26th October, 2021
Diu is a coastal town at the eastern end of Diu Island, India. A bridge connects the island to the state of Gujarat. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Diu Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese citadel, features a lighthouse and cannons. Inland, centuries-old St. Paul’s Church was built in elaborate baroque style. Nearby, whitewashed St. Thomas Church is now home to the Diu Museum, with wooden carvings and religious artifacts.
Diu remained a possession of the Portuguese from 1535 until 1961, when it fell to troops of the Indian Union, who invaded all of former Portuguese India under Operation Vijay. The island was occupied by the Indian military on 19 December 1961. The Battle of Diu involved overwhelming land, sea and air strikes on the enclave for 48 hours until the Portuguese garrison there surrendered. It was declared a union territory of India, Goa, Daman, and Diu. Goa separated as a state in 1987; the remainder became union territory of Daman and Diu. On 26 January 2020, the union territories of Daman and Diu were merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli to form the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Diu is mainly known for its white sand beaches.
Naida Caves are near Jalandhar Beach, at 1 km distance from the city centre via Hadmitya Road. Entry to Naida Caves is free. The origin of the caves remains a mystery but it is believed that they were formed either by geological forces or by quarrying done by the Portuguese. Naida Caves create a natural sunlight show which sparkles big orange rocks. A labyrinth-like structure gives it a mesmerising beauty which is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The caves are open 24 hours a day, though security personnel may sometimes deny entry at night after 5:30 pm as the insides of the caves become much darker.
INS Khukri or Khukri memorial is near Chakratirth Beach. It is known for its open amphitheater and sunset shots.
Indian Naval Ship Khukri was a frigate of the Indian Navy. During the Indo Pak War in 1971, she fell prey to three torpedoes fired by a Pakistan submarine on 9/12/1971 and sank 40 nautical miles off the coast of Diu taking down with her a crew of 18 Officers and 176 Sailors. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) of the Indian Navy, the then Commanding Officer of the ship, chose to go down with the warship. The heroic act of Cap. Mulla and his valiant crew is shining example of unyielding spirit and indomitable courage glorifying the heist traditions of the Indian Navy. The INS Khukri Memorial was inaugurated on 15th December, 1999 and is found erected on the hillock at Chakratirth beach. It is a replica of the INS Khukri Naval Ship.
