Things to Do in Daman and Diu

The Fortress is a landmark in Diu and is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Portuguese in the World’. The Portuguese built it in the year 1535 with an addition made in 1541 as a defensive fortification in Diu and is located on the west coast of India. It is this enormous sea-facing fort and has two moats, a lighthouse which is the highest point of the Island and a jetty that is still operational.

This lighthouse is easy to climb and provides an eye-catching view of the whole place. The fort has cannonballs littered all around and has a low wall with few cannons and some other attractions. Hence the Diu Fort makes for one of the places to visit in Diu.

Location- Fort Road, near to PWD Office, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 8am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

Revered as on one of the cleanest beaches in Daman, Jampore Beach allures the visitors with its tranquil environment and serene views. Its mud colored blackish water makes it entirely different from the other beaches in the world.

This beach is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city making it a great spot to relax and unwind. You can also enjoy thrilling water sports activities here like scuba diving and kayaking during summers. It also has some of the best eating joints and beach shacks where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and scrumptious food. 

Location- near Moti Daman Jetty, Daman

Timing- 24 hrs open

Best Time to Visit: Morning

A group of interlinked caves located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort. These caves were in a way constructed by the Portuguese since they were breaking a large rock formation for construction. Over the years, due to geological irregularities and natural processes over time, the caves got their shape. It is a network of tunnels with cleaved steps in between. Take a walk here to admire this wondrous creation.

This natural masterpiece is still the less popular tourist attraction; however, it is one of the places to see in Diu. An excellent place for a photoshoot, it also has interesting trivial information about its history which would spike the interest of all history buffs.

Location- Outside Zampa Gateway, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 6am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

St. Thomas Church is a modest white-walled building which is decaying. The church was built in 1598 and was later converted into a museum. A well-decorated path and fountains give the museum that lovely appeal, making it one of the places to visit in Diu.

The museum houses several stone inscriptions made by rulers, a collection of 16th-century wooden saints among other statues of saints and sculptures are on display. Furthermore, 400 year old wooden and marble statues of St. Thomas and St. Benedict is the vision to behold. The gothic-style architecture of the church is stunning with the walls still bearing Poutgese time frescos on them. The museum is irradiated by coloured lights at night, which makes the establishment even more attractive.

Location- Near St. Paul Church, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 9 AM - 7 PM

Best Time to Visit - October - February

This unique and zany museum is located 6 km Diu on Nagoa road. It is one of the few shell museums in the world and the only shell museum of Asia; it is also one of the tourist places in Diu. The result of the efforts of Captain Devjibhai Vira Fulbaria, a merchant navy sailor who during his expeditions collected different shells, later decided to showcase this elegant collection.

While you are visiting the museum, you will get toured by the main man himself explaining the different types of shells. During the tour, you would be provided with a magnifying glass to look closely at the seashells, which are labelled at the display for better understanding. There are several books as well that you can refer to during this fun little quest.  

Location- Near Nagoa Beach, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- 20 Rs. Per Person

Timing- 10am – 5pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

INS Khukri is the memorial site of the Indian Naval Ship that sank during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. When Pakistan fired torpedo shots on December 9, 1971, destroying the submarine and eventually resulting in the sinking of the ship with 18 officers and 176 sailors on board.

The memorial was set up in 1999 to commemorate all the martyrs including the commanding officer of INS Khukri, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla. It is a stark reminder of the sacrifice made by the crew since they had an option to surrender, but the Captain chose to sink the ship instead of succumbing to the enemy. For this courageous act, Captain Mahendra was also honoured with the Mahavir Chakra. Today, a scale model of the INS Khukri sits atop a hill, edged in a glass case facing the sea. It has become a significant tourist attraction in Diu due to its monumental account.

Location- Near Chakratirth Beach, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 6 AM - 6 PM

Best Time to Visit - October - February

Chakratirth Beach is centrally located and is adjacent to Diu town. Its picturesque landscape of hills and the Arabian Sea, amidst which the Beach makes it one of the places to visit in Diu. It is a flawless beach with clear waters that are great for a swim or a surf, or to get a tan by basking in the sun. The sheer calm that you get to experience here makes you forget about all your worries and leaves you blissful.

The appeal of this place raises a notch with the addition of an open-air auditorium with changing rooms by a hillock. There also is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, well-kept gardens and the enchanting landscape which doubles as a prominent sunset point. Chandrika beach has found significance in Hindu mythology as a site where Lord Krishna had beheaded the demon Jalandhar.

Location- Near INS Khukri Memorial, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 6am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located 3 kms from Diu in Fudam Village. Situated at the Arabian Sea, the temple is surrounded with scenic beauty and ataraxy.

It is a cave temple located amid rocks on the seashore and is an essential religious site in Diu.

The statues of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi can be found at the entrance of the temple. It is an over 5000 years old temple that has the presiding idol of Gangeshwar, who is considered to be the Lord of River Ganga and a form of Lord Shiva whose tresses descend the river on earth. The temple possesses five Shiva Lingam of different sizes that are believed to be built by the Pandavas. These lingas are submerged in the sea during high tides and only during the low tides are the tips visible.

Location- Fudam Village, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 6 AM - 9 PM

Best Time to Visit - October - February

The Beach is located north of Diu town in the Ghoghla Village. It is considered as one of the most captivating beaches, yet it is a more austere attraction perfect for people who like to spend time away from crowds. The Beach is on the outskirts of the town; hence it is still the less explored beach which makes it one of the Places to visit in Diu.

The azure water, in contrast to the golden skyline, is a treat for the eyes. While here, you can enjoy water-sport activities like parasailing, banana boat ride and surfing besides a few restaurants and shacks. It also has fantastic views of the fishing villages nearby, churches, and other structures scattered around. There are a host of complexes providing basic amenities to the visitors as well.

Location- Ghogla Village, North Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 8 AM - 6 PM

Best Time to Visit - October - February

Pani Kotha or Fortim do Mar as named by the Portuguese is a 12th-century edifice. Once a fort it was made to look like a ship to mislead invaders. Since it is located on an islet at the mouth of the creek of the Arabian sea, now it is a historical monument and one of the top tourist places in Diu.

The fort was later used as a prison and was controlled by the Portuguese along with the Diu fort. This stone fort was fortified in the year 1588 by adding a few structures. Besides this, a small chapel was erected in the year 1638 as a dedication to Our Lady of the Sea. The fort also houses barracks, a warehouse and a lighthouse from where you get a panoramic view of the Diu fort, jetty and even the Ghogla village. One sight to behold is the colourful lights projected at the fort along with the music as part of a light and sound event is magnificent.

Location- On an Islet in the Arabian Sea, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 8 AM - 6 PM

Best Time to Visit - October - February

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is one of our picks of places to visit in Diu. The beach stretches for 6kms along the oscillating Arabian sea. One of the lesser-known beaches of Gujarat, it is a spectacular coastline spot for all water babies. It is adjacent to the Diu islands and extends into Ghogla Beach. The beach is situated where Gujarat and Diu meet; it is a place providing a blend of cultures, in the lively fishing villages.

The beach is interspersed with windmills along the wet white sand. It is ideal for a lazy vacation with pleasing views, warm sand and salty water to float in. There are various water-sport activities and dolphin spotting that you can enjoy. Apart from this, some temples and palaces are also situated near the beach that would satisfy your senses.

Location- Naliya Mandvi, Gujarat 362510

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 6am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

The St. Francis of Assisi Church has an interesting history, built in the year 1593 it was later converted into a hospital. The Church is praised as an important holy shrine and has recently been restored to its glorious Portuguese period charm. With a giant wooden altar, ivory exteriors and the classic blue-white arches, this Church is an unavoidable place to visit.

Location- Near Saint Paul’s Church, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Best Time to Visit - October - February

This pristine white sand beach is some 7 kms from Nagaon Beach and 13 kms from Diu town. Located on the western end of Diu in Vanakbara Village, it is amongst the top beaches of Diu and one of the places to visit in Diu. It is a 5km long beach with massive waves of the Arabian Sea that kiss the soft wet sand.

The beach receives high tide waves, leaving only a short land area, though it is perfect for a quiet stroll, witnessing a surreal sunset and the beach also gets washed up seashells that you can collect. It is also not advised to go for a swim in the water due to the strong tides. However, you could still come to this hushed beach for all its serenity and a moment of solitude.

There is a temple dedicated to Gomati Mata, which is a graceful marble architecture. The beach was named after the temple of the Hindu goddess Gomti.

Location- Near Vanakbara Village, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing - 6am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

Nagoa Beach is amongst the most famous attractions of Diu and also one of the tourist places in Diu; for its unsullied beauty, white sand and oscillating palms. The beach is a part of the Nagoa hamlet in Bucharwada Village and is a few kilometres from the main town. It is an ideal place to rejuvenate oneself and get tourists from all over the world visiting.

Due to its popularity, the beach has plenty of resorts nearby and some even on the beach, giving you a relaxed and comfortable experience. Many water activities are being offered that further add to the holiday escapade. If you are not an adventurous person, you can still laze around the beach, sunbathing, strolling and swimming in the clear water. 

Location- Near Bucharwada Village, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee, however activities are paid, Rs. 200 for Speed Boat, Rs. 500 for Jet Ski, Rs. 300 for

Banana Boat, Rs. 1000 for Hot Air Balloon, Rs. 2500 for Dolphin Trip, & Rs. 1200 for Parasailing

Timing- 6am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

The Zampa Gateway is the main town gateway that hems in the western part of Diu. An integral part of Diu’s history, It is a landmark which is painted bright red and has noble art and architecture. The Zampa Gateway has also made its way to the list of places to see in Diu.

The wall of this gateway has angels, lions, and a priest carved out. There is also a chapel right inside, with an image of Virgin and Child and inscriptions from the year 1702. The gateway also has an artificial waterfall which is a pleasant addition.

Location- Near Naida Caves, Diu, Daman and Diu 362520

Price- No entry fee

Timing- 6am - 6pm

Best Time to Visit - October - February

This lighthouse is one of the best places to see in Daman if you wish to gain some knowledge about the lighting and navigation system of this city. It offers the visitors an enthralling view of the shores and the ships passing by from the sea.

You can have an enthralling view of the sunset from here and you can even learn the entire process in which signals are sent to the ships and vessels regarding their safety from the Lighthouse. This is also an absolute heaven for photography enthusiasts.

Location- Rua Martim Afonso, Fort Area, Moti Daman, Daman, Daman and Diu 396220

Timing- 9AM-6PM (Mon-Sun)

Best Time to Visit: Evening

This is a tranquil beach with azure blue water, long shoreline and vast stretch of sand that seems to be a slice of heaven on Earth. It is one of the most picturesque beaches in Daman where you can enjoy the sand, surf and the sun in the best way. This beach is not safe for swimming due to the presence of huge rocks underwater but you can definitely enjoy sunbathing and fishing along its coast.

It also has an amusement park along its shoreline where all fun, frolic and fiesta gets together. It also has various beach shacks where you can enjoy delicious food and refreshing beverages. You can also enjoy the musical fountain that is organized near the beach in the evening. 

Location- Devka Beach Road, Daman

Price- Free

Timing- 24 hrs open

Best Time to Visit: 04:00 pm - 07:00 pm.

Moti Daman Fort was built by the Portugeuse in the sixteen century and is hailed to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Daman. It boasts of an impressive Colonial style architecture and is also known to house an Iberian Church where you can seek blessings of God.

It features ten bastions, two gateways and huge walls. This fort has been damaged several times in the course of history due to natural calamities and seems to be worn out presently. But in spite of these aggressors of nature it still remains one of the best tourist spots in Daman. 

Location- INR 10 to INR 15 per person

Price- Free

Timing- 8-4 pm

Best Time to Visit: Morning

With the soothing sound of the chants and spectacular scenery all around, Somnath Mahadev Temple is a specimen of sacred architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers spiritual solace to the visitors. The shivling of this temple is believed to be built in around the 19th century and it is regarded as the main center of spiritual offerings in the temple.

Intricate patterns, floral designs and beautiful sculptures are fringed all over the temple which makes it one of the best places to see in Daman. A huge fair is hosted at the premises of the temple every year and thousands of people visit the temple during this time. 

Location: Somnath - Kachigam Road, Somanth, Ringanwada, amiliya, Daman and Diu 396210

Timing- 9-12 pm & 4:30-7 pm

Best Time to Visit: morning

This is one of the best places to visit in Daman renowned for its refined architecture and beautiful paintings that adorn the interiors of the church. This church is regarded as one of the most sacred spaces for worship in Daman and thousands of Christian followers visit this church to seek divine bliss.

It has been built inside the St Jerome Fort, which is a splendor on its own and together they seem to be an outwardly sight. The healing prayers are conducted in the church every morning and evening which is known to have the power to treat your greatest worries and problems. 

Location: Dhamane, Nani Daman, Daman and Diu