwhile Union Territory of Goa Daman and Diu in 1961. When Goa was conferred with statehood in 1987 Daman and Diu became a separate Union Territory.Diu was an erstwhile Portuguese colony. It still has many monuments and architectures that reflect the typical Portuguese style. There are many Forts and Monuments in Diu that are big draws for the tourists. However, the most prominent one among them is the Zampa Gateway in Diu. This is the most visited place among the other Tourist Attractions in Diu. This is a majestic monument that enthralls the guests with its charisma....more |
Portugese Fort Diu |
Diu is dotted all around green with palmyra coconut tamarisk and the hoka trees. The Portuguese had carried the hoka to India from Africa. The plantain, guava and custard apple trees are spotted all over the island. Fishing is the main livelihood of the people of Diu. Rum is also made of sugarcane. The outstanding Portuguese fort in Diu better known as the Fortem do Mar at the eastern tip of the island is the most arresting reminder of the times. Within the fortress walls you can see piles of old cannonballs, some of which are used as borders for the striking gard enbeds in the fort interior compound. Indianholiday.com is your indispensable eguide to the tourist attractions in Diu....more |
Diu Museum |
Diu Museum, formerly St Thomas Church, is situated in Diu District, Daman and Diu.Apart from the lovely beaches of Diu, tourists can also visit the Museums in Diu. These museums play host to a lot of interesting things, facts and evidences that correlate the past episodes with the present day. Amongst the museums in Diu, a notable name is that of Diu Museum, Diu. Diu Museum in Diu takes us back into the historic era when it was under the rule of the Portuguese.Diu Museum displays a wide range of artifacts including stone idols, wooden carvings, antic statues and inscriptions. This Museum of Diu Island also unfolds the Portuguese era in this region.Diu Museum features a wide range of artifacts pertaining to the past history of this island of western India. One of the most visited Diu Island attractions, the museum unveils the historic era, when the territory was rule by the Portuguese....more
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