Places to Visit Nearby
`
Diu Museum -
The Diu Museum, formerly the first parish church of Diu, is situated approximately 1.5 kilometres from the Diu bus station. Housed within the historic St. Thomas Church, it is therefore also referred to as the St. Thomas Church Museum. Erected in the year 1598, the church stands as a splendid testament to Gothic architecture. It was later repurposed as a museum and formally inaugurated in 1992. Today, the museum showcases an impressive collection of stone inscriptions from ancient rulers, rare antique sculptures, vibrant fountains, intricately carved wooden artefacts and idols, shadow clocks, and a host of other significant historical relics. These items collectively offer a compelling glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Diu, particularly during the period of Portuguese colonisation. Among its most distinguished exhibits are 400-year-old wooden and marble statues of St. Thomas and St. Benedict, which further enhance the museum's historical and artistic value.
INS Khukri Memorial -
The INS Khukri Memorial in Diu, solemnly inaugurated on the 15th of December, 1999, stands atop a serene hillock near Chakratirtha Beach, offering picturesque vistas of the Arabian Sea and a tranquil space for contemplation and remembrance. This poignant monument is dedicated to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy who perished during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, particularly in the tragic sinking of the frigate INS Khukri. The memorial pays tribute to the gallant vessel, which succumbed to torpedoes launched by a Pakistani submarine. It honours the ultimate sacrifice of its entire crew—176 sailors, 18 officers, and their commanding officer, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla—who nobly chose to remain with their stricken ship and embrace a seafarer's end. On display is a meticulously crafted scale model of the original frigate, accompanied by an Honorific Plaque bearing the names of the brave souls lost at sea. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Indian Navy.
INS Khukri Memorial -
The INS Khukri Memorial in Diu, solemnly inaugurated on the 15th of December, 1999, stands atop a serene hillock near Chakratirtha Beach, offering picturesque vistas of the Arabian Sea and a tranquil space for contemplation and remembrance. This poignant monument is dedicated to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy who perished during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, particularly in the tragic sinking of the frigate INS Khukri. The memorial pays tribute to the gallant vessel, which succumbed to torpedoes launched by a Pakistani submarine. It honours the ultimate sacrifice of its entire crew—176 sailors, 18 officers, and their commanding officer, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla—who nobly chose to remain with their stricken ship and embrace a seafarer's end. On display is a meticulously crafted scale model of the original frigate, accompanied by an Honorific Plaque bearing the names of the brave souls lost at sea. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Indian Navy.
Pani Khota Jail
The Fortress of Panikotha, an imposing stone structure situated at the mouth of the creek, was originally constructed during the Muslim reign by Malik Aiyaz. Strategically positioned, it functioned as a maritime checkpoint to regulate merchant ships trading in valuable Asian goods, particularly Indian spices. A defensive chain system, linking the sea fortress to a shore-based bastion, was used to obstruct enemy vessels by raising and lowering a massive metal chain across the creek. Following the Portuguese establishment of Diu Fort in 1535, Panikotha was brought under their control. Recognising its strategic significance, they fortified it further in 1588 under the command of Captain Aires Falcão, as recorded in a stone inscription still visible today. In 1638, they added a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, commemorating their triumph over the Dutch—again, noted by an inscription within the chapel. At the heart of the fortress stands a bastion named Menagem, crowned with a lighthouse that emits a green beacon. The complex also includes barracks, a cistern, a warehouse, and the commander's quarters. It is believed to be linked to the main Diu Fort via an underwater tunnel. Located approximately one nautical mile from the Diu Jetty and accessible solely by motorboat, the fortress offers a striking silhouette against the sea—best admired from various vantage points across Diu. By night, it is beautifully illuminated with dramatic lighting, enhancing its captivating allure.
Loading...