
DAMAN AND DIU
'Small is big'
( THE UNION TERRITORY )
Daman and Diu is a union territory in Western India. With an area of 112 km2, it is the smallest federal division of India on the mainland. The territory comprises two distinct regions—Daman and Diu—that are geographically separated by the Gulf of Khambhat. The state of Gujarat and the Arabian Sea border the territory.

TOP 6 PLACES TO VISIT

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 beacha 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.

SOMNATH 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.

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.

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.

GANESHWAR 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.

NADIA 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.