Tag: Diu

Categories
Relax Staycation

Krishna Beach Resort- Perfect Place For Beach Vacations

If you have plans to visit Diu then one thing that you need to do in advance is book your stay. Just like us (ghoomophirosisters) you should also book your stay at Krishna Beach Resort. Krishna Beach Resort finds a beautiful location at the picturesque Nagoa Beach amidst the beautiful trees spread across on the beach. It is one of the best resorts to experience an exotic beach vacation. We (ghoomophirosisters) checked‐in on time mentioned, that is, 12:00 p.m. while the Check‐out time is 11:00 a.m. that you need to be very particular about. The rooms are available for booking at a very reasonable rate. However, the actual tariff is liable to differ in the festive season like Diwali, Christmas, New Year, etc. The resort is not pet-friendly and doesn’t allow guests with pets. In case you need an extra bed, it can surely be provided but only if the space permits and that too at extra charges that are payable at hotel. However, children up to 5 years of age can share the same bed with their parents that too at no cost. The booking payment can be paid both online as well as at the reception. 

How to reach Krishna Beach Resort

The hotel is located at a very decent location. It is centrally located and almost all the major tourist attractions are situated close by. The resort is situated at a distance of merely 2 km from Diu Airport which means it is easy to access and very less time-consuming. The resort caters to your traveling needs from the airport to the resort. At a distance of 8 km from the resort are the very popular Naida Caves and within this distance, you can find plenty of other attractions too. The major nearby attractions include Gangeshwar Temple (5.0 km), Diu Fort (7.9 km), and INS Khukri Memorial (6.4 km). 

Types of rooms at Krishna Beach Resort

There are 4 categories of room to choose from. You can either opt for one of the 10 Standard Rooms or one of the18 Executive Rooms. For those who are willing to spend more and enjoy more amenities that can opt for booking with 0ne of the 6 Super Executive Rooms or one of the 2 Suites. In total there are 36 rooms in the resort. There is a difference of around 1000 grand in each category of the room starting with Standard rooms that are the most basic. We (ghoomophirosisters) booked a room with a swimming pool in the room that was comfortable.

Room amenities at the Resort

In Executive rooms, you can find a balcony attached to the rooms while in Super Executive rooms you will get access to the splash pool. Last but not least, booking a suite room will allow you access to both the splash pool and balcony. So, the choice is completely yours. All the categories of rooms offer you an inclusive breakfast. As soon as you check into the guest rooms you get free access to the Wi-Fi. The hot and cold water is available in the room taps 24 hours which was really a blessing for us (ghoomophirosisters).

Property amenities at the Resort

 The resort has a party plot with a swimming pool for guest use. We (ghoomophirosisters)  explored the Infinity Swimming Pool on the terrace that you can enjoy during the stunning sunrise and sunset along with the all-time available sea view. For those who have an extra craze towards fitness, there is also a gymnasium at the resort. You can also enjoy the premises a spa with massage and steam. Along with this, you get access to a doctor via phone call in case you need medical guidance. In case you are a big coffee fan that there is a popular Chulawala Coffee Shop within the resort that offers you fabulous coffee of all the types and there are also two types of restaurants in the resort.

The food at Krishna Beach Resort

As far as food needs are concerned there are two types of Restaurants at the resort. The first one is Terrace Restaurant where we had a lot of options to eat and the second one is Chulawala Bar & Restaurant  offering mouth-watering food and beverages. We thoroughly relished the food.

Categories
Beaches Relax

Top 20 Must Visited Places In Diu 

Diu finds a beautiful location amidst the crystal clear blue waters of the fabulous Arabian Sea. Since ages, it has been used as a trade route and in history, it holds great importance for being an ancient trade route. It is well supplied with stunning beaches, historical monuments as well as the memorials that let you travel back in time. There are plenty of places that tourists can visit here without getting tired or bored. In case you are planning a visit to this beautiful place then let us tell you that you need to have ample days at your disposal if you want to explore the place in depth. You may come to the place with your heart full of burden and your soul completely exhausted but when you leave the place, your body and mind are completely rejuvenated and you are ready to go back to a normal routine with full energy and warmth. So that you do not miss out on any important must-visit places in the city, we have compiled for you a list of almost all the important places that you need to explore.

  1.  Naida Caves

These are basically man-made rock modifications by the Portuguese having umpteen interlinked areas replete with square-shaped hewn staircases. These are around 3 km distant from the main city. You can visit these between 10 AM to 2 PM and the entry to the caves is free.

  1.  Diu Fort 

Fort Diu is located beside the sea giving you access to the surreal view of horizons directly from the fort. Your ear gets the pleasure of listening to the sea waves. The lighthouse is however closed for the public. You can visit it anytime between 8 AM – 6 PM without having to pay an entry fee.

  1. Nagoa Beach  

Nagoa Beach houses vast expanses of sand bounded by warm waters of the stunning Arabian Sea. You get to enjoy the rides on camels as well as ponies in the romantic ambiance. It can be visited any time between sunrise to sunset and there is no need to pay any sort of fee.

  1. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple 

Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple was supposedly built by Pandavas and is popular for five Shiva Lingas. The temple finds a location in Fudam Village that is 3 km from Diu. You can visit the temple between 8 AM – 6 PM.

  1. Ghoghla Beach  

Ghoghla Beach offers stunning coastal aesthetics. There are many restaurants on the beach and you can also indulge in water sports. This is a perfect place for rejuvenating your body and mind.

  1. Zampa Gateway

Zampa Gateway bears bright red construction and has an artificial waterfall. The walls contain paintings of lions, ministers as well as heavenly attendants. Also, there is a chapel inside and the place is open 24 hours for you to visit.

  1. INS Khukri Memorial 

INS Khukri Memorial commemorates the INS Khukri that sunk during the war in 1971 between Pakistan and India. It is basically a reminder of valiant soldiers. You can explore the place any time as it is open 24 hours and there is no need to pay any entry fee.

 

  1. Sunset Point 

Sunset Point is located near Chakratirth Beach. This is a dreamy place offering a view of surreal beauty with the crashing sound of waves on the rocks. This place is again a treat to your soul

  1.  St. Paul Church

St. Paul Church is the only functional church that is located in this area. The building offers a stunning architecture replete with rich wood carvings and volutes. The origin of the church dates back to 1601 AD and is open for a visit between 8 AM to 6 PM and the entry is totally free.

  1. Sea Shell Museum 

Sea Shell Museum houses a vast collection of diverse kinds of seashells. This place is total entertainment for people of all age groups. The place is open from 10 AM – 5 PM for tourists and there is no entry fee.

  1. Dinosaur Park  

The Dinosaur Park is basically an ultra-innovative themed park featuring the life-size structure of dinosaur and a large play area for the kids. The park is open from 10 AM – 6 PM for visiting and you are supposed to pay an entry fee of INR 20.

  1. Simbor Beach 

Simbor Beach is situated in Simbor village in Diu offering sweeping picturesque backdrops. It also features Fort St. Anthony of Simbor which is an old Portuguese fort. You can visit the beach anytime without having to pay even a penny.

  1. Chakratirth Beach 

Chakratirth Beach is situated on the outskirts of Diu amidst the serene hills with the Arabian Sea at the base. It offers a pleasant experience to souls seeking rejuvenation. The best time to visit the place is between October and March. 

  1. Jallandhar Beach

Jallandhar Beach is km away from Diu’s main city well supplied with golden sands. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Chandrika as well as a memorial for the tourists to visit. 

  1. Gomtimata Beach 

Gomtimata Beach is located in Vanakbara village and is absolutely secluded. It is characterized by natural white sand plus expansive ocean views perfect for relaxing as well as strolling. It is open for tourists from 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM.

  1.  Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi 

Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi is a perfect blend of history as well as architecture and is one of the oldest churches in Diu. It dates back its origin to 1593 and can be visited anytime between 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM.

  1. Diu Museum 

Diu Museum is a part of the St. Thomas Church built-in 1598. It is open for the tourists from 8 AM – 9 PM. it is well kept but the worn-out look of the museum is still preserved.

  1. Hoka Trees 

Hoka trees are native to the northern half of Africa as well as to Arabian Peninsula. These are completely different species of plants and are very mesmerizing. You will surely be fascinated to see these and are best found between the months of October and March.

  1. Panikota Fort 

Also known as Fortim-Do-Mar, Panikota Fort is located in the bay of Simbor on an island that is 46 kilometers from Diu. It was used as jail after independence from the Portuguese. It is open for tourists between 8 AM – 6 PM free of charge.

  1. Chapel Of Our Lady Rosary 

 Chapel Of Our Lady Rosary is located in Old Moti Daman and dates back to the 17th century. The kit comprises of an architecture that is the reminiscence of Gothic-style as well as Portuguese influence. The interiors are decorated using a rose-petal shaped roof along with tinted glass windows. It is open all the time and can be visited free of cost.

One travel tip that we would like to give you is on choosing the apparel. So that you remain comfortable throughout the day while you are out exploring the places, it is suggested that you wear clothes that cover most of your body so that the sun does not bother you much. Apart from this, it is also suggested that you carry a water bottle with you so that you do not get dehydrated.

Categories
Beaches

A day in Diu – an unappreciated Paradise

If you want a holiday away from holidaying crowds, the rush of urban life; Diu might just be for you. Probably one of the most underrated holiday destinations of India, Diu is a district in the union territory of Daman and Diu – one of the least populated ones. The serene beaches, the stunning sunset points, the churches, the easy availability of wine, even the Portuguese connection – there is a lot of Goa in Diu, more so for Gujraties for Gujrat is a dry state and it is here Gujraties come to have their fill of wine.

But it is far better than Goa – far less crowded, far less expensive and much further from the urbanity of Goa. It is also much safer even for even solo travelers. Diu has many portions of its beaches reserved for foreigners and women.

Need even more reasons to visit Diu? All sight-seeing on the island can be comfortably done in a day though as far as having your fill of it goes, a whole lifetime may not be enough.

History   

Historically, the island of Diu was a part of the Saurashtra region of the Gujrat and an important port for trading on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Its strategic importance, Portugal had its eyes on Diu during the early 16th century and made several attempts to conquer it only to lose at hands of local rulers It was only in 1535, that Bahadur Shah, the then Sultan of Gujrat, made a defensive alliance with the Portuguese government against the Mughal emperor Humayun and, in quid pro quo, allowed the Portuguese to construct their Fort and maintain a garrison on the island.

For the next two centuries, it remained an important strategic point until the rise of Bombay reduced its strategic importance. Much like Goa, it remained under Portuguese long after India’s independence till 1961. It was in December 1961 that Indian armies invaded Indian territories occupied by Portuguese and won it in about 48 hours making it a union territory named – Goa, Daman, and Diu. Goa became a state in the year 1987, the remainder Daman and Diu continues to be a union territory.

When to visit Diu

The 38.8 square kilometers long island is at sea level and the climate is both warm and humid.

How to reach Diu?

Diu is connected mainland by a bridge. You can take local transportation from Una. It also has its airport that receives regular flights from several main cities.

Locally, the best way to travel is on a bicycle or scooter or a rickshaw, the former two are easily available on rent while the later offer package tours of the whole island at highly affordable rates. You will need to cover about 6 to 8 kilometers maximum in your trip and so plan accordingly. Though we

What to eat at Diu?

Gujrati and mainland food are easily available. Though unlike Gujrat, non-vegetarian food seems to be preferred here. One of the things you must try is Hoka. It is a palm that branches from one trunk and is an Africa plant brought here by Portuguese and it is to be only found in India in Diu or neighboring Kathiawad region of Gujrat.

 Where to stay?

There are inexpensive hotels available in Diu. There is a Hoka resort near Nagoa beach which for its part Portuguese touch, Gujarati cuisine and other simple pleasure get our recommendation.

What to buy?

Diu is popular for its bamboo and leather products. We recommend taking back some corals as souvenirs.

Attractions   

  1. Diu Fort

Diu has a rather low skyline and in fact, the only tall building in the whole of the island is Diu Fort located on the western coast of India in Diu. It is with this fort we recommend starting your journey with.

The fort was built by Portuguese during the time of their colonial rule in 1535  and was the center of political activities of same in the region harboring their garrison for 235 years. It was only in 1961 that it finally fell to Indian forces ending Portegeuse colonial rules over parts of India.

The port hast a lighthouse which is the highest point on the island and can send a beam of light to a distance of 32 kilometers in every direction. Part of this fort has been converted into a Jail for the island. There are gardens within it and bastions with bronze cannons overlooking the sea. There is also a structure in the sea called Pani Kotha or Fortim do Mar – stunningly beautiful under a flood of lights if you manage to come back and have a look at the night time. Named as one of 7 wonders built by Portuguese around the world during their colonial rule out of a list of  27 monuments ( Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa also made it to the list of seven), the fort has undergone some wear and tear over its long life and under the impact of tidal erosion.

  1. Naida caves Diu

Naida Caves has a haunting beauty as natural sunlight shines off the orangish rocks –  there is no knowing whether these caves are of natural origin created by geological forces or were developed because of quarrying by Portuguese.  The entry is free and open for most of the daytime though it might be denied in evenings and night.

  1. Paul Church

Our next stop is St. Paul’s church, it is only one of the three churches in Diu still used for its original purpose. The Church of St Francis of Assisi which was the first church ever built in Diu, in the year 1593 is presently used as a hospital while St Thomas Church is now a museum.

St Paul’s Church was built in ten years from 1601 to 1610, IT was dedicated in 1691 to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. In the night time, it gets illuminated by floodlights. Its gothic architectural style resembles that of Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa. A marvel in architecture, one of the most beautiful things about it is its woods carvings with shell-like motifs.

  1. Gangaoshree temple

According to a local legend, 5 shivlings were discovered here. It is a cave temple built somewhat in the sea with a somewhat submerged shivling and a Ganesha in a shrine that you reach by descending a few stairs.

  1. Seashell museum.

Probably one of the best things about Diu. It is a museum full of amazing aquatic species in jars full of formaldehyde solutions. Photography is not allowed here.

  1. Nagoa Beach

By now it will be evening time, and where else to spend your evening except on a beach? Diu offers several options for the same. Nagoa Beach is the most popular one. Full of all sort of Goan holiday pleasures – whether it be water sports like boat riding, hot air ballooning and bungee jumping, etc, easy availability of alcohol, or just plain old stunning sight of the sea, this is a tourist magnet of a beach. Though water sport activities might be suspended by authorities.

  1. Jalandhar Beach and Chakratirth Beaches

If you are looking for less commercial, more solitary beaches; you may choose between Jalandhar Beach and Chakratirth Beaches. Beautiful stunning beaches and amazing places to watch the sunset. They are near Naida caves and another nearby point is INS Khukri memorial with a long list of soldiers martyred in that naval vassal during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.

8 St. Thomas Church   

Built-in 1598 on gothic style and now a museum, the St. Thomas Church puts on display antique statues, stone inscriptions, wooden carvings, idols, etc.  A part of it has been converted into a museum full of archaeological treasures dating back to 15th century. The reason why we have kept it for the late evening is so that you can enjoy the multicolored foundations and the special lighting that makes the building even more stunning.

Conclusion

Diu is a mini Goa in hiding. The panoramic views of the Arabian Sea it offers are stunning.  When are you planning to visit it?

Categories
Architectural

The Unexplored Gem of Diu : Naida Caves

One of the most enchanting parts of our Diu trip was an exploration of Naida caves. Having done with walking around the fort and gates and churches, we ghoomophirosisters decided to rest for the day as there was nothing exclusive and quiet for the traveler. That is when we saw the board to Naida caves and decided to hop in to check. Believe it or not, it is indeed a pleasant surprise.

About Naida Caves History

Naida caves is a photographer’s and an explorer’s paradise. It is open till 5.30pm since it starts to get dark after that. History says the Portuguese carved out the sand/rock from here to build the fort and hence the formation. However, it is also studied that the caves were formed due to geological irregularities and processes over a significant amount of time.

There wasn’t any information board around the cave so its history remains a mystery. Upon entering the cave the signboards direct you to walk around the cave. The caves are interlinked. And it is a little more than a half-hour walk around the cave. That isn’t all. There are a series of block-shaped staircases made of rock that lead to nowhere- peppered all over the caves.

 

Light dances around and beautiful rays pass through the crevices. Roots hanging on the wall were giving an eerie feeling. There was almost no one in the caves apart from security guy and it was one of the reasons to love the cave. We loved the shades of the cave wall and the texture. 

How to reach there

These caves are pretty close to the city and autos ply to the place. If you love exploring, these caves should be on your to-do list while in Diu.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Rejoice Western India

The scenic mesmerising attractions at Daman and Diu

Two small enclaves in the westernmost part of the country, Daman and Diu are bounded on all sides by the Indian state of Gujarat. The places fall on the mouth of the Daman Ganga River and combined together, they form two of the most exquisite tourist spots in the country.

How to reach

The Daman airport is well connected with the Mumbai and the Vadodara airport. The nearest domestic and international airport to Daman and Diu is Mumbai, located at a distance of 193 Kms. From Mumbai, there are six weekly flights that would take you to Diu.

The nearest located railway station to Daman is Vapi, which is only 12 km away from the city. The Delwada railway station is closely located to Diu.

Places to visit

Devka Beach (Daman)- Devka beach is a pure beauty. The view of the sunset while sitting on the beach is a sight to savor. The untouched beauty of the beach is mesmerizing as it has been kept unspoiled, pure and charming. The well-maintained cleanliness and the crystal blue water makes want to not ever leave the place. The beach also has a special Amusement Park where you can indulge in a variety of recreational activities.

Cathedral of Bom Jesus (Daman) – Due to the strong Portuguese connection since the earlier times, the churches display a remarkable and brilliant roman styled architecture. One such beautiful monument is Cathedral of Bom Jesus, which is amongst the most significant religious monument for them.  The church was built long back in 1603 and the structure still stands beautifully.

The Lighthouse (Daman) – Located at Daman Ganga Bridge, the Lighthouse is one of the major landmarks of the district of Daman. Situated in the premises of a Fort, the Lighthouse is a serene place to visit, especially during the evening. The sunset view from the top of the lighthouse could be one massive reason for its popularity.

Mirasol Lake Garden (Daman) – The calm and serene man-made place makes the tourists spend a few hours in the silence amidst the trees and flowers. The boat rides and fountains add to the overall charm of the garden in a great way. The computer game parlors are also there inside the park to lure in the younger tourists.

St. Jerome Fort (Daman) – Also known as Nani Daman fort, the magnificent monument holds a massive statue of Saint Jerome, one of the earliest fathers of the Catholic Church. The main attractions of this fort are the Church of Our Lady of the sea which is a notable example of Portuguese style architecture and the Portuguese war cemetery which is almost as old as the fort.

Golden beach (Diu) – The golden sand beach is one of the highlights of Diu providing a mesmerizing view of the deep oasis of the Arabian sea. The astonishing view of the sunrise and sunset from the beach is breathtaking.

St. Paul Church (Diu)- One of the best pieces of architecture in the entire region, St. Paul church is a great reminder of the Portuguese influence in Diu. One of the highly visited religious monuments in the area is dedicated to ‘Our lady of immaculate conception).

Nagoa Beach (Diu)- One of the centers for the thrilling water sports in the crystal blue waters of the Arabian sea, Nagoa beach quite popular among the tourists. When the beach is not in chaos due to the water sports, its quite calm and peaceful.

Naida caves (Diu)- The Naida caves are located on the periphery of the great Diu fort. The biggest attraction about this place is a long channel of tunnels which are a cause for amazement for an average tourist.

Activities to do in Daman and Diu

Diu- Water sports are quite popular in the region and the adventurous waters of the Arabian Sea, at the Nagoa beach offers some of the best water sporting events the tourists could hope for. The parasailing, surfing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, water zorbing and the hot air balloon rides over the ocean could take the adrenaline junkies to a marvelous ride.

For the kids, there are little boat rides and beach biking where they could have something of themselves to enjoy. The early minutes of evenings are considered to be the best for having a go at these water sports. Apart from the water sports, the tourists can enjoy the bird spotting and dolphin spotting in Diu and along with that, the liberation day festivities shouldn’t be missed as well.

Daman- Talking about the outdoor activities, Daman has no dearth of options to offer the tourists. The adventure junkies can head to the Bordi beach, the Mandva beach and Tarkali beach where snorkeling, para-sailing, water skiing and wind surfing are rather common. The exquisite wildlife is also one other highlight of Daman which offers wildlife photographers and enthusiasts a great opportunity to feel the wild animals in their entire wilderness. Tadoba national park, Sanjay Gandhi national park, and Navegaon national park are the perfect spots for that.

What to eat

There are two basic cultural influences on Daman and Diu, Gujarati and Portuguese and the cuisines also reflects the same. The people here mostly have the access to the sea food for obvious reasons and it is delicious, to say the least. Tawakkal, Pind Punjab da, Hotel Miramar and Daman delight are some of the places you can consider where you could have north Indian cuisines as well.

Best season to visit

The place boasts of a moderate climate throughout the year and can be visited any time. The months of October to February which mark the winter season of Daman are considered the peak time to visit Daman as sightseeing is more comfortable during the day time. You can also take pleasure in water sports and other tourist activities during this time.

Stay

There are many beautiful hotels facing the sea. The rooms are clean and nicely air conditioned. Hotel Emerald, Hotel Sai Kripa and Hotel Blue Lagoon would be our best bets.

The place is perfect for a brief holiday and you must not be hesitant to come here due to the low popularity of the place compared to other holiday destinations in the country.

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