Daman and Diu are union territories in the west of India that are separated by the Arabian sea. Despite the divide, the two union territories share a similar characteristic that comprise sun-kissed beaches, archaic colonial forts, and renowned beautiful churches.

They also share a similar rich heritage and culture. We have compiled a list of places that you need to visit when in Daman and Diu. Let’s take a look.

Places to Visit in Daman & Diu

1. Nagoa Beach

Situated approximately 20 minutes from the town of Diu, Nagoa Beach is a highly coveted beach amongst the locals as well as tourists. The beach is also a popular picnic spot and lies by the old fishing village of Nagoa.

The most unique feature of this beach is, however, the shoe shape it bends into giving the beach a very unique aesthetic. The beach stretches out over for two kilometers. There are many activities visitors to the beach can engage in like horseback riding, water sports and swimming.

2. Jallandhar Beach

Jallandhar beach is an iconic beach known for being named after the ‘Asura’ (demon) king Jallandara. The beach pays homage to the might of the demon king and also has a stone structure based on his face at the very peak of the surrounding hills.

The beach is blessed with a clean coast and ample sunlight. There are water based activities that are conducted here and if you don’t feel like taking part them; you can also laze in most parts of the beach and catch a good siesta.

3. Diu Fort

A remnant of Portuguese rule, Diu Fort is an architectural marvel that has held strong. The fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 on the ruins of the Mughal fort that was built by an Arab governor Malekhyaaz.

The fort served as a strategic vantage point for the Portuguese since it is surrounded by the Arabian sea on all three sides and by a canal one the last, making it almost impregnable. You can see leftover canons at the fort, from a time when they were functional. The fort now houses the Diu jail and lighthouse.

4. Gangeshwar Temple

The Gangeshwar Temple is situated in the Fudam village approximately 30 minutes from the town of Diu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends have it that the five Shiva Lingas located here had been erected her by none other than the Pandavas during their exile from Hastinapur.

Due to the rich history associated with the temple, it sees a massive influx of devotees every year. The Shiva Lingas are situated by the banks of a sea that are continuously washed by the incoming waves.

5. Somnath Mahadev Temple

The Somnath Temple is a famous shrine amongst various Hindu pilgrims. The shrine is located in the Dabhel village which is an hour’s drive away from Diu. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The shrine is said to have come into existence when a monk in the 19th century requested a shivling to be formed in Dabhel. The shrine commemorates the erection of the Shivling every year by hosting the ‘Gangaji Fair’ that attracts pilgrims from all over.

6. INS Khukri Memorial

The INS Khukri Memorial pays homage to the Indian Naval ship that sank during the Indo-Pak conflict of 1971. The warship was sunk when three torpedoes were fired at it by a Pakistani submarine.

The ship sank approximately 40 nautical miles from the coast of Diu. At the time, 18 officers and 176 lost their lives trying to defend the country. The memorial was inaugurated on 15th December 1999 and also houses an amphitheatre in its vicinity.

7. Jampore Beach

A hidden gem by the town of Daman, Jampore beach is an isolated beach by the Gujarat border. The beach lies to the south of Daman and has not seen much commercialization like other beaches.

This is what makes the beach an ideal spot to experience the serenity of nature. The beach is also safe to take a dip into. The beach is well connected by road and rail, with the road being the most ideal means of transport.

8. Jetty Garden

The Jetty Garden in Moti Daman is a popular tourist spot. The garden lies on the banks of the Daman Ganga river. What makes this garden unique is the plethora of amenities provided in the garden like rides, lawns large picnic space and seating arrangements that directly overlook the adjacent river.

The garden also has an attractive spot that catches the eye of every tourist. The garden is very close to the taxi stand in Nani Daman and is also accessible by the nearby boat jetty with boats leaving every 30 minutes.

9. St. Paul Church

The St. Paul’s Church is a renowned church in Diu and is visited by hordes of people irrespective of their religious background. The church is dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Immaculate Conception’. The church took over a decade to construct and was completed in the 17th century.

The architecture of the church shows clear signs of influence from the Gothic style and is quite similar to the Bom Jesus Church in Goa. The wood paneling in the church is widely regarded as the best amongst other churches in Diu.

10. Naida Caves

The Naida Caves are situated just by the main Wall of the Diu Fort. It is believed that the Portuguese, during their construction of the Diu Fort would source material from these caves. The caves themselves are a marvel of nature.

They consist of a massive network of tunnels that interconnect with each other and set up a sort of maze. The beauty of the caves and the sunshine that seems through the roof of the tunnels will leave every onlooker mesmerized with its beauty.

11. Sunset Point

Sunset Point is small beach located very close to the heart of the town of Diu. The beach is widely considered the best spot to enjoy watching the sunset. You can also go swimming in the shallow waters.

There is an enclosure that is built by the beach where people can safely sit without getting into the actual beach. Besides the point, there is also a promenade where people come for a stroll during the evenings.

12. Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the oldest churches in Diu. The church lies in close proximity to the nearby Arabian Sea and offers a panoramic view of the sea. The church was constructed in 1593 by the Friary of the Franciscans.

The church now has been converted into a hospital but it still holds true to most of its architectural integrity. The Delwada railway station is the nearest railway station to the church.

13. Church Of Bom Jesus

The Church of Bom Jesus was constructed in 1603 in Daman and is considered to be one of the holiest places in Daman. The architectural style of the church is influenced by the Portuguese style. The church has a carved doorway song with heavily ornate interiors and ceiling.

In the church, you will find six statues that depict roman art and architecture. While under the Portuguese dynasty, the church was mostly a parish.

14. Ghoghla Beach

Ghogla Beach is located in the village of Ghogla that is around two hours away from the town of Diu. The beach is a popular vacation spot for many tourists. The beach boasts various amenities including food and accommodation.

The beaches are considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Diu and also houses a tourist complex. Activities like parasailing and jet skiing are conducted at the beach for a nominal fee.

15. Devka Beach

Devka beach is a highly sought after beach very close to Daman. The beach is lined with an amusement park and musical fountains.

The amusement park is kept illuminated on festive days, especially during nariyal Poornima that attracts massive amounts of tourists to this place, making a spectacle to watch.

16. Diu Museum

Diu Museum is the most visited landmark in Diu. The museum now is housed in the St. Thomas Church. Owing to the space constraint in Diu the museum had to be built in the church.

The museum comprises numerous stone inscriptions of the many ancient rulers that once ruled Diu. Besides stone inscriptions, the museum also has a collection of antique statues, multi-coloured fountains, wood carvings and idols.

So there you have it, folks, we have given you the list of places that you need to absolutely visit when in Daman and Diu.

The union territory is blessed with some of the most aesthetically pleasing landscapes and with a rich cultural background. So what are you waiting for, pack your bags and get going to these beautiful places.