Discover the charm and beauty of the area surrounding Diu with our detailed guide to nearby destinations along with the places to visit in daman and Diu. While Diu itself is a serene coastal town known for its fortress and sandy beaches, the regions around it offer a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.
Top 12 Places to Visit Near Diu
From the architectural marvels of Junagadh to the beautiful beaches of Somnath, this guide of best places to visit near Diu will help you explore the hidden gems and most popular tourists places in Gujarat just a short drive from Diu, ensuring a memorable extension to your trip. It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of local history, the areas near Diu have something to offer every traveller.
Like the top things to do in Daman and Diu, there are several beautiful places to visit in Diu. But as a curious traveller, you would not want to explore further. So here are all the activities, attractions, and travel inspirations offered put together in a list of sightseeing places near Diu.
- Little Rann Of Kutch– A White Desert
- Junagadh– A Fort City
- Gir National Park– Lions And More
- Dwarka– An Ancient City
- Kalyan– For Forts And Temples
- Delwara– Architectural Wonders
- Bhavnagar– For Temples And Lakes
- Vadodara– On The Banks Of Vishwamitri
- Rajkot– A Large City
- Gomtimata Beach-A Scenic Beach
- Porbandar –The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi
Suggested Read : Adventure activities in diu.
Somnath – A Temple Hub
Among the various temples in Somnath, a very significant one is the Somnath temple. It was looted many times in history, the first time dating back to 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. It is amongst the best places to visit near Diu. The last loot was done under the rule of Aurangzeb who also built a mosque there. Somnath has a wonderful beach.
Best time to visit: September to MarchBest for: Adventure, beach vacation, pilgrimage, friends, families, and solo travellers.Must-visit places in Somnath: Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath Beach, Surya Mandir, Panch Pandav Gufa, Triveni Sangam, Buddhist Caves, Prabhas Patan Museum and Bhalka Tirth.
Little Rann Of Kutch – A White Desert
It is amongst the best places to visit near Diu. The place is a salt wetland which is being considered for a biosphere reserve. The region has many wildlife reserves and rare animal species that attract thousands of tourists every year. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India and is a must-visit place.
Banjana Creek is yet another famous place to spot birds. There are some good places to visit like Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Banjana Creek, Chakkdo tours, visiting the salt pans, and Rabadi Tribal Area.
Best time to visit: November to FebruaryBest for: Road trips, wildlife photographers, families, and solo travellers
Junagadh
There are some other must to visit places like Holy Hill of Girnar, Amba Ji Mandir, Adi-Kadi Vav, Jama Masjid, Navghan Kuvo, Jain temples, Dattatray Mandir, Tomb of Nuri Shah, Junagadh Museum and Uparkot Fort.
Best time to visit: October to MarchBest for: Families, history fanatics, adventure seekers, solo travellers, friends, day trips, road trips
Gir National Park
Gir is one of the places to explore. Apart from being home to lions, Gir is also home to more than 250 species of birds, leopards, nilgai, hyenas, chinkaras, antelopes and crocodiles. You can also visit other amazing places like Mahabat Maqbara, Nalsarovar Lake, and Uperkot Fort.
Timings to visit: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PMBest time to visit: December to MarchBest for: Safari, camping, families, friends, solo travellers, and photography lovers.
Dwarka
There is a lighthouse from where you can enjoy an amazing view of the region. There are plenty of places to visit in Dwarka. The place is undoubtedly one of the best sightseeing places near Diu. There are other places as well which you can explore like Gopi Talav, Hanuman Mandir, Dwarka Beach, Nageshwar Mandir, Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Tulamandir.
Best time to visit: October to MarchBest for: Families with kids, religious groups, sightseeing, and historical places.
Kalyan – For Forts And Temples
It is also one of the best places to visit near Diu for the youth that offers adventurous activities such as hiking and water activities. Some of the must visit places are Durgadi Fort, Kala Talao, Birla Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Chikhloli Dam, Shiv Mandir, Ganesh Ghat, Durgadi Killa and Ambernath Shiv Mandir.
Best time to visit: October to December and February to MayBest for: Family getaways, adventure, groups, solo travellers, road trips
Delwara – Architectural Wonders
There was a time when Delwara used to house 1000 religious buildings or temples of which 400 were Jain temples. It is a fantastic destination if you want to take road trips to tourist places around Diu. There are some amazing places like Art Haveli, Jain Sanctuaries and temples where you can visit.
Best time to visit: November to MarchBest for: Road trips, families, groups, solo travellers, and temple visits.
Bhavnagar – For Temples And Lakes
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Diu that is just less than 250 KM from Diu. It offers attractions for the adventurous travellers, history fanatics, nature lovers, families, solo travellers and all other kinds of travellers.
Best time to visit: October to JanuaryBest for: Families, friends, history geeks, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers
Vadodara
Other best places to visit near Diu in Vadodara are Sayaji Baug, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Fateh Singh Museum, EME Temple, Kirti Mandir, Tambekar Wada, Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.
Best time to visit: October to MarchBest for: Families, art enthusiasts, history lovers, families, groups, and solo travellers.
Rajkot
There are other places to explore like Watson Museum, Gandhi Museum, Jubilee garden, Rotary Dolls Museum, Lang Library, and Aaji Dam.
Best time to visit: October to MarchBest for: Families with kids, sightseeing, gastronomic tours, history fanatics, group, and solo travellers.
Gomtimata Beach
Best time to visit: October – February
Best for: Families with kids, sightseeing, gastronomic tours, history fanatics, group, and solo travellers.
Porbandar
Best time to visit: July to February
Best for: Families with kids, sightseeing, gastronomic tours, history fanatics, group, and solo travellers.
Religious places to visit in Diu
Gangeshwar Temple
Five well-defined lingas, believed to have been installed by the five Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata during their exile, are the central attractions of this temple.
These Shiva Lingas are nestled in a cave-like formation and are constantly washed by the sea waves, creating a tranquil yet powerful spiritual ambiance.
Take time to visit – 1 to 2 hours and opens all year
Jallandhar Shrine
The temple holds a prominent place among the local population and tourists for its mythological importance and the panoramic view it offers of the surrounding landscape and the Arabian Sea.
The small structure with its simple yet meaningful architecture stands in the middle of a well-maintained garden area, making it an amazing location for photography and nature lovers. The site is easily accessible from the main town by local transport.
Take time to visit – 1 to 2 hours and open all year.
Samudra Narayan Temple
Located near the Arabian Sea in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territory of India, Samudra Narayan Temple is a popular Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings that offer visitors a peaceful and spiritual experience.
The temple was built around 300 years ago by the Portuguese rulers who once occupied the region. It is believed the temple was made to appease the local people, who were predominantly Hindus. Since then it has been renovated and expanded over the years and now stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The temple has a large statue of Lord Shiva and several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. Most of the travellers can participate in the daily prayer rituals to get the blessings from lord Shiva.
Samudra Narayan Temple is a beautiful and peaceful place of worship and a must-visit destination for those interested in culture, history, and spirituality. Visitors can also explore the nearby attractions and immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.
What is the best time to visit Diu?
How to reach Diu?
What are the must try foods in Diu?
- Prawn Curry – Rich in flavours, this Goan-inspired dish is made using prawns cooked in a tangy coconut milk-based gravy.
- Parotha – Though typical to the region, this creates a blend with the spices of Diu. The fried bread is a favourite accompaniment to curries.
- Crab Masala – Fresh crabs cooked in a spicy masala which is a signature delicacy of Diu.
- Bangda Fish Fry – Mackerel marinated in spices and fried. It reflects the strong fishing culture of the island.
- Gujarati Kadhi – A sweet and tangy yoghurt-based soup flavoured with spices and often enjoyed with rice.
- Daal Dhokli – A traditional Gujarati dish made with pieces of seasoned dough cooked in lentil curry.
- Sukha Bhaji – Dry potato curry with local spices, sometimes enjoyed with puri.
- Vegetable Pulao – Aromatic rice dish cooked with a variety of vegetables and Gujarati spices.
- Butter Garlic Squid – Tender squid pieces tossed in butter and garlic, a delightful treat for seafood lovers.
- Gulab Jamun – Deep-fried khoya balls soaked in sweet syrup, this dessert is a sweet end to any Diu meal.
Famous places to eat in Diu
- O’Coqueiro Restaurant
Address: Main Bazaar, Diu
Famous Food: Prawn Curry (Non-Veg)
- Apana Foodland
Address: Fort Road, Near Vegetable Market, Diu
Famous Food: Gujarati Thali (Veg)
- The Cats Eye Restaurant
Address: Ghoghla Beach, Diu
Famous Food: Bangda Fish Fry (Non-Veg)
- Khareks Restaurant
Address: Near Diu Fort, Diu
Famous Food: Crab Masala (Non-Veg)
- Rasoi Restaurant
Address: Bunder Chowk, Diu
Famous Food: Butter Garlic Squid (Non-Veg)
- Hoka Island Villa
Address: Nagoa Beach, Diu
Famous Food: Dal Dhokli (Veg)
- Riviera Restaurant
Address: Nagoa Beach Road, Diu
Famous Food: Vegetable Pulao (Veg)
- Khajura Bar & Restaurant
Address: Fort Road, Diu
Famous Food: Sukha Bhaji (Veg)
- Hotel Palms
Address: Khodidhar Beach, Diu
Famous Food: SeaFood Platter (Non-Veg)
- Ganga Restaurant
Address: Diu Jetty, Diu
Famous Food: Parotha with Various Curries (Veg/Non-Veg)
Conclusion
Wait! Are you still waiting for something? Come On! Hurry up, pack your bags today and plan your trip now. Diu is beyond any place, travellers encounter the amazing views and will love to stay in the clean city and will be delighted to feel the warm hospitality. Must read about honeymoon places in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any water sports activities available near Diu?
The island offers a wide range of water sports such as Banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, hot air balloon rides over the Arabian Sea. There are two main beaches in Diu, Ghoghla, and Nagoa, which are completely dedicated to water sports activities.
What are some offbeat places to explore near Diu?
Top Attractions in Diu include Diu Fort, Gangeshwar Temple, Nagoa Beach, INS Khukri Memorial, St. Paul’s Church.Naida Caves, Ghogla Beach, Jallandhar Beach.
How far are Gir National Park and Somnath from Diu?
Usual distance Between Diu to Gir Is 66 Kms , Duration, Driving Directions & Route Map.
What are some must-visit attractions near Diu?
Some of the best attractions you can visit in Diu include Naida Caves, Diu Fort, Nagoa Beach, Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, Ghoghla Beach, Zampa Gateway, St. Paul Church, and Sea Shell Museum.